{"id":68469,"date":"2021-05-07T11:07:57","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T15:07:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mdaturbines.com\/?p=68469"},"modified":"2022-05-12T12:25:38","modified_gmt":"2022-05-12T16:25:38","slug":"rapid-steam-turbine-replacement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mdaturbines.com\/resources\/rapid-steam-turbine-replacement\/","title":{"rendered":"Rapid Steam Turbine Replacement"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis (MD&A) completed a comprehensive and rapid steam turbine replacement\u00a0project in record time after the unit experienced a catastrophic failure event, requiring the replacement of the entire steam turbine and auxiliaries.<\/p>\n

THE CHALLENGE:<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0The subject power plant is an important electrical generating facility in the country it is located within. \u00a0Returning the unit to service in the shortest possible time was critical for the turbine owner to provide its customers with a reliable supply of electricity. \u00a0A typical replacement period for a steam turbine of this design is approximately two (2) years. \u00a0Having the steam turbine offline for that long would have a severe impact and as such, MD&A was called upon to develop an alternative plan to bring the replacement steam turbine online sooner.\u00a0 In addition to the time challenge, there were additional logistical constraints associated with transporting, installing, and repairing large power generation equipment within the subject country.<\/p>\n

MD&A\u2019s SCOPE:<\/strong>\u00a0 MD&A was awarded turnkey scope of supply and installation of the steam turbine and auxiliaries. MD&A\u2019s scope included replacing the steam turbine and installing a new control system, as well as a comprehensive rebuild of all steam turbine valves and actuators and installing a new hydraulic power unit.\u00a0 MD&A also provided turnkey installation<\/a>, start-up support, and all project management<\/a>.<\/p>\n

THE SOLUTION:<\/strong> \u00a0MD&A in conjunction with its parent company, Mitsubishi Power, developed a customized plan to complete manufacturing and installation within one (1) year of the project start date.\u00a0 The key elements of this successful plan included reducing manufacturing lead time, coordinating equipment shipping, utilizing MD&A\u2019s extensive in-house capabilities, and overall extensive project management and planning.<\/p>\n

Manufacturing lead time was significantly reduced through Mitsubishi Power working closely with their suppliers for rotor forgings and shell castings. \u00a0Mitsubishi Power also expedited manufacturing activities within their factory as well.<\/p>\n

Shipping logistics were streamlined with over 300 tons of equipment flown from the factory via charter aircraft in five (5) carefully coordinated flights.<\/p>\n

By utilizing MD&A\u2019s extensive in-house capabilities, the MD&A Project Team was able to maintain control of the schedule more effectively and shorten the timeline. MD&A\u2019s three (3) major divisions; MD&A Services<\/a>, MD&A Repairs<\/a>, and MD&A Parts<\/a> supported this project.<\/p>\n

For example, critical internal parts for the four (4) steam turbine main and reheat valves were machined at MD&A\u2019s Valve Machining Shop<\/a>.\u00a0 These parts were then fitted and assembled in MD&A\u2019s Valve Repair Shop<\/a> (Figure 1). The actuators for these valves were repaired, rebuilt, and tested at MD&A Bearings, Seals & Hydraulics Repair facility <\/a>(Figure 2). The new control system was developed and installed by MD&A\u2019s Control Systems<\/a>. MD&A also drew upon their internal expertise and deployed MD&A turbine specialty engineers<\/a> and technicians to the site in support of such activities as technical direction, supervision, turbine alignment<\/a>, valve casing repair, valve re-assembly, turbine seal fitment, controls, turbine commissioning, and startup (Figures 3 and 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

\"Figure
Figure 1. Replacement Reheat Stop Valve Shown Alongside Existing Stop Valves<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n
\n

\"Figure
Figure 2. Refurbished Actuator<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\n

\"Figure
Figure 3. MD&A Performing Steam Turbine Installation at Site<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n
\n

\"Figure
Figure 4. MD&A Performing Steam Turbine Installation at Site<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Lastly, MD&A\u2019s developed a staggered \u201cJust-In-Time\u201d plan that integrated delivery of the components with the sequence of the replacement turbine buildout. This approach coordinated and optimized the manufacturing, delivery, and site installation activities to further shorten the critical path schedule. \u00a0For example, the Intermediate\/Low-Pressure Rotor Assembly arrived at the airport in the early morning (Figure 5) and later that same day, it was installed in the lower half of the turbine shell at the plant (Figure 6).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

\"Figure
Figure 5. IP\/LP Rotor Assembly Package Unloaded at Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n
\n

\"Figure
Figure 6. IP\/LP Rotor Assembly Installed at the Power Plant<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The RESULT:<\/strong> \u00a0MD&A completed installation 3 weeks earlier than the committed date. The total time from project start to turbine operation was less than 12 months<\/strong>. In addition to the key elements discussed above, critical to this success was MD&A\u2019s responsive approach combined with extraordinary teamwork. \u00a0The Owner and MD&A approached this project as a team.\u00a0 The Owner\u2019s Plant personnel provided support in a variety of ways from the start of the project through turbine commissioning and startup.<\/p>\n

A truly extraordinary accomplishment was achieved in the power industry with this Rapid Steam Turbine Replacement Project, resulting in a critical electrical generating unit returned to service for the Owner and their customers in less than half of the normal time.<\/p>\n

In our 35 years, MD&A\u2019s commitment to excellence has earned customer trust for all turbine-generator needs. We focus on delivering consistent quality and value with fast response, superior communications, and innovative solutions.<\/p>\n

MD&A is easy to work with. We provide immediate access to expert help when you need it, where you need it. Around the corner or the globe, we ensure prompt, thorough communication and follow-through. For every repair job, large or small, the speed and effectiveness of our response team are matched only by the depth and breadth of our engineering expertise.<\/p>\n

Find out today why so many power generators use MD&A to maximize operational effectiveness. Call us today +1 (518) 399-3616 or Contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n