By: Allan McNally
Machinery Reliability Solutions
www.mcnally-llc.com
Abstract: Steam turbines, when designed, installed, operated, and maintained correctly, can operate long periods of time free of trouble. However, failure to identify and understand the different failure modes associated with turbines often leaves room for errors causing millions of dollars in production losses as a result of chronic and catastrophic failures. This paper will discuss a particular case study in which the most frequent failure modes, with an emphasis in corrosion, associated with steam turbines will be presented as well as the key factors needed in a steam turbine reliability program to ensure the safe and reliable operation of any unit.
