High speed vs low speed balancing
Balancing is essential to the proper functioning of your rotating equipment, but not all balancing services are equal. Low-speed balancing can cause engineers to miss balance issues arising from repairs or replacement parts that surface only when the machine is run under full-speed conditions. Undetected faults could cause vibrations leading to a damaging production shutdown. High speed balancing of turbine and generator rotors ensures effective testing to ensure minimal vibrations that allows power generators to avoid millions of dollars in losses, due to lost generation.
By eliminating vibration, high speed balancing will reduce wear-and-tear on your equipment and produce savings in overall reliability while reducing maintenance costs.
MD&A’s high speed balance facility in St. Louis, MO, is one of the most modern balance facilities for power turbines in the world. The facility was designed with both vacuum capability and the ability to excite generator rotors at high-speed, allowing the testing and balancing of both gas & steam turbine and generator rotors.
MD&A’s facility can balance rotors up to 49 feet in length and up to 180,000 lbs. in weight at speeds up to 4,320 rpm, as well as, speeds up to 12,000 rpm for smaller rotors.
- 11,000 HP Drive System
- Schenck DH90 and DH-7 Pedestals
- Maximum Rotor Speed of 12,000 RPM
- Maximum Weight 180,000 lbs.
- Minimum Weight 1,300 lbs.
- Maximum Diameter 13’
- Maximum Length 49’
Full High-Speed Thermal Test (HSTT) capability for electrically testing generator rotors at speed.
• Flux Probe • Heat Run, HSTT • Running Megger • AC Impedance
About MD&A
For over 35 years, MD&A has provided power generators around the globe with a full-service, OEM-alternative for services, parts, and repairs for gas turbines, steam turbines, and generators. Our 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.
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 is matched only by the depth and breadth of our engineering expertise.
Find out today why so many power generators use MD&A to maximize operational effectiveness. To see the full list of repair, inspection, testing, and analysis services, go to www.mdaturbines.com
To see a video tour of MD&A’s high speed balancing facility and learn more about this service, see the following link.