Steam Turbine Over speed Trip Systems

by Boyd Davis

ABSTRACT:

Numerous failures and near failures of rotating equipment throughout history can be attributed to the
malfunctions of overspeed protective devices. This can be due to lack of preventative maintenance
or operators not having a clear understanding of the devices.

There is a need for everyone associated with rotating equipment to have a working knowledge of the
overspeed protective device we know and have today.

In this presentation, the various overspeed trip devices and their operation will be discussed so that
we all may have a better understanding of their purpose.

INTRODUCTION:

In addition to operating speed governors, steam turbines are fitted with a shutdown system. Without
proper control and adequate overspeed protection, catastrophic machinery failures can and do occur.
The principal problems lie in the trip throttle valves; however, the entire system must be considered
before any great improvement can be achieved.

HOW THE SYSTEMS WORK:

The governor and overspeed systems vary from machine to machine and may be mechanical,
hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic or combinations. Governor control systems consist of three basic
elements. These elements are sensing, transmitting and correcting. Sensing elements may include
fly ball weights, electric generator, and positive displacement pumps. Transmitting elements may be
mechanical linkage, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, electrical signals or, as is most common, a
combination. Sometimes an amplifying device such as a pilot, converter, or servomotor is necessary
to boost the signal to a point where it can do useful work. The correcting element of the governor
system is the valve or valves that control the flow of steam to the turbine. The valve for general
purpose turbines is usually a single, double seated design, characterized by relatively high flows with
low lift and low unbalance forces.

The desirable characteristics of a governor system are:

1. Respond promptly to a small change in speed.

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 2. Adjust the throttle valve with a minimum of overshoot.
3. Have sufficient power to overcome friction losses and unbalance forces in the
throttle valve.
4. Permit very little speed fluctuation under constant load and steam conditions.

There are several basic types of governors utilizing the above principles:

1. Mechanical shaft - The familiar fly weight type. A hand adjustment permits speed
regulation at the machine.
2.
Direct acting orifice - This consists of a shaft driven positive displacement type oil
pump which delivers pressure to a spring diaphragm connected to the governor
valve stem. Since the delivered oil pressure is directly proportional to shaft
speed, control is accomplished. Hand or automatic speed regulation is possible.

3. Oil relay - Built to utilize lube oil pressure or a separate governor oil pressure, a
double acting oil relay piston permits more precise control of the governor valve.
It is integral to the turbine and usually designed by the turbine manufacturer.
4. Precision oil relay - A separate shaft-driven oil relay offers more precise control.
Utilizing its own oil system, this type governor is not made by the turbine
manufacturer. If more governor valve operating force is needed, a second double
acting servo-motor may be utilized.
5. The electronic governor usually provides more precise and reliable speed
control. The speed measurement signal can be generated in two ways. One
method is by utilizing a magnetic pickup in proximity to a toothed wheel/gear
mounted on the turbine shaft. Another method is to utilize a shaft-mounted
permanent magnet generator where the poles rotate and produce an electronic
pulse measured by a microprocessor. In the first case, only two pairs of wires
connect to the unit. One supplies 48 VDC that is the required operating voltage;
the other connects to a magnetic pickup on the turbine shaft. In the second case, no
external power is required, as the unit is powered from the turbine shaft rotation. In the
first case, output air (normally 3-15 lbs.) goes to the diaphragm of a standard control
valve in the inlet steam line to the turbine. In the second case, hydraulic pressure drives a
pre-piloted servo-motor that operates the governor valve.

Three internal adjustments are provided to set the operating speed and the gain and reset response
of the unit. Electronically, the device is straightforward, consisting of a frequency to voltage converter
providing the speed measurement that is compared to the internal speed set control. The difference is
applied to the controller section where it will move the steam valve to hold the speed as desired.

OVERSPEED TRIP SYSTEMS:

In addition to a speed control system, steam and gas turbines are fitted with a shutdown system to
prevent damage to the machine. In the event the speed governor fails to control the speed, the
overspeed trip actuates to shut down the machine. When shaft speed exceeds a desired safe level,

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generally 10% overspeed, a latching device or oil dump mechanism is actuated to close a special
emergency stop valve. This system is totally independent of the governor

There are two primary types of trip actuation systems, the mechanical type and electronic type.
Figure No.1 shows a mechanical system that is completely separate from the speed governing
systems. A trip pin or plunger is mounted in the turbine shaft with its center of gravity slightly off
center. In the event the speed regulating governor fails to control the speed, the unbalanced plunger
overcomes a spring force at a preset trip speed. As it moves outward, it strikes the trip-lever, causing
release of a spring dump valve that releases the trip circuit oil pressure. This unbalances a piston-
spring combination and causes the trip and throttle valve to slam shut by the force of a spring and the
steam pressure above the valve disk. A few high-speed machines use a weighted disk and a dished
washer to accomplish the tripping action. The remainder of the action is identical.

In the electronic trip, speed is sensed similar to the system described in the governor section. When
overspeed reaches the set point, an action is initiated to shut the emergency stop valve. This action is
usually through an electric solenoid or mechanical valve that dumps the hydraulic oil on a trip throttle
valve (large turbines) or releases a mechanical link to the emergency stop valve (small turbines).

In addition to overspeed, a solenoid valve can be made to shut down the turbine in response to low
oil pressure, remote push buttons, or abnormal process conditions.

BASIC TRIP-THROTTLE VALVE DESIGNS:

The design concept of the standard trip throttle valve is basically that of a globe valve with a stem nut
that is mounted in a frame or bracket that is free to move. There are four design variations: two
concerning the direction of the closing action, and two involving the method of holding the movable
stem nut in its operating position.

Direction of Closing Action:

The basic designs of the trip throttle valve with respect to direction of travel can be placed in two
categories: (a) those where the valve plug is pushed onto the seat by the closing force, and (b)
those where the valve plug is pulled onto a seat by the closing force. Because of the dual functions
required of the valve - the tripping action and the throttling action - the stem must be in two pieces in
both designs. The stem of the steam shutoff part of the valve does not rotate; it only slides to fulfill
the tripping action needed. The actuator assembly stem has rotary motion so that it can be positioned
within the spring-loaded, hydraulically positioned stem nut to permit throttling. Therefore, there must
be a change of direction and rotation within the split coupling. A hardened steel button, commonly
called a thrust bearing, separates the ends of the two stems. Maintenance of alignment between the
two stems is difficult.

Disk Is PUSHED onto Seat Design:

In the larger valve sizes, the closing force on the valve stems and split coupling is not adequately
designed to accommodate the impact load generated by this high closing force and any
misalignment. This closing force must function in less than one-half second upon turbine overspeed,

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loss of oil pressure, etc. Frequently, damage occurs to stems or the split coupling with the plug
pushed onto a seat design.

Disk Is PULLED onto Seat Design:

The design that "pulls” the plug onto the seat without a lower guide is the preferable design within the
standard designs since the two stems and the split coupling operate in tension. This seems to limit
the mechanical damage to the valve during the closing action.

Methods of Holding Stem Nut:

Latch Type Stem Nut Holder Design - In this design, the bracket is spring loaded to push it in one direction, and
has a knife edge latch mechanism to hold it and the stem nut in the proper position (See Figure No.2). When the
valve is called upon to act as a trip throttle valve, the stem is latched in place and operates in a conventional
manner, permitting raising and lowering of the plug. When the valve is called upon to act as a trip valve, the
stem nut and bracket are released from their operating position on the knife edges by a small hydraulic piston
and the spring pushes the stem nut downward so as to close the valve. "Hang up” of the hydraulic release piston
is difficult to predict or prevent and is a major problem.

Piston-type Stem Nut Holder Design - Another type of trip throttle valve dispenses with the knife edge latch
device and substitutes a larger oil cylinder. This is a globe type valve of inverted construction with the
operating mechanism below the disk and a semi-balanced disk arrangement. In this valve, the force for closing
the valve is provided by a main spring above the oil piston and the steam pressure above the disk (See Figure
No.3).

After the valve has been tripped shut, turning the hand wheel clockwise resets it. The rotation of the
screw spindle will raise the main piston and compress the spring. The hand wheel will be turned until
the piston comes to rest against the cover and stops in an upward direction.

This valve has oil admitted through an oil inlet connection and orifice to the main oil cylinder with a
relay valve. When the oil supply pressure is less than that required to reset the valve (generally about
50% of trip header pressure), the relay valve is unseated and the chamber below the main piston is
opened to drain. When the oil pressure is increased to the reset pressure, the oil pressure on the
relay piston overcomes the force of the relay spring, thus seating the relay valve and closing the
passage from below the piston to the drain, permitting pressure to build up in the main cylinder.

To open the valve, the hand wheel is turned counterclockwise. The oil pressure will hold the main
piston against the cover and the rotation of the screw spindle will lift the pilot valve off the seat. After
the pilot valve is moved its full stroke, it contacts the disk flange and further movement unseats the
disk. The valve should be backed off about two turns from the wide-open position.

When the oil supply pressure drops below the trip pressure (45 to 50% of normal pressure), the relay
spring unseats the relay valve below the main piston to drain in the passage to the area above the
piston. The spring and steam pressure closing forces will then trip the valve shut.

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Some valves are equipped with an "exerciser” to check freedom of movement of parts. The exerciser
is designed to limit the travel in the closing direction to a specified distance, normally less than 1/4 of
the valve travel.

Operating Problems:

The original designs of all trip throttle valves were based on the premise that the valve would be
exercised through its full travel on a relatively frequent basis (2-3 month intervals). Most
petrochemical plants do not operate in this mode. Serious doubts exist if any of these present trip
throttle device designs can remain on the line for extended periods and be free to operate in an
emergency. Most of the failure-to-trip conditions can be attributed to five basic problems.

1. Steam deposits on the valve stem (or stems).

2. Lubrication deposits (i.e., soaps, dirt, detergents, etc.) in the top works of the
valve exposed to the elements.
3. Mechanical failures of the valve resulting from bent stems, either in the valve
proper or the upper works, damaged split couplings, etc., all within about a 6"
area near the center of the valve mechanism.
4. Galling of the piston in the hydraulic latch cylinder.
5. Jamming of the screw spindle in the larger cylinder-type valve design due to
forcing by operations personnel.

Steam deposits present a problem either in the design that pulls the valve plug on the seat or the
pushing force valve design. The latter quite often has an upper and lower guide bushing with tight
fitting clearances. Both designs are then subject to movement retardation due to collection of steam
deposits on the stem, which must enter into a tight fitting hardened bushing. In addition, the guide
sleeve for both designs' steam valve tends to warp and offers a restraint to plug movement.

Because of the extensive sliding and pivoting actions needed to release the stem nut for the tripping
action, lubrication of the valve upper works is necessary. This tends to either attract dirt and grit or
retain moisture near tight fitting components. Exposure to high steam temperature also "cooks" out
the lubricant, leaving "soap" or base material. All of these problems can cause binding of the linkages.

Experiences with various turbine installations indicate the following are good design practices.

1. The "pull on" plug design is better than the "push on" type.
2. A built-in "exerciser" is preferable. This feature is available only on the piston
style valve. A significant percentage of valve hang-ups take place in the last one
third of the plug travel so that any exerciser device might not move the plug far
enough to clear the area of obstruction. However, even limited movement is
better than ignoring the valve for extended periods. Manual exercising also has
this limitation.
3. Most of these valves have less than 20 to 24 trips available before the valve must
be disassembled for repairs. Often, all of these "good trips" are expended in
setting the overspeed trip and other testing before the unit is placed in service.

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 Trip repeat tolerance limits should not be too tight.

AP1-6 17 (Centrifugal Compressors for General Refinery Services) calls for trip speeds of 115% of RATED
speed for compressor drives. This is 110% of maximum continuous speed. Tolerances are +2%. This gives trip
ranges on the order of:

3,600 3,960+70 rpm (spread 140)

6,000 6,600+120 rpm (spread 240)

9,000 9,900+180 rpm (spread 360)

The trip itself and the latching mechanism are not designed for greater accuracy than this. Two or three repeats
within these ranges are adequate. A great number of trips tend to damage the bolt and/or linkage and reduce its
reliability.

ELECTRONIC TRIP SYSTEM:

Electronic trip systems are highly desirable in higher speed units. The spring-loaded plunger
becomes unstable at higher trip speeds and requires hydraulic relay valves to complete the tripping
action.

The mechanical system requires extra shaft overhangs (detrimental to vibration on high-speed
machines) and uses hydraulic fluid in long piping runs. An electronic system measures pulses from a
toothed wheel on the turbine shaft and puts those pulses through a frequency to voltage converter.
That output goes to a comparator that is switched at the set point and is coupled to a power amplifier,
which trips an electric relay. The relay dumps a solenoid valve, which dumps trip header pressure.
From here, the system is the same as the mechanical system.

The advantages of the electronic system are that (a) it requires only short shaft overhangs, (b) it is
fast, accurate, and easily adjustable, (c) it allows great flexibility of system arrangement, (d) it can be
easily tested without running the machine, and (e) it gives a high degree of repeatability.

The disadvantages of the electronic system are that (a) it requires an additional reliable power source
and (b) it requires explosion-proof classification in many applications.

TEST RUNNING OF THE TURBINE:

The ease of operation of the electronic governor systems makes it very convenient for the operator to
use and to bring the turbine up to speed. Under normal operating conditions, this poses no problems,
but when slow rolling, test running or overspeed testing the turbine while uncoupled from the load,
control should be by the TRIP THROTTLE VALVE ONLY. The slightest movement of the governor
valve in an uncoupled situation can result in tremendous changes of speed. A stuck governor or
linkage can be very dangerous. If it is necessary to prove out the governor system, limit the
maximum speed with the hand wheel of the trip throttle valve and control the speed downward with
the governor system.

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CONCLUSION:

Due to the speeds and demands that rotating machinery is subjected to today, there is a demand for
a new design concept. The present mechanical hydraulic system should be evaluated for its
reliability and replaced with a hydraulic system that minimizes all of the mechanical functions as much
as possible. The entire trip system needs to be reviewed and made more reliable.

Serious consideration should be given to eliminating the dual trip and throttle valve system on larger
turbines operating (500 hp and up) and installing a separate overspeed trip valve that is direct acting,
unbalanced and has one stem. The balanced type throttle valve has the tendency to slow down the
closing time of the valve required to prevent the rotor from accelerating beyond the set trip speed that
could result in mechanical damage.

Every trip valve should be equipped with an exercise so that the valve stem can be periodically
stroked to approximately one third of the closed position, and any deposit built up on the valve stem
due to solids in the steam can be removed. This travel should be controlled by some type of limiting
travel relay to prevent over-travel.

Mechanical Hydraulic Control System has proven to be a highly reliable and effective means of
controlling steam turbine speed and load. It will provide years of trouble free operation if it is properly
adjusted and maintained. If not maintained properly, it can be the leading cause of forced outages for
the steam turbine. The reliability and availability of the control system can be a matter of skilled
routine operations and maintenance activities. Efficient maintenance outages are often the result of
thorough job planning and a complete understanding of the necessary skills and procedures.
Furthermore, availability is often a function of the plant being able to get the unit "on-line" by resolving
obstacles quickly.

Lube Oil Analysis

Most insurance carriers are convinced that oil analysis is a vital predictive and preventive
maintenance tool and expect to see it in use at its insured locations. Periodic turbine oil
analysis may be performed monthly or quarterly. Component wear can be verified by the
presence of certain contaminants in the oil, such as wear metals like copper, chrome,
aluminum, iron, nickel, lead and tin.

Most bearing or gear failures occur after their condition has slowly deteriorated over the
course of months or even years. Quarterly sampling can provide a more subtle indication
of oil or component deterioration, or the slow beginning of oil contamination. Long-term
monitoring of oil condition (over several months or quarters) can reveal improper repair
or maintenance practices, such as the failure to conduct effective system flushes after
repairs, or the improper handling of lubricants, which can introduce dirt or even water to
the oil.

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High Energy Piping

All major insurance carriers require periodic piping inspection. A program that
incorporates the routine inspection (usually during major overhauls) and characterization
of anomalies in the piping welds is necessary for the piping to and from all the turbine
valves and other components. Responsibility for inspection of this piping lies with the
turbine maintenance/inspection group or the boiler group.

Vibration Monitoring and Phase Angle Checks

State-of-the-art turbine bearing vibration monitoring systems should be installed and

operating properly. Vibration monitoring is a particularly important condition monitoring
tool, considering the extended overhaul intervals now in vogue (see sidebar), and its use
is expected by insurers to ameliorate their risk exposure. Phase angle monitoring of the
bearing vibrations is also an important component of this condition monitoring and
should be incorporated into a good vibration monitoring program.

Bearing vibrations can be monitored using one of several methods. Displacement probes
measure shaft movement directly. Some models contact the shaft directly, using shaft
riders; others are non-contacting types, called proximity probes. Conversely, velocity
pick-ups do not measure shaft displacement directly, but quantify the energy transferred
from the shaft to the bearing housing. To measure absolute shaft vibration, a proximity
probe and a velocity pick-up are generally installed together at the bearing housing. This
arrangement provides both absolute shaft vibration levels as well as vibrations relative
to the bearing measurement. Displacement probes are usually used on turbines and
generators that have a high rotor-to-casing weight ratio, or on turbine generators
greater than 100 MW. Rotating equipment that has a high casing-to-rotor weight ratio
can use velocity pick-ups with success.

Overspeed Trip Testing

To guard against catastrophic failure from an uncontrolled overspeed by a steam turbine

and its driven equipment, protection is provided in the turbine trip system to close the
steam valves.

Conducting the annual overspeed trip test on steam turbines is, and will continue to be,
a contentious issue with insurance carriers. With overhaul intervals and the time
between routine boiler outages increasing, scheduling the steam turbine’s overspeed
test may be extended or overlooked. Specific concerns with the mechanical integrity of
the turbine or generator field may also engender reluctance to conduct the test.

Generally, overspeed prevention techniques have centered on the overspeed trip

mechanism. However, the overspeed trip checks should be viewed as a system

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verification that comprises more than the mechanical or electronic overspeed trip device.
Many uncontrolled overspeed events are the result of valves failing to close, even when
the overspeed trip device operates. Further, nearly all uncontrolled overspeed failures
are catastrophic, resulting in blade failures, shaft breakage and retaining ring bursts.

Overspeed protection should be a combination of the following:

• Proper functioning of mechanical or electronic overspeed trip mechanisms and system

• Positive closing of the main steam and control valves

• Positive closing of the reheat inlet valves

• Proper functioning of the extraction system non-return valves

• Proper functioning of the reverse power trip on the generator.

Mechanical/Electronic Trip Mechanism

The mechanical or electronic trip mechanism is the last line of defense for protecting the
steam turbine and driven object. To reach the trip point for this device, all other means
of controlling the energy input into the turbine have already operated or not functioned.
If the valves and devices work properly, the likelihood of the turbine going to severe
overspeed is much less. If the valves do not fully shut, and the other devices do not
work properly, even though the trip mechanism actuates, the turbine may still overspeed
because the steam source is still present and uncontained.

Most insurance carriers require that the mechanical device be tested annually by an
actual overspeed of the turbine. In some cases, however, insurance carriers will allow up
to 18 months between tests to accommodate extended outage schedules. The simulated
electronic trip devices can be tested more frequently, as often as monthly, because they
have no direct effect on the steam turbine’s operation.

Some owners have resisted annual mechanical tests because they can place additional
stresses on steam turbine and/or generator components, such as last-row turbine blades
or generator end turns. Most carriers believe that the proper operation of the overspeed
devices revealed by testing is more important than whatever minimal stress the turbine
components may experience from the test. If there is concern that a specific component
may be damaged by the test, this can raise a “flag” to the insurance company that there
is higher risk of catastrophic loss. This raised flag could lead to restricted coverage of the
unit or other insurance penalties.

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When the mechanical device is tested, all automatic turbine steam valve operation to the
turbine should be verified by visual inspection. All requisite alarms and indicators should
also be observed for proper operation.

Click here to enlarge image

Retaining ring burst due to a steam turbine overspeed

event.

Some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have relaxed their requirements for
testing overspeed trip devices. In direct contrast with the insurance carriers, at least one
OEM has allowed the testing interval of the overspeed trip device to be extended to the
unit’s major inspections. For some units, this could mean more than 10 years between
tests.
Main Steam and Control Valves

Unfortunately, the OEMs provide differing arrangements for admitting steam to the
turbine and the ability to test the valves is sometimes compromised. The desired testing
method is to stroke a valve from fully open to closed, thus checking the valve’s
capability to operate through its entire range. Build-up on the valve stem, excessive
stem run-out, deposits and deteriorated components can prevent the valve from
operating properly or not at all.

These valves should be exercised on a weekly basis, at a minimum. It is common,

however, for these valves to be tested daily to deter a valve from sticking in a fixed
position and to verify each valve’s ability to fully shut.

Machinist Struck and Killed by Fragments from Ruptured Steam Turbine Housing

http://www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/face/stateface/mi/01mi011.html
Conclusion

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Because of their age, design, and lack of maintenance, today’s steam turbine
governor control systems are operating in a manner far different than the original
manufacturers designed them. They are also operating in an order of magnitude less
efficient in performance than that of similar sized turbines operating with the latest
digital controls. Typically these older steam turbines drift, control has a sluggish
response caused by multiple individual servo motors connected by antiquated linkages
and connectors, or does not operate in a coordinated fashion. These problems are
costing your operation and maintenance teams time and money better spent on
improving the operation rather than just keeping it running. Find a vendor that can
implement an innovative solution for modernizing your steam turbine controls and that
can integrate this upgrade into your current or future plant systems using a scalable,
standardized, proven platform. Upgrading to a state-of-the-art turbine control system will
generate true long-term benefits for operations, maintenance, and service of your steam
turbine.

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