Reliability investigation of steam turbine critical components

Several aspects of maintaining and operating steam turbines at the palm oil mill areas have historically resulted in unreliable performance and repetitive failures. The reliability analysis using Weibull probability distribution for various components of steam turbine is discussed extensively. The objective of this reliability assessment is to identify the potential failure path of steam turbine components. The intent herein is to focus on critical components of steam turbine to successfully improve the integrity and reliability of turbines in those components. Areas discussed will be bearing failures, Shaft Seal failures, Control/stop Valve, Main Oil Pump, and Reducing Gear. It is necessary to improve the reliability indices of the steam turbine components by taking some measures such as well-planned and routine maintenance of equipment's as well as training and retraining of technical human resources of the major equipment like steam turbine.