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Following the recent plant trip, the Steam Turbine (ST) turning gear was engaged, and the machine remained on turning for over 24 hours. Upon startup and ramp-up to full speed, abnormal behavior was observed in the turning gear mechanism while the unit remained in operation.
Initially, the turning gear’s pinion exhibited slight unintended rotation. This was followed by erratic movement — intermittent oscillations in both directions, starting and stopping unpredictably. Over the next 3–4 days, this behavior escalated. The turning gear pinion is now rotating at a significantly high RPM, in the direction opposite to that of the turning gear intended direction while the machine is operating at high speed and gear is also not latched. Need opinions on what can be the possible cause for this rotation of gears.
In short, two events have occurred one followed by second, one of where gears can be seen rotating consecutively in both directions through the site glass.
second is after 3 days when the gears are continously rotating in one direction i.e opposite to usual direction and can be seen from the motor shaft.
Initially, the turning gear’s pinion exhibited slight unintended rotation. This was followed by erratic movement — intermittent oscillations in both directions, starting and stopping unpredictably. Over the next 3–4 days, this behavior escalated. The turning gear pinion is now rotating at a significantly high RPM, in the direction opposite to that of the turning gear intended direction while the machine is operating at high speed and gear is also not latched. Need opinions on what can be the possible cause for this rotation of gears.
In short, two events have occurred one followed by second, one of where gears can be seen rotating consecutively in both directions through the site glass.
second is after 3 days when the gears are continously rotating in one direction i.e opposite to usual direction and can be seen from the motor shaft.
