Here you will find our latest articles written by our experts on new developments, experiences and case studies.
While gas turbines have risen in importance due to their efficiency and their ability to generate power in a matter of minutes rather than hours, steam turbines retain an indispensable role in the world’s electricity production as well as mechanical drive applications. In this article, we briefly explore the basics of steam turbine monitoring. Many […]
Read moreCombustion dynamics monitoring is often perceived as a “black box” where magical things take place inside without a clear understanding of how they work or what they do. In this brief tutorial, we de-mystify the topic and explain why it is a vital part of protecting modern gas turbines. Introduction Although gas turbines have been […]
Read moreSensor reliability In this 2-part series, we are examining the pros and cons of various sensors used for making low-frequency measurements. Although the hydro power sector is one of the most common industries where such measurements are required, it is by no means the only industry where such applications are found. The pulp & paper, […]
Read moreOverview While it is tempting to think of wire as an ideal conductor that simply gets a signal from point A to point B without alteration, this is often not the case – particularly for long cable runs. In the real world, appreciable length of field wiring will introduce its own effects, meaning that the […]
Read moreThe physics of low-frequency measurements. In this 2-part series, we examine the pros and cons of various sensors used for making low-frequency measurements. Although the hydro power sector is one of the most common industries where such measurements are required, this is by no means the only industry where such applications are found. The pulp […]
Read moreThirty years ago, the phrase “islands of automation” was commonplace. It described instrument and control systems that exhibited very poor connectivity and were thus “islands unto themselves.” What little connectivity existed might consist only of analog 4-20mA outputs or discrete signals from relays. Although the phrase may not be as common these days, the ability to properly connect systems to one another remains a concern.
Read moreThe debate over centralized versus distributed instrumentation architectures has been ongoing for more than 40 years, predating many of those reading this. Nor will it end any time soon. This is unfortunate because it is needless.
Read moreWhile it is often acceptable to think of wire as an ideal conductor that simply gets a signal from point A to point B, this is rarely the case for long cable runs. In the real world, appreciable lengths of field wiring will introduce constraints on the signals produced by the sensor and then routed to the monitoring channel.
Read moreConsider the consequences of a “missed” overspeed event on a large steam turbine-generator. In less than a second, the machine can accelerate to speeds that liberate blades from the rotor, puncturing the turbine case and creating enormous damage to not just the machine, but surrounding structures, equipment, and personnel.
Read moreA machine’s overspeed protection system is one of the single most important pieces of instrumentation in terms of the consequences when it fails to act properly. Whether you are an OEM looking to replace your incumbent supplier, or an end user looking to upgrade your current system, here are ten questions to consider as part of your evaluation process.
Read moreSupplementing your hardware alarms with the right software alarms is a vital part of a condition monitoring approach that “manages by exception”.
Read moreHow to simplify machinery fault identification, deliver actionable information to operators as well as machinery specialists, and leverage subject matter expertise across your entire organization?
Read moreLarge steam turbines employ a suite of supplementary measurements not found on other types of rotating machines.
Read moreWhen we introduced the VM600 platform 21 years ago, we “broke the mold” by moving away from application-specific modules. The industry paradigm at that time was generally one module for accelerometers, another for velocity sensors, another for proximity sensors, another for thrust, still another for case expansion, yet another for speed, etc.
Read moreOperational safety within the process industries has always been a priority. As the process sector moved into the computer age, new issues arose as manufacturing plants converted to computer-based control systems (replacing their aging electrical, pneumatic, and electronic controls).
Read moreA machinery protection system and a condition monitoring system fundamentally fulfill different goals.
Read moreLike the VM600, the new VM600Mk2 system is designed as a centralised system, with a well-thought-out modular structure allowing smart function combinations that enable complex systems to be built from a minimum number of modules.
Read moreThe American Petroleum Institute’s standard for machinery protection systems (API Standard 670) is a widely recognised industry standard, used actively by regulators and operators around the globe.
Read moreDuring normal operation, a turbine’s own speed control system regulates the rotational speed of the machine. However, in the event of a problem with the turbine and/or its control system, an overspeed detection system (ODS) provides an isolated layer of protection that will automatically and immediately initiate a shutdown of the machine should this become necessary. In this way, the ODS increases safety, making it easier to meet regulatory requirements, while reducing operating costs such as maintenance and insurance.
Read moreOverspeed protection systems play a key role in ensuring the safe operation of machinery in power plants and other critical industrial applications. In the past, ODSs were predominantly mechanical devices but nowadays, most overspeed systems are electronic in nature.
Read moreProof testing is a routine action that helps ensure the integrity (SIL level) of a safety instrumented system (SIS) throughout its lifecycle. Long proof test intervals are preferable to short proof test intervals because they reduce unnecessary downtime, especially if the proof testing can be aligned with a machine’s periodic maintenance procedures.
Read moreBecause the integrity of a safety-related system degrades over time, periodic testing (known as proof testing) is essential in order to detect hidden failures. So it is of crucial importance that all safety instrumented systems (SISs) have a maintenance plan in place to support their ongoing operation.
Read moreA machinery protection system (MPS) is a crucial safety element designed to prevent accidents in industrial plants. The purpose of an MPS is to protect critical rotating machinery from catastrophic accidents and operational issues, thereby increasing uptime while reducing maintenance and repair costs.
Read moreWhen it comes to the design and specification of an overspeed detection system (ODS), the selection of the correct speed sensors for each specific application is essential in order to achieve an accurate and reliable measurement of the rotational speed and/or acceleration.
Read moreAccording to the API standard 670 for Machinery Protection Systems, an electronic overspeed detection system (ODS) consists of speed sensors, power supplies, output relays, signal processing, and alarm/shutdown/integrity logic. Its function is to continuously measure shaft rotational speed and activate its output relays when an overspeed condition is detected. API 670 defines multiple requirements […]
Read moreAn Overspeed Detection System (ODS) has one job and one job only – detect an overspeed event and initiate an emergency trip sequence.
Read moreMany VibroSight® Condition Monitoring Systems have been deployed over the last (10x) years. Because VibroSight is an evolving product, new features and improvements are continuously added to the software.
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