Consider 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 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 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 moreAn Overspeed Detection System (ODS) has one job and one job only – detect an overspeed event and initiate an emergency trip sequence.
Read more