Abstract: An apparatus is provided for obtaining data from sensor measurements made on a body moving rotationally with respect to a stationary observer. Radio frequency energy is reactively coupled between an energy source fixed with respect to the observer and load varying means located on the moving body. The load variance is dependent upon measurement data provided by sensors located on the moving body. The variation in load is reflected back through the reactive coupler to a detector which is fixed with respect to the observer. The detector operates to provide signals indicative of the measurement data provided by the sensors. The apparatus of the present invention may be easily retrofitted to rotational devices such as turbines, motors and generators to provide relevant, continuous, on-line measurements of important parameters associated with such rotating systems. These parameters include such measurements as temperature, pressure, strain and torque.

Abstract: An air-sealed oil deflector is disclosed which prevents leakage of oil from bearings of a rotating shaft and which prevents the ingestion of unfiltered atmospheric air which can lead to contaminant build-up and damage to the shaft. The air-sealed deflector includes an annular plenum surrounding the shaft and an annular feed slot interposed between the shaft and the plenum to fluidly interconnect the plenum with the chamber between at least two seal rings immediately adjacent the shaft. The plenum is adapted to receive a continuous flow of forced air from an air supply system including an air prime mover and means for filtering air drawn from the atmosphere which serves as the ultimate air source. The plenum being relatively large in volume, and having a cross-sectional area large with respect to the air feed conduit to the plenum, provides a very uniform source for air flow radially inward, in a sheet-like fashion, toward the shaft through the feed slot.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for continuously monitoring the air gap torque acting on the rotor of a 3-phase electrical generator by sensing certain of the output voltages and currents produced by the generator as it supplies power to a connected load. In a preferred form of the invention, signals representing the three generator output voltages and two of the three line currents are conditioned and combined in electrical circuitry to produce a single output signal which is indicative of the air gap torque. The torque signal so produced is in a form easily handled by conventional means such as computers and recorders, and is appropriate for use by operating personnel in making decisions regarding generator operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for individually isolating the hydraulic actuators of steam valves for a steam turbine while the turbine remains in operation and while all other steam valves associated with the turbine remain functional. Isolation is achieved by providing a manual isolation valve for blocking the flow of hydraulic fluid from a main supply; a flow restrictor to limit the inflow of hydraulic fluid; and a flow direction control means to limit hydraulic fluid to flow only from the actuator toward an emergency trip hydraulic fluid supply.

Abstract: An electronic control system to automatically determine the validity of an apparent overheating signal from an overheat monitor of a gas-cooled dynamoelectric machine and reduce machine load or indicate a monitor malfunction. Upon receipt of an apparent overheat signal by the control system, filtration of the monitored cooling gas is automatically initiated to remove pyrolysates released into the gas by overheated elements within the machine. A normal monitor response is thereby effected, provided the overheat signal is valid. If filtration of the monitored cooling gas fails to elicit a normal response within a preselected time period a monitor malfunction is indicated. The control system initiates a scheduled reduction in machine load either subsequent to validation of overheating or as verification is initiated, and if a valid indication of overloading persists, trips the excitation and remaining load from the machine.

Abstract: Brushholder apparatus is disclosed for supporting electrically conductive brushes of a dynamoelectric machine in a manner facilitating improved cooling of the brushes and adjacent collector ring. The apparatus includes a brushholder assembly with a pair of legs to internally support a brush and may also include a casing arranged to retain several brushholder assemblies, provide an enclosure for properly directing cooling gas circulated by a fan, and furnish a common electrical link between brushholder assemblies and a source of electric current. An insulated handle is described which can be inserted into the brushholder assembly and manipulated to lock handle, brushholder assembly, and brush together as a unit to permit safe removal of the brushholder assembly and associated brush from the casing and installation of a new brush during operation of the machine.

Abstract: A calibration signal source for instruments to measure power and negative sequence current of a multi-phase electric power generator. Separate signals are provided to represent load current for each phase of the generator ultimately to be tested, and to represent the instantaneous differences in voltage between each phase and a reference phase. The calibration signals are derived from a single sine wave by providing a plurality of phase shift and voltage difference networks. Means are provided for amplitude control and elimination of harmonic distortion of the single sine wave, and therefore the output calibration signals share these characteristics.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for controlling thermal stress on component parts of a steam turbine while providing maximum loading and unloading rates during startup, shutdown, and other periods of load change. From monitored and derived quantities, a loading rate is calculated for each of a plurality of preselected turbine component parts and the lowest rate is selected for control. Simultaneously, and in concert with load change calculation and execution, the steam admission mode of the turbine is automatically directed to either the partial arc mode or the full arc mode as necessary to reduce stress as compared with a preselected and adaptive stress reference value.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously monitoring the alignment condition of a thrust bearing based on a pair of temperature differences is adapted to utilize either analog or digital means. The monitor is particularly applicable for use in large turbines, particularly those coupled to generators for the production of electric power. Bearing misalignment and other variables are determined from temperature measurements of the oil feed temperature and from two temperature measurements made on diametrically opposite portions of the bearing surface. The apparatus of the present invention is made possible by observed predetermined relations between certain computed temperature differences which relate bearing thrust and misalignment moment and which also relate minimum oil film thickness and actual misalignment slope.

Abstract: A monitor for logic circuits detects loss of redundancy within the monitored circuit and designates that portion thereof which is out of service. Loss of redundancy is detected by sensing the passage of normal load current, or a portion thereof, through shunt current paths; the occurrence of such current flow coupled with the direction of flow uniquely determining the portion of the logic circuit which is out of service. In a preferred form of the invention, a low ohmic valued resistor is connected in each shunt current path. Upon loss of redundancy, a voltage signal generated across at least one such resistor, is applied to one or more parallel connected amplifiers responsive to the signal to activate corresponding switching circuits and audio/visual indicators.

Abstract: An improvement in torsional vibration monitors wherein a frequency shift is applied to the torsional vibration signal to achieve improved stability and increased confidence in the measurement. The torsional vibration signal is applied to parallel frequency shifters to produce a lower frequency measuring signal and a lower frequency reference signal. The two lower frequency signals are applied to parallel connected filters to obtain spectral content of the signals. Once the spectral content is obtained, each lower frequency measuring signal and each lower frequency reference signal is shifted back to the original frequency range to produce filtered reference signals and filtered measuring signals. These signals are then correspondingly summed to provide a set of torsional vibration signals segregated with respect to the frequency spectrum and meaningful with respect to a time base.

Abstract: Terminal boxes for large dynamoelectric machines provide a housing for high voltage terminal bushings which connect the dynamoelectric machine with a power grid. The stray flux from the terminal bushings induces eddy and circulating currents in the terminal box walls and consequent heating of the walls. To limit wall temperatures water is circulated through sealed flow channels fabricated to the terminal box walls and in series with the terminal bushings flow circuit. A preferred wall construction comprises an outer wall of stainless steel clad carbon steel and an inner wall of stainless steel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to limit and control rotational loss heating such as occurs in a large steam turbine in the bypass mode of operation under no-load and low-load operating conditions. According to the invention, a portion of the high pressure bypass steam is admitted to the lower pressure sections of the turbine to provide motive fluid for driving the turbine while, simultaneously, a second portion of the high-pressure bypass steam is admitted to the high-pressure section of the turbine in a reverse-flow direction to pass backwards therethrough and limit the rotational loss heating. The two flows may be proportioned to control rotational loss heating in both the high-pressure and lower pressure sections of the turbine. A reverse-flow valve and a ventilator valve are provided for routing the reverse-flow of steam.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring torsional vibration in the rotor of a dynamoelectric machine by detecting electrical quantities available at the output terminals of the machine. For at least one phase of the machine, output voltage and current are detected and a composite signal is formed therefrom in signal processing circuitry. The composite signal is in synchronous phase with the mechanical angle of the rotor and may be demodulated to obtain the torsional vibration information.

Abstract: A moisture separator reheater combination includes specially located perforated baffles which function to reduce components of steam fluid velocity flow which are substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the moisture separator vessel. These baffles counteract the effects of transverse vortices which produce local pressure variations and adversely affect the efficiency of the moisture separator elements. The use of the baffles of the present invention improves the uniformity of steam flow through the moisture separator elements.

Abstract: A manway handling apparatus for handling heavy sealing manways in large shells without damaging sealing surface means therefor is provided which includes a support arm pivotally mountable on equipment having elliptical manway access openings. The support arm when mounted is swingable toward and away from an access opening and carries a bearing block supporting bracket which is longitudinal adjustably positionable on the arm. A bearing block is vertically adjustably positionable in the bracket and slidably supports a shaft which is attachable to an elliptical cover. Structure is provided for longitudinally actuating and rotating the shaft to position and rotate the cover to facilitate installation and removal of the cover through the elliptical opening. The shaft carries structure means which when actuated by turning of a crank handle is effective for tilting the cover also to facilitate its installation and removal.

Abstract: Phosphosilicate compositions are disclosed for treating foundry molds and like products to enhance mold strength and refractoriness. The phosphosilicates, characterized more specifically as silicyl metaphosphates, may be used in combination with select refractory aggregates and other additives to form mold surface treating compositions, or may be combined directly with foundry sand or other comminuted refractory material for compacting into a mold form.

Abstract: A dedicated supervisory control system for a steam turbine-generator comprising a hierarchy of microcomputer subsystems interactive with a conventional analog electrohydraulic control system to provide control and monitoring capabilities during all operating phases of the turbine-generator. The separate microcomputer subsystems are programmed for coordinated interaction and communication through shared, dual-port read/write memory units and each microcomputer subsystem is programmed and configured to handle a separate group of control responsibilities in a distributed control system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in the art of combined steam turbine and gas turbine power plants of the type wherein the principal source of energy is a fluidized bed combustor fueled by coal. More specifically, the invention pertains to supplemental firing of the gas turbine cycle with a clean hydrocarbon fuel (CHF) at a high incremental efficiency to significantly increase overall plant efficiency.

Abstract: An automatic control system enabling comprehensive operation of a reheat steam turbine with sliding or constant pressure boilers. The control system includes an HP control valve for regulating steam flow to the high-pressure turbine according to load and speed demands, an intercept valve for regulating steam flow to the low-pressure turbine and for reheater pressure control, and a bypass flow system for bypassing excess boiler steam during periods of low loading. The bypass system includes a high-pressure bypass sub-system and a low-pressure bypass sub-system, each having a flow control valve and provision for desuperheating the steam. A signal indicative of actual load demand (ALD) and proportional to the product of boiler pressure and main control valve flow demand is produced. From the ALD signal, reference functions are generated to effect control of the bypass valves.