Abstract: A ground circuit monitor (10) is disclosed for continuously monitoring the potential of a grounding brush (12) in the grounding circuit (14) used to ground a rotating member (16) within a machine (18). A proximitor (26) generates a radio frequency signal impressed across the secondary of a coupling transformer (30). The primary of the coupling transformer (30) is in series between the grounding brush and ground. In normal operation, the capacitance of the film of lubrication between the rotating member and machine prevents oscillation in the transformer. Failure of the grounding circuit increases oscillation, generating an output from the proximitor to the relay unit (32) to generate an alarm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a turbine from undesirable temperature and pressure variations wherein an acceptable range of actual pressure and temperature variations is established, a first alarm signal is generated only if the acceptable range is exceeded by actual temperature or pressure, a second signal is established representing an acceptable rate of change of said actual pressure or temperature and a second alarm is generated if the actual rate of change of pressure or temperature exceeds the acceptable range of pressure or temperature whereby the second alarm signal is produced only when the first alarm signal is generated. In addition, a third signal is established representing a maximum rate of change of pressure and a third alarm signal is generated if the actual rate of change of pressure or temperature exceeds the maximum rate of change of pressure or temperature whereby the third alarm signal is produced only when the first alarm signal is generated.