Power, Vol.150, No.5, 62-62, 2006
Improving the reliability of turbine lube oil supply
Five years ago, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station's Unit 3 turbine experienced substantial damage after the supply of oil to its bearings failed. Because the turbine coasted down without oil after it tripped, its bearings, journals, and steam path needed extensive repairs. A follow-up investigation revealed lube oil system vulnerabilities that were subsequently corrected. The lessons learned might also improve your turbine-generators' lube oil reliability, saving you many millions in lost revenues.