Projects : Turbine Alignment & Grout/Seating Plate Re-Leveling

DPT was retained by Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation (SWPC) to provide civil engineering consulting services on an emergency, short-turnaround basis for the Grace Power Plant Unit 1 in Lancaster, South Carolina. During final assembly of the 50-year old Unit #1 turbine-generator (T-G), SWPC field engineering personnel determined that a gross misalignment at the Lower Pressure (LP) Turbine to Generator coupling was caused by inconsistencies in elevation between the various turbine supports. DPT provided immediate on-site assistance and determined that the grout under the south-side LP support foot was deteriorated and cracked to the extent that it permitted the support to settle (change elevation).

DPT worked with SWPC and Springs Industries personnel to optimize a process for lifting and supporting the T-G by combining the use of the overhead crane and power jacks under the condenser feet to provide the necessary clearance for re-work of the grout pocket. DPT also developed a step-by-step procedure for removing the existing grout and placing new grout. In the procedure, DPT dictated a change to the grout pocket details and shimming to avoid future similar problems. All grouting work was carried out by the site construction staff, the T-G coupling was mated, and the unit was placed back into service without further problems.