HOT – COLD – HOT ALIGNMENT

(H-C-H ALIGN)
CASCADE MVS DICKINSON, TX (281)482-2727

GAS TURBINE ALIGNMENT

Measurement and application

At Cascade MVS, we often problematic at the initial start

hear cases where customer is (cold conditions), or once up and HOT-COLD-HOT
aware that their gas turbine is not running. H-C-H flexibility and
CASCADEMVS
perfectly aligned, but that the accuracy of allows for installation The Cascade MVS Hot-
turbine needs to run until the next with up to 16 measuring points Cold-Hot (H-C-H)
scheduled down time. This matter without the need for engine shut
system was developed
is often complicated further when down. It accurately measures the
by Ivo Dabelic in 1985
the unit is composed of more total and absolute move of all
as a unique solution for
than one bearing or
a suspected gearbox
component. measured
deflection onboard
Situations points, in
VLCC “Exxon North
which include time and
Slope.” Since then, the
gas turbine- space.
system has been
driven Graphic
gearboxes presentation simplified and is now

are not indicates applicable to most “off-

uncommon. absolute the-shelf” multi-channel

Such engines move in “X” vibration analyzers.

can be and “Y” Designed to be
composed of direction. In installed in running
six to eight a situation machines, it represents
Air derivative test cell
bearings with where the a revolution in “hot-to-
quite a long GT – Shaft – Dynamometer bearing cold” condition
drive shaft proximity measurement.
between the gas turbine and the probes are used it will facilitate The system is
gearbox. These arrangements understanding of relative and
applicable for
are often coupled through a absolute move between the
diametrical growth,
drive shaft with two shim packs shafts inside bearing clearances
component alignment,
and separated by a long torque as well as absolute bearing case
and linear expansion
tube. If not properly aligned, this (pedestal) move.
measurements, and is
type of arrangement can be
accurate to 0.0005”.

September 12, 2015

 Cascade MVS Dickinson, TX (281)482-2727

Case 1:
Successful measurement of large multistage compressor to drive motor.

Company knew of cooler water-side pipe bundle blockage and measured 45°F cooler body temperature
rise. As per unit design, it was cooler underneath the compressor and it was suspected that a raise in lower
body temperature was causing cooler upward lift. Therefore, the assumption was that this lift in turn was
causing compressor shaft vertical offset to the drive motor shaft as motor base was on its own inertia block
(mass) and separate from the compressor base.

The Cascade MVS H-C-H system not only that measured compressor shift but identified two bearings actual
move in opposite direction rather than suspected both bearings move up.

Recorded data

Coupling side move Opposite bearing move

In due time investigation pointed out to different cooler temperature rise from one end of it to another.
This resulted in “opposite” bearing vertical move as well as slight sideways shift of coupling bearing.
Coupling side shift was attributed to motor/compressor torque effect.

The simple and straight forward plotting and calculation process provided by the Cascade MVS H-C-H
system allowed for the correction and realignment of the gear.

Alignment correction: Drive motor was realigned to accommodate compressor move.

 Cascade MVS Dickinson, TX (281)482-2727

Case 2:

Major gas turbine manufacturer contracted Cascade MVS to measure and extrapolate:

1. Alignment position of newly designed and to be tested Aero-derivative combustion turbine.

2. Power Turbine PTO shaft Axial growth during start from ambient temperature to full power

Image below shows requested measurements in red

Axial growth

PTO shaft
Axial growth

Height change

Data samples:

“Spool piece axial growth” “Height change”

The collected data was instrumental for proper axial engine positioning, vertical cold position at exhaust
support, and coupling spring packs / thrust bearing preload values.
 Cascade MVS Dickinson, TX (281)482-2727

Case 3:

A major Caribbean Island power company was experiencing failures on two of its gas turbine-driven
gearboxes. As the gearbox was of welded construction, Cascade MVS was suspicious that the gearbox was
warping and/or growing in unpredicted manner.

The Cascade MVS H-C-H system was applied to all four corners (see pic below) as well as to Bull Gear
bearing housing.

Data samples:

The linear growth up at all measured points was recorded and the suspected warping was eliminated as the
cause of the experienced gearbox failures. The Cascade MVS Finite Element Modeling and Vibration
Analysis was essential in solving the low-run failures.

Note:

The Cascade H-C-H system is applicable up to unlimited number of points and can measure both
absolute and relative moves. This absolute and relative move capability becomes important when
bearing absolute case and shaft inside bearing centerline position is of importance.