GEI 15340M

Revision M, January 1979

Reformatted, May 1992

GE Power Systems
Steam Turbine

Vapor Extractor
For Ventilation of the Lubrication System

I. GENERAL

A motor–driven vapor extractor (Figures 1 and 2) is provided on the top of the main oil tank. The vapor ex-
tractor operates continuously while the turbine–generator is in service and constantly functions to remove air and
moisture accumulation from the lubrication system. With the suction connection located through the tank top, vent-
ing of the air space above the oil level in the tank is provided. The partially flooded oil drain lines enter the top portion
of the storage tank and communicate with the bearing pedestals and hydraulic enclosures. Oil cascading down the
drain lines creates a pumping effect between the pedestals and tank with a flow of air to the tank. This provides vent-
ing of the bearing pedestals and causes a small flow of cool air through the oil deflectors in order to prevent oil accu-
mulation and carbonization in the deflector teeth and on the turbine shaft.

Venting of the hydraulic enclosures, with a slight negative pressure being maintained, prevents seepage of
oil from various hydraulic control devices which are mounted on and drain into the enclosure.

Effective venting of the lubrication system minimizes condensation that may affect the service life of the
oil in use.

One of the possible contaminants of a circulation system is water. When moisture is present, enough of it
will escape from the oil as water vapor to more or less saturate the air in the reservoir and in other spaces above the
oil level. This water vapor tends to condense on the cooler parts of the circulation system, such as the underside of
the reservoir top, inside of the return pipe above oil level, and around the hydraulic control devices. The condensed
moisture then drops back into the oil to repeat the cycle.

Continuous exposure of unprotected metal parts to this condensation cycle promotes the formation of rust.
Eventually, rust particles may drop into the lubricating oil and adversely affect operation of the control equipment
and main bearings. In addition, rust may alter the characteristics of the oil in the system to cause foaming and emulsi-
fication.

Removal of saturated air above the oil level in the tank will promote evaporation of water from the oil.

These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations in equipment nor to provide for every possible
contingency to be met in connection with installation, operation or maintenance. Should further information be desired or
should particular problems arise which are not covered sufficiently for the purchaser’s purposes the matter should be
referred to the GE Company.
 1979 GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
GEI 15340M Vapor Extractor

II. INSTALLATION

All pipe connections to the vapor extractor should be made squarely and accurately. To prevent strain on the
blower, the piping must be supported. Do not attempt to correct misalignment of the pipe by pulling it over. The use
of flexible pipe connectors is recommended. Before the pipe is connected, be sure it is cleaned of scale, refuse, waste
and small parts.

Before applying power, but after installation of the discharge piping, the blower should be tested by rotating
the drive shaft by hand. It should turn as freely as before installation. If not, check for uneven mounting or coupling
alignment. The coupling should have a very light driving fit, to slip on the shaft without excessive force. Otherwise,
the impeller on the drive shaft may be driven against the opposite head and cause binding and heating.

III. LUBRICATION (Refer to Periodic Manual Lubrication, Tab 4)

Before starting the blower, be sure that oil has been put in the gear house. Be sure that the oil–level indicating
pet cock is open. Then, preferably when the blower is idle, supply oil until it begins to drip from the open pet cock.
Do not over lubricate as too much oil causes heating and oil leakage. Be sure to close the pet cock after checking
the oil level or filling.

Bearings at the gear end are lubricated by splash from the gears, but bearings at the drive end are packed with
grease prior to shipment. Renew this grease as specified. Remove the grease drain plugs and turn the cap gradually
until fresh grease appears at the drain. If fitted for pressure gun, do not pack bearings too tightly. After greasing,
replace the drain plugs.

IV. ADJUSTMENT

As shown in Figure 1, a bypass from the discharge to the suction is provided around the extractor. The plug
valve in this bypass should be adjusted to discharge to a roof vent only the amount of air necessary to hold the desired
vacuum in the storage tank. The oil tank negative pressure should be 1/2 in. — 11/2 in. water. If reduced negative
pressure cannot be obtained by adjusting vapor extractor bypass valve, then an orifice may be installed in the dis-
charge of the vapor extractor after the bypass connection.

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 Vapor Extractor GEI 15340M

1/8 in. gap between

coupling faces

4 5 3 1

1 Motor 2 Base 3 Coupling guard 4 Blower 5 Coupling 6 Plug valve

Figure 1. Typical Vapor Extractor Assembly

10 19 1 5 3 4 2 15 4 5
13
17 14

6 20
12 3
9
15

11
16

18 13
VENT
OIL DRAIN
VENT
SECTION THROUGH 31/2″—4″—5″ TYPE AF & AFS BLOWERS

1. Head plate (gear end) 6. Timing gears 12. Oil retainer (end cover) 17. Oil filler plug
2. Heat plate (drive end) 7. Gear house 13. End cover (drive) 18. Oil drain plug
3. Cylinder 8. Taper pins 14. End cover (blind) 19. Vent cap
4. Driving shaft and impeller 10. Seal bearings (gear end) 15. Pulley key 20. Bearing
5. Driven shaft and impeller 11. Seal bearings (drive end) 16. Oil level cock lubrication

Figure 2. Blower Cross Section and Parts List.

Parts Listed may be Purchased from the Roots–Connersville
Blower Corp., Connersville, Ind., and Identified by Their Drawing No. 2D–5111.

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 GE Power Systems

General Electric Company

One River Road, Schenectady, NY 12345
Rev. M (1/79) 518 • 385 • 2211 TX: 145354