CARCOSEAL IN HYDROPOWER
FTL Technology is currently looking at several Hydro-electric Power
Plant sealing applications
 Carcoseal
rotary shaft seals (type AP/WT suitable for pressure) were fitted at the
beginning 2008 on the shafts of 4 Kaplan water turbines, previously installed in
a power station in Verona (Italy).
The application is critical since the generator is below water level. To make
sure that no water gets into the generator, air pressure at 0,8 bar is kept in
the generator chamber by a compressor.
The seals have to keep water out of the generator and air leakage needs to be as
low as possible; in normal running, The compressor provides air to the generator
chamber every 45 minutes.
Intervention was requested by the turbine OEM, as their customer was very
unsatisfied after 2 years of poor performance with the original seals: the
compressor was inflating air into the generator almost continuously and the risk
of water getting into the generator was high; from 2006 to beginning 2008 the
original seals had been replaced with the same brand several times with high
maintenance costs and frequent turbine shutdown.
In February 2008 the seal kit made of 4 Carcoseals with spacers for grease
lubrication was fitted on the turbine shafts (diameter 240mm, 300 rpm); 2
Carcoseal kits were fitted in endless form in 2 turbines and 2 kits in split
version in the other 2 turbines; the split seals were fitted with the “ISP
jointing on site” system.
Seals were supplied in HNBR for improved friction performance, all seals are
performing well and compressor is running at a minimum.
Further Information
For advice in a wide range of applications involving Duo-Cone seals, contact:
tonys@ftltech.co.uk or on Tel No. 0113
220 3403
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