The 400mm diameter by 380mm long journal had become scored due to a serious bearing failure.
The 400mm diameter by 380mm long journal had become scored due to a serious bearing failure. As a result of the Metalock Engineering Group's expertise, the machining operation was completed in half the time it would have taken using the alternative means.
To provide access to the damaged shaft area, the bearing covers were removed. This allowed Metalock engineers to evaluate the situation with the rotor in-situ. The bearing was then completely removed and the shaft supported so that the Metalock Engineering Group could set up its orbital turning system to machine the damaged area on the journal diameter and the thrust face. Some 6.8mm of material was removed using the technique, with equipment designed and manufactured by the Metalock Engineering Group. With orbital turning, the tool is rotated around the shaft instead of the shaft being revolved past a stationary tool. Areas of the rotor shaft that were not to be machined served as bearing locations for the pneumatically driven orbital turning cage, which revolves on bearings at each end.
On completion of the machining, the journal was inspected and found to be parallel, round and concentric within 0.01mm with a finish of 4 to 6 CLA. While this work was progressing the old failed bearing pads were flown back to the UK, remetalled and machined to suit the new journal dimensions. They were then returned to the station for fitting and the generator reassembled ready for recommissioning.
