Topping turbine (103-JAT) rotor instability in 1150-STPD Kellogg ammonia plants

In two of Agrico's three plants, instabilities in the rotor/bearing system have been an ongoing problem. On occasion plant rates, i.e., machine speed, have been restricted in order to limit the exhaust and shaft relative vibration on the 103-JAT to a maximum value of 89 micrometer (0.0035) peak to peak. The purpose is to acquaint one with Agrico's experiences with exhaust end vibration and rotor instabilities on the 103-JAT topping turbine. The final conclusions arrived at were based on: (1) field acquired data both during steady state and transient conditions; (2) computer modeling of the rotor/bearing system; and (3) vibration data taken from a control rotor during a series of test runs in a high speed balancing machine from 0 to 110% of operating speed.