19 Mar Drilling Labyrinths of a Steam Turbine: A CLIMAX Customer Success Story with Martin Bachmann Keller EIRL
At CLIMAX, we celebrate innovation and customer ingenuity. In a recent project at a thermal power plant, the Martin Bachmann Keller team devised a groundbreaking solution using our CLIMAX equipment to tackle a critical issue and restore optimal turbine performance.
The Challenge
A thermal power plant faced a serious operational hurdle when a seized blade holder on a steam turbine prevented the necessary alignment adjustments with a reconfigured shaft axis. This misalignment necessitated the precise machining of the turbine’s labyrinth seal. To complicate matters further, the repair had to be carried out on-site at an agro-industrial facility 200 kilometers north of Lima.
The project was further complicated by strict spatial constraints:
- High-Pressure (HP) Side: Only 1,050 mm available
- Low-Pressure (LP) Side: Only 2,120 mm available
Conventional BB6000 line boring machine drill mounts were unsuitable under these conditions, and while the BB7100 or BB8100 models could have been ideal, they were not available at the time.
The Innovative Solution
Faced with these challenges, the Martin Bachmann Keller team took a creative approach by leveraging our CLIMAX equipment. Recognizing the limitations of standard equipment, they ingeniously combined components from the CLIMAX BB6000 line boring machine and the CLIMAX FF6300 flange facer. This allowed them to design and manufacture special brackets tailored to the project’s unique spatial requirements—all within their own workshop.
This innovative solution not only circumvented the equipment limitations but also demonstrated the team’s technical expertise and adaptability. By integrating our CLIMAX components in a novel way, they crafted a bespoke solution that precisely met the demands of the turbine repair.
Rapid Execution and Results
The Martin Bachmann Keller team’s swift response was critical to minimizing downtime:
- Quick Turnaround: The custom brackets were manufactured in just a few days.
- Efficient On-Site Work: The entire machining process—from the turbine’s central area entrance to project completion—was executed in a matter of hours.
This rapid, accurate intervention restored the turbine’s functionality and underscored the effectiveness of combining customer ingenuity with advanced CLIMAX equipment.
This success story highlights the exceptional ability of the Martin Bachmann Keller team to innovate using CLIMAX equipment. Their creative problem-solving not only overcame challenging spatial constraints but also ensured the continued optimal operation of a critical industrial asset. At CLIMAX, we are proud to support such forward-thinking solutions that drive operational excellence in demanding environments.
Learn more about Martin Bachmann Keller EIRL: www.vendo.com.pe