Modern Practice in the Balancing of Large Turbine-Generator Rotors

In the manufacture of large high-speed turbine-generator rotors, balancing is instrumental in contributing to the over-all performance characteristics of the entire unit. Balancing equipment and instrumentation must be adequate to meet the rigorous demands imposed by shop production requirements. In addition, procedures and techniques must be capable of coping with the various problems that may arise in production balancing. This paper presents a review of the equipment and procedures introduced in shop and field balancing by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation as part of a continuing program of design and manufacturing development. It is hoped that the discussion may be of service in furthering an understanding of vibration control as reflected in the primary goal of improving machine performance.