Sulzer Turbo Services offers balancing services for turbine, compressor and generator rotors up to 125,000 lbs (56,700 kg) at low speed and to 50,000 lbs (22,680 kg) at full operational speed. Bal-ancing at low speed is a function of rotor weight and its speed and is performed to API specifica-tions on certified and approved balance stands on either hard or soft bearing machines. We have the capability on larger rotors to balance at low speed using specially designed oil fed bearing sup-ports which reduce friction and eliminate damage to the bearing journals during the balancing proc-ess.
Our operational speed bunkers have the capacity to accommodate turbomachinery that is up to 30 ft (9 m) in length x 10 ft (3 m) in diameter and up to 50,000 lbs (22,680 kg) in a vacuum chamber. We have the ability to monitor several points along the body of the rotor for displacement as well as being able to monitor x/y radial vibration at the bearings (vibration diagnostics) in order to achieve not only the best balance at operating speed but also minimize deflection and vibration amplitudes during ramp up and coast down. For component parts, we have vertical balance machines for individual discs/impellers, as well as overspeed spin testing of new or repaired impellers in a vacuum bunker.
In addition, our Sulzer Dowding and Mills facility in Birmingham, England, has the capability to balance turbogenerator rotors up to 39 ft (12m) in length and 100,000lbs (40,000kg) weight at speeds of up to 5,200 rpm.