Air Gap Sensor facilitates hydro condition monitoring.January 3, 2006 -
Designed for monitoring condition of hydroelectric turbine-generators in harsh environments, Bently Nevada(TM) 4000 Series measures distance between rotor and stator in small- to medium-size generators. Able to maintain accuracy in temperature and magnetic field extremes, sensor is intended for use with Bently Nevada 3500 Series Machinery Protection System and can be coupled with System 1® Optimization and Diagnostic Software.
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Original Press release
GE Energy
4200 Wild Wood Pkwy
Atlanta, GA, 30339
USA
GE Energy Extends Hydro Condition Monitoring to Smaller Units with New Bently Nevada Sensor
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - December 6, 2005: -- GE Energy today announced an enhancement to its Bently Nevada(TM) 4000 Series Air Gap Sensor, part of the company's comprehensive offerings for monitoring the condition of hydroelectric turbine-generators. The original sensor, released in August 2004, addresses large-diameter generators that can accommodate a larger sensor footprint. A new, smaller sensor size has now been introduced, allowing air gap measurements in small- to medium-size generators where the larger version of the sensor will not fit.
Air gap, a measure of the distance between the rotor and stator, is critical to the life of a hydroelectric generator and is one of the most important parameters for proactive condition monitoring. A non-concentric rotor and stator can cause various problems that may lead to generator damage, inefficiencies, or both. The air gap measurement enables operators to monitor rotor and stator shapes, positions and minimum air gap dimensions, providing them with the information needed to remove a machine from service before serious damage occurs, such as magnetically induced overheating or rotor-to-stator rubbing. These capabilities have proven to reduce maintenance costs and increase availability, both important factors in today's hydroelectric operating environment.
Designed to operate reliably in harsh environments, the 4000 Series Air Gap Sensor System is able to maintain its accuracy in both the temperature and magnetic field extremes found in hydroelectric generators. The sensor is intended for use with the company's Bently Nevada(TM) 3500 Series Machinery Protection System, which can be configured with special modules specifically for addressing vibration and air gap measurements on hydroelectric turbine-generators. When coupled with GE's System 1® Optimization and Diagnostic Software, users are able to view specialized air gap plots and other machinery condition parameters in real time.
Dan Heintzelman, president of energy services for GE Energy, commented on the new sensor and its relationship to the company's hydro monitoring initiatives, "Hydro units have been thrust into far more demanding operating conditions than previously encountered, making condition monitoring a necessity rather than a luxury. Because these realities impact small- and medium-sized machines - not just large-diameter generators - it was imperative that we have a scalable solution to address all classes of hydro units. This new choice of sizes in air gap sensors ensures we can deliver that value to all of our customers."
GE Energy's Bently Nevada products and services assess and ensure the mechanical and thermodynamic health of industrial machinery. With operations in Minden, Nev. and offices in the principal industrial centers of over 40 countries, the Bently Nevada product line is used by more than 25,000 global customers in the power generation, petrochemical and other industries.
About GE Energy
GE Energy (www.gepower.com) ) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technology, with 2004 revenue of $17.3 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy provides equipment, service and management solutions across the power generation, oil and gas, transmission and distribution, distributed power and energy rental industries.
For more information, contact:
Dennis Murphy
GE Energy
+1 678 844 6948
dennis.murphy@ps.ge.com
Gina DeRossi or Howard Masto
Masto Public Relations
+1 518 786 6488
gina.derossi@mastopr.com
howard.masto@ps.ge.com
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