CALIBRATION OF BTT MEASUREMENT WITH RESPECT TO SENSOR POSITION OVER SHROUDED LSB

In order to increase efficiency and reliability of steam turbines, last stage blades are equipped with mid-span tie-boss and shroud. We can use Blade Tip-Timing method (BTT) to measure vibration of shrouded blades, but the measured level of vibration is dependent on position of sensor over blade shroud. Hence, the results of BTT measurement have to be compared with other measurement techniques, like strain gauges, and with FEM analysis, to interpret these results right. This article provides findings we made on measurement of shrouded blades in test rig with eddy-current sensors, optical sensors and strain gauges at different positions of sensors over blade shroud. Measurement is also compared to FEM analysis.