K&M understands that from the beginning of the commercial operation, Phase IV Add-on Combined Cycle feedwater pumps experienced high vibration issues and that these issues are not fully resolved despite remedial measures undertaken by SEPCO3, the EPC Contractor, and SEPCO. Specifically, one of the pumps, pump C, still experiences high vibration.

On March 8, 2024, SEPCO issued a request for K&M to provide a quote for performing additional analysis of the feedwater pump operating issues and to provide recommendations on a path forward.

In response, K&M has outlined a three-task approach:

Task 1: Assess Vibration Characteristics and Analyze Vibration Data for Phase IV BFWP Motors

K&M will analyze the vibration characteristics and vibration data for the Phase IV BFWP motors that SEPCO has seen during the commissioning and operation of the plant. The analysis will consist of a review of all relevant documentation and operating data for the BWFP motor and pump assembly as compared to applicable international standards for rotating equipment operation and OEM standards. The data required for a thorough analysis of the issue can be seen in Section 5.3.

Task 2: Provide Recommendations to Resolve Underlying Issues and Mitigate Vibration-Related Levels and Concerns

Based on the information received and analysis performed for Task 1, K&M will provide recommendations for any remedial action or analysis to be performed that has not previously been implemented by SEPCO. The action may consist of running specific test scenarios for additional data points or may require physical intervention.

Task 3: Offer Guidance on Necessary or Recommended Mechanical Measures to Live with the Current Situation of the vibration issue on Phase IV BFWP Motors.

If it is determined that the vibration issues cannot be resolved, a secondary option would be to optimize how SEPCO operates the plant with Pump A having excessive vibration for the life of the plant. K&M will provide recommendations for plant operation configurations, such as, for example, having Pump A on standby or limiting its operation to certain maximum number of running hours per year to prolong the life of the bearings and rotor of its motor; scheduling pump maintenance at the time of gas turbine outage to minimize pump impact on the overall unit availability, conducting regular inspections of pump A motor bearings and preventive  bearing replacement to minimize the possibility of pump forced outage due to bearing damage, etc.

Deliverable:

Feedwater Pump Vibration Analysis and Operation Recommendation Report

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