Abstract
When the Central Electricity Generating Board increased the unit rating of their turbo-generators from 500 MW to 660 MW, the design basis of the boiler feed pumps was completely reviewed. The prime requirement was that the pumps should be made less sensitive to mechanical fault and capable of surviving disturbed suction conditions without failure. At the same time they were to be capable of rapid replacement. This paper explains the reasoning from these requirements that led to the decisions that the pumps should have only two or three stages with stiff shafts. The selection of suction stage pumps for use with the main pressure stages is considered. Gland security and light-load protection are discussed.
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