Abstract
In this study, the damage mechanism of large scale steam turbine due to water induction was analyzed and recovery characteristics were reviewed. A turbine consists of the rotating rotor and the stationary casing, and the clearance between them is very small for the efficiency enhancement. If water induction, while relatively cold steam or water is introduced into turbine, occurs, the considerable humping is caused at the casing near the initial water induction point and that induces the rubbing between rotor and casing. Finally, it leads to the catastrophic failure. Bowed rotor has the different characteristics in the recovery depending on damage degree. The elastic deformation due to light rubbing is recovered by turning the rotor with 3 rpm under normal operation condition, but most plastic deformation due to rubbing deforms the local microstructure and that results in permanent deformation which could not be recovered under normal operation condition. Bowed rotor has diverse characteristics depending on the recovery method, and the method is empirical and needs the cutting edge technology. Careful recovery treatment of the rotor will eliminate the risks and secure the high quality rotor similar to new rotor. If any critical error is made during the recovery, the rotor would not be recovered permanently and it should be scrapped.