Failure analysis of the draft tube connecting bolts of a Francis-type hydroelectric power plant

In this paper, the failure of the bolts that fasten the draft tube of a 95-MW Francis turbine is presented. The fracture of the bolts is especially frequent when the machine operates at partial load. Fracture surface analysis and stress measurements under several power levels were done. Stress was also measured, while pressure relief in the spiral case was performed. Finally, stress measurements were conducted while pressured air was injected at the stay vanes and the machine was operating at partial load. With the strain measured, stress on the bolts was calculated.The fracture surface analysis showed that fatigue is the failure mechanism. Stress measurements revealed that strong vibration and broad stress variation is present when the machine operates at powers below 80 MW. Air injection effectively decreases vibration and stress fluctuation, but pressure relief in the spiral case did not show any beneficial effect.