Reduced Leakage and Increased Operational Reliability in Hydropower Plants
At the Kaggefoss power plant, Glitre Energi Produksjon experienced increasing leakage and demanding maintenance on its Francis turbine. With the right sealing solution, the leakage was stopped immediately.
Increasing Leakage and Demanding Maintenance
Glitre Energi Produksjon upgraded its Francis turbines in 2012 but continued using traditional graphite packing. Over time, leakage gradually increased, and the packing required frequent tightening.
Adjusting a stuffing box on rotating equipment is not only time-consuming. It also requires safety measures and careful planning. As the leakage increased, it gradually became a burden for both operations personnel and the plant’s capacity. Eventually, the leakage rate became so high that it affected the capacity of the bilge pumps.
New Sealing Solution Adapted to Turbine Operation
To solve the challenge, a Chesterton 442 Jumbo split seal adapted to the application was installed. The shaft has a diameter of 440 mm and rotates at 300 RPM. An adapter plate was manufactured locally by Fuglesangs, and the installation was completed within 2–3 days.
The solution was chosen to ensure easy installation, stable sealing, and reduced need for manual adjustment.
Result: Tight Turbine and Less Maintenance
During an inspection in October 2020, the seal was completely tight in operation. The operations staff reported that the water leakage had stopped and that the need for planned maintenance work had been reduced.
In 2025, the seal is still operating without leakage.
For Glitre Energi, this means:
Operational Reliability Is Critical in Hydropower
In hydropower production, sealing solutions are not only about stopping leakage. They are about safety, availability, and stable energy production.
When traditional packing solutions lead to increasing leakage and frequent adjustments, a modern split seal can provide both better sealing performance and less strain on operations personnel.
Want to Increase Operational Reliability at Your Hydropower Plant?
Fuglesangs supplies and installs sealing solutions tailored to demanding hydropower applications.
Contact us for a review of your plant and an assessment of how leakage and maintenance needs can be reduced.