General Electric Company
Replacement Methods for Radial Seals of Wind Turbine Main Bearings

Abstract:

A method for replacing an existing radial seal positioned around a shaft and adjacent to a bearing includes providing at least one spacer in a seal cavity of the existing radial seal. The method also includes removing a cover of the existing radial seal. The method further includes removing the at least one spacer. In addition, the method includes removing the existing radial seal from around the shaft. Moreover, the method includes replacing the existing radial seal with a new radial seal. Further, the method includes moving the spacer(s) from a first side of the seal cavity to an opposing, second side of the seal cavity to provide a new sealing location for the new radial seal. Thus, the method also includes securing the cover adjacent to the new radial seal.