A relief hole in the gland seal housing of a turbine shaft was leaking.

The 1/2" vent hole - located on the bottom of the spool piece - penetrated the seal cover, acted as relief for the labyrinth seal, and drained condensation from the inner shell of the gland seal housing.

Possible seal/shell deterioration was causing steam to leak through the seals and vent through the relief hole. The gland seal was situated between concrete support tiers on either side of the turbine and governor bearing house, and the turbine shell on each end of the gland seal housing.

Team engineers constructed a clamp with cables to pull the clamp into position. A tapered plug welded to the clamp was situated over the relief hole and injected with Team sealant.

The leak was completely contained.