Advanced Technology and Innovative NDE Methods for Turbine,Generator, and Combustion Turbine Component Inspections

摘要

Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) is an important tool to ensure the integrity of turbine generator and combustion turbine components in power plants throughout their life cycle. However, conventional NDE methods are often challenged by performance upgrade packages and new component configurations introduced by equipment manufacturers. This paper will discuss these inspection challenges and several new NDE solutions including acoustic thermography, ultrasonic phased array, highly sophisticated mechanical scanners, advanced software, high temperature video inspection technology, and a simple but innovative condition assessment tool. In addition, the advancements in NDE technology require that personnel have a technical understanding beyond the requirements for a typical Level II NDE inspector. To assure NDE personnel have the necessary expertise to effectively deploy new technology requires the implementation of more aggressive training and certification programs. A combination of 3-D computer modeling, accurate component mock-ups and performance demonstrations are recommended so that the equipment, procedures and personnel are qualified to perform the examination.