VIDEO DEVICES IMPROVE TURBINE INSPECTION

摘要

Recently released remote inspection delivery devices are making it possible to look deep inside steam and combustion turbines to detect component damage without taking them apart. The devices, developed through the teamwork of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Texas Genco, a subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc., and Foster-Miller, Inc., can precisely deliver fiber optic video probes through narrow spaces and around tight corners to detect erosion, cracking, and other damage on hard-to-reach components. Periodic inspections of turbines provide information that can help guide maintenance and repair decisions. "The advantage of in situ inspection technology is that critical components may be accessed with minimal machine disassembly, reducing the cost and time normally required for conventional inspection techniques," EPRI project manager Paul Zayicek said. "The development and successful demonstration of these inspection delivery devices marks a significant step toward implementation of improved in situ inspection of steam turbine and combustion turbine internals."