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Non-destructive testing
of rotors from the bore
Alstom offers comprehensive non-destructive
testing of rotors from the
bore during steam turbine
outages. This allows any
potential flaws to be identified over the length of the
bore. Repairs can then be
made to ensure safe
operation of the rotor.
Early forging techniques used to form rotors have been largely superseded by modern
methods. Previously it was necessary to bore an axial hole through the centre of the
rotor to remove any inclusions that may have formed.
The rotor bore experiences high stress levels in operation. In 1974 a 275MW IP/LP unit
suffered a catastrophic failure due to a crack initiating near the rotor bore surface.
This failure could have been prevented if the crack had been detected and suitable
repairs made.
ALSTOMS SOLUTION
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
Proven technique
The borescanner uses a dedicated docking station which attaches magnetically to the
rotor. Once in place, the scanner is pushed to the far end of the rotor bore to begin the
scan. An indexed motor then gives accurate scanning control as the scanner is pulled
back towards the docking station. This arrangement allows for a smaller docking
station than a front loading design.
TPW/BPROS/NDTRB/eng/STM/03.13/CH/7806 ALSTOM 2013. All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is indicative only. No representation
or warranty is given or should be relied on that it is complete or correct or will apply to any particular project. This will depend on the technical and commercial
circumstances. It is provided without liability and is subject to change without notice. Reproduction, use or disclosure to third parties, without express written
authority, is strictly prohibited. Alstom contributes to the protection of the environment. This leaflet is printed on environmentally-friendly paper.
< 15m
Bore
70-300mm
Number of diameters*
The data is immediately displayed and recorded for analysis. It can also be stored for
future comparison, or form part of a Turbine Lifetime Assessment.
<2 hours
Axial speed
1m/hour
Passes required
An assessment report is included in the inspection package. The discovery of any defect
gives the opportunity for repair, thus increasing the life of the rotor and preventing an
unplanned (and potentially dangerous) outage.
REFERENCES
Since 2008, Alstom has tested numerous rotors using an automated borescanner.
TPW/BPROS/NDTRB/eng/STM/11.12/CH/7806 ALSTOM 2013. All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is indicative only. No representation
or warranty is given or should be relied on that it is complete or correct or will apply to any particular project. This will depend on the technical and commercial
circumstances. It is provided without liability and is subject to change without notice. Reproduction, use or disclosure to third parties, without express written
authority, is strictly prohibited. Alstom contributes to the protection of the environment. This leaflet is printed on environmentally-friendly paper.