Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
(This information is based on VGB-R 115 Me-. The text gives a general guide lines & may not have respective supplier's approval)
1.1 Scope
2.3 Summary
3 Types of Inspections
5 Inspection Strategy
6 Scheduling Strategy
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 2 of 26
8.1 Documentation
9 References
10 Appendix (Attachments 1 to 3)
1 Introduction
Economical operation of steam turbine plant is essentially determined by the thermal efficiency
and availability of the unit. In the past, a through inspection of the steam turbine-generator has
proved to be an important tool for ensuring optimum and reliable operation. To permit an overall
assessment of the condition of a steam turbine and its auxiliaries, an examination of the unit
after disassembly is required in addition to the usual running routines and special tests. Special
problems, e.g. crack initiation on highly stressed components, can normally be detected only
during a major inspection i.e. after disassembly of the components.
These recommendations contain guidelines for inspection scheduling which vary according to
the type of turbine, mode of operation, application and life expenditure of the unit.
1.1 Scope
- to determine the present condition of the unit, and together and evaluate service
experience.
- To rectify deficiencies
- To improve the availability and economics during the next service period
- To obtain information for assessing the remaining life and thus the requirement for future
inspection.
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 3 of 26
- Maloperation
- life expenditure,
Time-independent influences are mostly due to human failures. They depend on the knowledge,
skill, experience and diligence of the manufacturers and owners. It is known from experience
that these influences become effective during initial operation after the inspection and must be
anticipated in case of new developments.
Time-dependent influences are due to the stressing of individual components during the service
time of the unit, especially as a result of start-up and shutdown procedure, load changes and
special modes of operation or operation at off-normal condition.
They causes were and tear, and in the long run they are responsible for changes in the material
leading to zero life expectancy
It is therefore a recommended to schedule inspections over the predicted service time on the
number of starts. The following relation defines equivalent operating hours.
Where
Ns =number of starts, without differentiating between hot starts and cold starts
If a unit is operated according to the principles of the Thermal Behavior of steam turbines and in
conformity with the instruction supplied by the manufacturer. it is normally not necessary to
consider any life expectancy problems when scheduling an inspection during the initial100 000
equivalent operating hours. Apart from the actual operating hours, frequent starts during this
period may, however. be the initiating causes of impending, detrimental changes resulting in the
need for an inspection
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 4 of 26
After completion of the first 100 000 equivalent operating hours, problems of material fatigue
and remaining life expectancy are likely to gain significance from now on, these influences must
be consideration when scheduling an inspection. There is a need for detailed discussions with
the manufacturer
The inspection intervals have been considerably lengthened in the course of time for the
following reasons;
- The disassembly of parts in the hot steam path is often very difficult and can be
connected with high expenditure after approximately 50 000 equivalent operating hours.
- After approximately 50 000 equivalent operating hour, the initial stretch of high-
temperature joint bolts may have decreased to a level requiring retightening
- Fatigue and creep phenomena, such as crack initiation and distortion of diaphragms, do
not occur suddenly, such effects must be closely watched and measured over a prolonged
period of time for assessment of the remaining life expectancy.
- Insufficient experiences is still available for the range above 200 000 equivalent
operating hours. An assessment of the remaining life expectancy may be possible on the
basis of inspection findings. Since the operating records for the entire life of a unit are not
always available, an assessment by calculation is not always practicable.
A turbine is a system consisting of numerous parts. Even if the reliability of the individual
components is relatively high, the probability of the complete system increases with the
number of component parts
Phase 2: Main service period with mainly foreseeable and approximately constant were
and tear of highly stressed components
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 5 of 26
After the unit has completed a higher number of operating hours, the reliability obtained
by performing inspection is higher than without such inspections.
2.3 Summary
A basic inspection programme for the entire service life of the turbine taking into account
the above consideration is shown in figures
3 Types of Inspections
The scope of an inspection is determined by the requirements .Inspections are classified by type
into the following categories:
-Minor inspection
-Intermediate inspection
- Major inspection
-Module inspection
The primary objective is to prevent forced outage by systematic inspection and maintains.
Information is obtained on the possible scope of an “Intermediate Inspection” or of a “Major
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 6 of 26
Inspection” .
- Service experience
Detailed information is obtained on the possible scope of the next “Major Inspection”.
A “Major Inspection” is performed during a planned outage of the turbine-generator and permits
through checking and examination of all components. All casing are opened. The duration of the
outage depends on the rating and design of the turbine-generator, the scope of maintenances
work and the manpower allocation.
Additional details on the scope of components to be checked and work to be performed during
the various types of inspections are given on sheet 1 and 2 of attachment 1
Major inspection can also be performed in the form of inspection. Involving the opening of a
particular casing in each case. This is in fact a sectionalized opening of the turbine.
It is an essential requirement for module inspections that the inspection intervals recommended
for the different turbine sections should not be substantially exceeded.
Things are different in the case of duplicate turbine section operating under comparable
condition, enabling the condition of the particular turbine section to be inferred from that of the
other turbine sections
Module inspections can also be performed after occurrence of a failure or disturbance at the
turbine- generators, i.e. .by opening a particular turbine section.
The following principal procedure, identified by code letters, is available for testing steam
turbine-generator components. Details on their application are given in attachment 2
Functional Test 1
-Bore scope( rigid and flexible; Auxiliary equipment: TV camera, monitor, video
recorder)
-Microscope
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 7 of 26
-Eddy-current method
Ultrasonic Examination 4
Radiographic Examination 5
- X-ray
- Gamma-ray
Impact Test 7
Non-destructive Test 11
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 8 of 26
Hand spectroscope.
reduction of area
- Chemical analysis.
-X-ray goniometer.
Hydrostatic Test
14
The scope of tests should be agreed between the manufacturer and owner under due
consideration of experience available from comparable units and new finding derived from
failure. The manufacture should indicate highly stressed areas of the components requiring
examination.
The scope of tests should be agreed between the manufacturer and owner under due
consideration of experience available from comparable units and new findings derived from
failure. The manufacture should indicate highly stressed areas of the components requiring
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 9 of 26
examination.
The scope of tests should be specified in checklists, taking into account the type of turbine, the
mode of operation and the expended life of the machine.
The test results should be recorded and kept for the entire lifetime of the turbine( e.g. reports,
sketches, drawing, photographs, radiograph and recalculation records)
Planning for inspection should take into account the extra time and added expenses for the
tests. Moreover, the long inspection intervals make it necessary to include a considerably larger
numbers of parts in the test programmer than previously
5. Inspectional Strategy
In addition to the actual cost of the inspection, the unit unavailability is an essential factor. It is
determined by the duration of the outage due to disturbances or damage. Hence, lengthening
the inspection intervals is only useful if this does not result in a longer unavailability due to
forced outage.
A forced outage due to failure most likely result in a longer service interruption than a planned
outage for inspection. An outage due to failure always occurs unexpectedly. I.e. normally at an
unsuitable time.
- The need for inspection of associated larger components (steam generator/ generator)
- The literature.
The result are in-house inspections schedules (Attachment 3.1 and 3.2 ) in the form of a bar
chart for long-range planning or the loading schedule for short-range planning, showing the
duration and year of the inspection.
6 Scheduling Inspection
Planned inspections are scheduled on the basis of the inspection strategy. Unscheduled
inspection result from irregularities in the unit or from disturbances requiring a shutdown of the
unit.
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 10 of 26
There is a general interest in stretching the time between inspection, which are partly performed
at fixed and comparatively short intervals. However, it cannot be recommended to satisfy this
demand simply by lengthening the current periodic interval. Attempts should be made to attain a
higher flexibility in establishing periodic inspection intervals and to lengthen the service period
between inspections dependent on the unit.
In addition to taking into account the design and construction, the provision of monitoring and
safety equipment and the mode of operation, the operational performed of the unit and any
changes as compared to its normal condition must be considered.
In addition to the equivalent operating hours, the following criteria are available as tools when
making decisions dealing with inspection scheduling.
-Type of turbine
- Geared turbines.
Mode of operation
Continuous duty, off-nominal conditions, starting and loading mode, temperature transient and
resulting stresses, sliding- pressure/ fixes-pressure operation.
S Special Measurements
Heat consumption,
Distortion of foundation.
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 11 of 26
It is advisable to check the unit for impending deficiencies and possible warranty claims prior to
expiry of the warranty period.
Casings of new design, an agreement can be reached between the manufacture and the owner.
- Blade checked,
- Wear and tear and erosion-corrosion of internal components (e.g. sealing element, keys,
contact faces, casing)
Planning for the next major inspection is dictated by the past inspection findings and the result
of tests performed during the first major inspection.
If no serious problems are detected, the next major inspection should be performed after the
unit has completed approximately 100 000 equivalent operating hours.
An interval of approximately 50 000 equivalent operating hours between two major inspections
can be operating experiences available from comparable turbines indicate the need for short
intervals.
This service is approximately equal to an interval of three and coincides with the inspection
interval for the steam generator.
The inspection intervals indicated in section 6.1 are applicable on the condition that performed
monitoring and other specific measurement (e.g. efficiency, heat consumption or stage pressure
measurements) and the inspection findings reveal no irregularities.
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 12 of 26
the need for a prolonged outage, advancing a planned inspection of the complete unit should be
contemplated for economic consideration.
An unscheduled inspection may become necessary due to actual damage to the turbine-
generator or to a non-redundant plant components (steam generator, pressure vessel, unit
connected transformer, etc.).
In contact to an unscheduled inspection due to irregularities, which in most cases does not
necessitate an immediate shutdown of the turbine-generator actual damage requires an
immediate shutdown. If the time necessary for rectification of the damage results in a prolonged
outage of the turbines generator, a planned inspection can be performed sooner than scheduled.
It is the goal of inspection and overhaul planning to find a favorable time / cost ratio for a
defined scope of inspection work. This includes parts planning, implementation planning and
consideration of the necessary marginal conditions.
The spare parts considered necessary by agreement between the owner and the manufacturer
should be available in the number required for each unit prior to initial start-up.
- Probability of failure.
The spare parts must be stocked in such a way as to be protected against corrosion and damage
and to be easily found. Any parts removed from stock should be replaced in due time either by
ordering new parts or by reconditioning parts removed from the unit. In the event of the design
of the turbine-generator being changed, the spare parts should be examined suitability.
Approximately one year before the start of the inspection, the owner should inform the
manufacture about the scheduled inspection indicating it’s kind and duration. The work required
should be agreed upon during a meeting between the owner and the manufacturer, talking into
account the experience available from pervious inspection and from the inspection of similar
units.
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 13 of 26
The scope of inspection activities should be defined in detail on the basis of the owner’s/
operator’s observation and manufacturers schedules and lists of necessary work. In addition,
the following points should be clarified.
-Spare parts stocked by owner must be checked for completeness and condition. Missing or
unserviceable spare part must be ordered immediately.
-Availability of tools and fixtures; items available, items to be made available by the
manufacture.
The following requirements depend on the kind, duration and scope of the inspection;
- Owner and manufacturer should jointly prepare a preliminary manpower and capacity
schedule.
- Both the manufacturer and the owner should produce plans ensuring the availability of
the necessary workshop and machinery capacity.
- The mode of transport and the provision of transport facilities should be agreed upon
between the owner and the manufacturer
Not later than four months before the start of the inspection, a further consult ion should be
identify the following additional requirement for completion of planning activities
- The result of the measurements and other operating data recorded should be evaluated to
determine the need for additional inspection and overhaul activities.
- The required manpower qualification levels as well as the composition of the overhaul.
- A time schedule should be prepared for the entire inspection period ( bar chart, critical-
path chart, see Attachment 5.1 & 5.2). Note that dismantling without delay enables the
owner and the manufacturer to obtained the inspection finding at an early date and
facilities attending to unexpected damage.
- The authority of the turbine chief erector within the framework of the power station
organization should be defined before the start of the inspection.
All documents required for the inspection should be on hand before the start of the inspection
and overhaul.
If is recommended that owner and manufacturer should meet for an exchange of experience
information as soon as the turbine has been restarted.
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 14 of 26
Planning should include washrooms and locker rooms for outside contractor’s personnel as well
as an adequate number of toilets and spaces.
The availability of accommodation and catering facilities near the power station outside working
hours and of rooms for having meals at the power station should be determined.
Good lighting and electric power at the required supply voltages for the connection of the
necessary electrical appliances must be available.
Heating and welding equipment with an adequate supply of oxygen and gas cylinder must be
provided.
A cleaning contractor and a thermal insulation contractor should be informed about and
entrusted with the scope of work to be performed.
An allocation plan of the powerhouse indicating the permissible loads should be prepared and
handed over to manufacturer field supervisor before the start of the inspection.
It is recommended to set up a tool and material crib in the vicinity of the steam turbine-
generator in order to eliminate long distance.
Office and telephone facilities for manufacture’s field supervisor should be provide.
The working time regulation and the rules of conduct at job site must be handed over to all
persons concerned before the start of the inspection. The accident prevention rules must be put
out.
Lists of all ropes required and of all weights to be lifted should be available. It is advisable to
store all ropes in a proper manner in a single location. It is recommended to provide tags with
details of safe load capacity, description and length. Spreaders and ropes allowing for
adjustment length should be made available. After completion of the inspection, the ropes must
be restored to a serviceable from condition.
Racks, cases or containers for small items should be provide on the errection floor for
dismantled small items, such as, for instance, spring-loaded shaft glands, labyrinth seals, casing
and bearing insert rings, bolts, etc., in order to ensure an orderly lay-down of the parts and to
avoid confusion of parts manufacturer from different materials.
In some cases, it is advisable to provide a lockable container for the storage of special parts.
All-important special tools should be available in duplicate to prevent the loss of valuable time
for obtaining replacement.
Collecting pans and containers for the oil to be drained should be made available in adequate
number.
Materials for the detection of cracks by the liquid penetrate method solvents lubricants in paste
form, seal materials and shims of steel or brass should be made available.
An adequate number of planks, support beams and trestles should be made available and
checked for their usability before the start of the inspection.
After completion of the inspection all tools and appliances used must be checked for
completeness.
It should be ensured that an efficient nearby workshop will be available for use at any time.
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 15 of 26
The insurer should be informed in due time of the date and scope of the inspection. This will
enable the insurers to make recommendations for improvement of the unit components on the
basis of their accumulated failure and overhauled experience.
A number of useful tools and auxiliary materials ( see attachment 6) should be available
8.1 : Documentation
Execution of Inspection
Manpower and work schedules. Logging of each day’s activities, their sequence, and the
required number of working hours together with a statements of overall condition on the
basis of the operating data recorded.
Inspection Findings
Replacement Parts
Test records and factory assembly records for replacement parts and components
reconditioned at manufacturer’s works, materials test certificate.
Setting and testing of control, supervisory, safety and protective equipment, oil throttles,
oil pressures, shaft lift oil pressures.
Assembly Records
Plant Records
Drawing, piping diagrams, operating instruction, etc. should be checked for facture
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 16 of 26
Operating Records
Special Measurements
Costs
a) have been left in the condition as found due to the absence of deficiencies.
b) Have been replaced by spare parts( e.g. parts subject to wear and tear, such as
stems: normally small items which are usually kept on stock)
In case damaged components( e.g. casing with cracks) had to be left in the condition as found, it
should be decided whether the operating mode must be changed for continued operation of the
unit. This decision may result from;
- duration of repair,
i.e. condition of the damaged components must be controlled and documented necessary,
additional monitoring facilities should be provided. Any required spare parts should be
ordered
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 17 of 26
Shorting the between inspections is always recommended if there are indication of particular
components approaching zero remaining life expecincy although a replacement appears not
absolute necessary. Even if damage components can initially be left in the condition as found,
the previously established inspection intervals may not be retained.
Critical analysis of the procedure details of the replacement parts, dealys in repair of am aged
components, difficulties in procurement of material and tools.
The root causes of these problems must be identified and eliminated to prevent their recurrence
during the next inspection. Spare parts, consumables and auxiliary materials must be replaced
at the earliest possible date. This applies particularly to replacement parts with long delivery
times, unless their procurement is not justified for economic consideration and operational rest
icons are acceptable.
Is the task of the manufacturer to evaluate the experience gathered when the inspection is
completed by comparing the result with those obtained during inspection of duplicate or similar
units in order to established any facts that old true generally.
9.References
2) “Das thernische Verhalten von Dampfturbinen” ( The thermal behavior of steam turbines)
5) “Richtlinien fur interne ROHRLEITUNGEN DES Turbosatzes, soweit site brennbare Medien
6) VEB-Empfehlung “Anleitung zum uberwachen von Dampfturbinen durch Messes des inner
Wirkungsgrades” Vgb-r 118 m 1982 edition
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 18 of 26
10. Appendix
Attachment 1/sheet 1
0= As necessary, X =required
0 X X
0 X X
Inspect bearing housing and casing guides for
contamination (oil choking). If binding is
detected, remove clean overhauls keys.
0 X X
Examine sliding performance, remove and
overhaul lubrite plates inserted below bearing
housings.
- 0 X
x x X
Check spacer bolts at bearing housing and
casing brackets and, if required, correct
clearances.
0 x X
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 19 of 26
x x X
Attachment 1/sheet 2
Major Minor
Work required during inspection Intermediate
inspection inspection
Check shaft glands and labyrinth seals for were - 0 X
and oxide deposit. Examine springs of resilient
segment.
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 20 of 26
x x X
x x
Examine ear thing brush and contact face on
shaft.
X
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 21 of 26
0= as necessary x= required
Attachment 2/Sheet 1
2,3,9
Coupling Looseness of coupling 2 (4) 7 Also check for
halve Eccentricity possible damages
9 to bolt holes
Permanent deformation
9.11
Cracks
1.3
Erosion, corrosion 2
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 22 of 26
Internal defects
Deposits 2,11,12
Permanent deformation
2,9
Test procedure in parentheses should only be applied if preceding tests have revealed a
deficiency or if recommended by the manufacture.
Attachment 2/ sheet 2
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 23 of 26
bearing housings
Flange and joints bolts Permanent deformation 2,3,9(11) VGB-R 505 M
(4)
Mechanical damage 2,9
Deposits 2,12
Corrosion 2,3
Cavitation 2,3
Deposits 2,12
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 24 of 26
Test procedure in parentheses should only be applied if preceding tests have revealed a
deficiency or if recommended by the manufacture.
Attachment 2/sheet 3
Deposits 2,12
Corrosion 2.12
“Primarily at welds
Condenser heat exchangers Disturbed flow path 1,2 For instant
protective
Surface condition 2,(3),(10),(15) coating,
Cracks 2,(3),(12)
Leaks 2,14
Gear Tooth contact pattern 2,3,11
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 25 of 26
Deposits 2,12
Test procedure in parentheses should only be applied if preceding tests have revealed a
deficiency or if recommended by the manufacture.
Attachment 3
Surface grinder for machining all keys and shims to required size.
Lathe with magnetic faceplate and adequate length between centers for run out check of pump
shaft
Measuring taps
Special dial gauges with supports for gear and alignment checks
Cleaning brushes
Grinding pastes
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013
#2. Basic Consideration for the Inspection of steam turbines Page 26 of 26
Skids for rotors and facilities for on-site handling of heavy plant components
Suitable planks for covering joints of lower half turbine casing after opening wood blocks and
planks for setting down heavy machinery parts
http://www.bhelpswr.co.in/Technical/steam%20turbine%20inspection.htm 7/10/2013