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Scanner helps Alstom reduce inspection times |
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 A new automatic scanner to detect cracks in the blade root fixings of steam turbine
discs has been developed for Alstom by Phoenix Inspection Systems.
The scanner will allow Alstom to replace manual inspections with the latest phased
array techniques, drastically reducing typical inspection times while at the
same time providing a permanent record of the results. It will be deployed at
power stations worldwide where Alstom power plants are installed.
The straddle root scanner will be used to test the root fixings of the disc where
the turbine blades are attached. In place of four conventional probes, it uses
one linear phased array probe, which is manipulated electronically to generate
the same angles. The scanner is driven around the disc by a
magnetic wheeled buggy, designed specially for the purpose by Alstom and fitted
with guides to prevent it from drifting offline.
Karl Quirk, managing director of Phoenix Inspection Systems, said: "Previously
the inspection had been performed manually and required multiple scans from
each side of the disc to cover each of the root steeples. Inspections can now
be carried out with a single pass from each side of the
disc and are further simplified by the fact that the radial scanning of the probe
is performed electronically, eliminating mechanical movement in this direction.
"The scanner reduces inspection times from six hours to 10 minutes per side. While
we have incorporated the latest technology, we have also stuck closely to the
design of the original scan, for example using the same angles. This makes it
more user-friendly for operators and also allows Alstom to maintain its
existing validation criteria."
The new system has been designed for rapid set-up and can be adapted to suit five
different types of Alstom rotors simply by changing parts on the buggy.
Alstom is a global leader in the development of power generation infrastructure
and its service arm provides testing and support services to ensure plant
safety and efficiency. Dr Roland Moser, Alstom's research and development
manager for inspection technologies, said: "We were looking for
a system that could help us to reduce inspection times and improve efficiency,
one that would be easy to deploy and would not require us to totally change our
existing procedures.
"The system developed by Phoenix fits the bill perfectly and shows Alstom's commitment
to maintaining our position at the forefront of NDT technology."
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