Acoustic-emission monitoring of steam turbines. Final report
The objective of this project was to develop a method for the on-line detection of crack growth in steam turbine rotors based on acoutic emission (AE) monitoring. This required a considerable extension of conventional techniques because of the high levels of background noise and the inaccessibility of the rotor for optimum transducer placement. A systematic study involving a number of tasks was performed to evaluate the potential for the detection and correct identification of crack growth AE signals during various turbine operating conditions. These included acoustic wave propagation and attenuation measurements, backgrouns noise characterization, laboratory rotor material tests, monitoring equipment optimization, dynamic stress analysis of the rotor under transient operation and on-line source location and signal characterization. No crack growth was detected during the monitoring periods but there was sufficient information from the combined tasks to estimate the flaw growth detectability during different operating conditions if it occurs. The experience also suggests that AE monitoring can be useful for diagnosis of other turbine problems such as blade rubbing, out-of-balance condition, bearing deterioration, lubricating oil contamination and perhaps boiler exfoliation and blade erosion.
- Research Organization:
- Rockwell International Corp., Canoga Park, CA (USA). Energy Systems Group; Rockwell International Corp., Thousand Oaks, CA (USA). Science Center
- OSTI ID:
- 5139067
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-CS-2367; ON: DE82904663
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
200104* -- Fossil-Fueled Power Plants-- Components
42 ENGINEERING
420500 -- Engineering-- Materials Testing
ACOUSTIC EMISSION TESTING
ACOUSTIC TESTING
BEARINGS
CRACKS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
FAILURES
MACHINE PARTS
MACHINERY
MATERIALS TESTING
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
ON-LINE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
ON-LINE SYSTEMS
SHAFTS
STEAM TURBINES
STRESS ANALYSIS
TESTING
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY