Assessing and repairing damage on hydro wheels
- Hydro Y.E.S., Ferndale, WA (United States)
Cavitation, corrosion, and erosion can all cause significant damage to hydro-turbine runners or pump impellers. It's important to assess damage to identify all possible problems, and then select the most effective repair solution. The runners on hydroturbines or the impellers on pumps are major components of hydro plants. If these parts of the hydro unit are experiencing problems, the efficient operation of the entire plant can be affected. Runners and impellers degrade, suffer local damage, and may be forced into less than full-range operation. Consequently, operations and maintenance staff at hydro plants should continually monitor runner or impeller performance, analyze how damage is occurring, and assess what can be done to relieve future similar (or worse) problems. When damage to a runner or impeller becomes evident, the most effective maintenance plan is a simple two-step approach: (1) complete a careful assessment of the damage; and (2) choose the most effective method of repair or modification, and proceed. The ultimate goal of this two-step assessment and repair process is to reduce maintenance to a minimum routine, acceptable level.
- OSTI ID:
- 5698658
- Journal Information:
- Hydro Review; (United States), Journal Name: Hydro Review; (United States) Vol. 11:5; ISSN HYREE8; ISSN 0884-0385
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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