The ultrasonic inspection of rotors from the bore using an automated ultrasonic inspection system

Comprehensive life extension services have been developed by turbine generator manufacturers, including Parsons, to assure the integrity and maximise the safe life of turbine plant. The life assessment comprises a thorough nondestructive and metallurgical examination of critical components in conjunction with a stress analysis using lower bound material properties. In addition a complete rehabilitation and retro-fitting service is also offered for the repair and upgrading of turbine plant. The ultrasonic inspection of rotors from the bore by PRIES (Parsons Rotor Inspection and Evaluation System), a fully automatic computer controlled inspection system, is one part of this service. The EPRI NDE Centre has completed an independent evaluation of test data collected by the system on bore blocks containing artificial and natural defects. Results show the detection rates to be among the highest achievable, together with a high degree of positional and sizing accuracy