Engine Condition Assessment Technology

Abstract

The OEM, using a set of planned maintenance schedules that are based upon running hours or inspections, has traditionally formulated gas turbine maintenance practice. This maintenance concept has been reasonably successful, but it fails to take into account the introduction of new technologies than can provide the operator with a more meaningful insight into the condition of the turbine, perhaps even in a prognostic manner. The application of computer based technology to gas turbine condition monitoring can provide a significant reduction in maintenance costs. At the same time, condition-monitoring technology can provide an improvement in reliability and availability by extending the maintenance intervals and reducing the number of unplanned outages. This paper will discuss the introduction of an integrated approach to gas turbine control and engine condition assessment. This integrated approach enables the control to turn engine data into useful information and knowledge that assists the operator with trouble shooting and maintenance condition assessments thus lowering the overall engine maintenance costs.