Life Assessment Technology for Combustion Turbine Blades

Abstract

Combustion turbine blades operating in the hot gas path are subject to degradation by embrittlement, creep, thermal fatigue, hot corrosion, and synergistic effects among the above. Development of techniques to assess the extent of degradation of the blades under these conditions can have a significant and favorable economic impact for the utility industry. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is currently engaged in a number of research activities aimed at the development of such techniques. This paper is an overview of the present and planned activities relating to life assessment technology for blades.

Eddy-Current Inspection of Cracking in Land-Based Gas Turbine Blades

“…Currently, gas temperatures at the combustor exit are around 1450 ºC, and combined cycle efficiencies of 50 percent have been achieved. Combustion turbine blades in the hot gas path are subject to degradation by creep, thermal fatigue, hot corrosion, and synergetic effects among the above [1,2]. Development of techniques to assess the extent of degradation of the blades under these conditions can have a significant and favorable economic impact for the utilities.…”