Quantifiable Crack Detection in Newly Installed Pelton Turbine

Abstract

The ability to detect surface and sub-surface flaw in its early stages will lessen the probability of catastrophic failure in Hydropower Plants, and provide a safer and more reliable working environment for both operating staffs and expensive equipments. Condition monitoring is very critical as the hydropower generation is utterly dependent on the condition of the turbine. The costly equipment constraint exemplify the importance of early crack detection and repair and, if necessary, the determination of the optimal time to replace. The discovery of crack will limit the possibility of a catastrophic failure while optimizing resource utilization and also allow maintenance personnal to effectively focus on condition monitoring technique. While our concern in this study was with pelton turbine, the research will also be useful to other hydropower Plants. This paper provides a background on magnetic particle testing (MPT), the non-destructive testing methodology used to detect the crack in Hydropower Plants under Druk Green with examples of crack detection.