Operational evaluation of patch repaired combustion gas turbine transition pieces

Abstract

The escalating cost and high lead time of combustion (combustion baskets and transition pieces) and hot gas path (turbine vane segments and blades) components are the primary concerns to the operation of most utilities. To reduce maintenance cost and increase availability of the gas turbines, Saudi Consolidated Electric Company (SCECO‐East) engaged in a recycling programme by refurbishing the combustion and hot gas path components. In most instances, satisfactory results have been achieved by refurbishment. However, when standard refurbishment repair was applied to some combustion gas turbines (CGT) transition pieces, results have been less than satisfactory. Transition pieces would prematurely crack extensively between 800‐3,000 hours. ln co‐operation with a repair facility, extensive research was conducted to determine the transition piece failure mode and find an alternative solution that could extend the life of transition pieces. Highlights SCECO‐East’s successful patch repair technique of transition pieces while still maintaining refurbished costs to a minimum.

Citation

Misseijer, R.C., Thabit, T.I. and Mattheij, J.H.G. (1996), "Operational evaluation of patch repaired combustion gas turbine transition pieces", Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 59-70. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552519610153607