Rotor Lifetime Extension Inspection Services

Case Studies

In recent years, major gas turbine original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) have issued technical bulletins announcing their official position on rotor "end of life," stated in terms of maximum allowable factored hours and starts. However, none of these documents have offered any technical basis for the published limits. Turbine owners operating close to or past these limits have recognized the need to "re-qualify" rotors for further service through rigorous inspection, and Eta Technologies LLC (Eta Tech) has answered the call!

Eta Tech has worked with other service providers to develop an extremely sensitive, state-of-the-art inspection protocol which thoroughly inspects critical rotor components for surface and subsurface defects, as well as for metallurgical and dimensional integrity. Acting as prime contractor, Eta Tech has recently inspected and re-qualified two (2) Frame 7C turbine rotors and one (1) W501B6 turbine and compressor rotor. Through analysis and inspection, these rotors were successfully and safely returned to service, avoiding the major capital expenditure required for a new rotor.