Maintenance objectives & strategies
Like any machine, every steam turbine is subject to wear and aging processes. Thus, the aim of all maintenance is to determine and assess the condition of a machine through regular maintenance and repair measures and to avoid wear and aging processes which leads to failures.The figure shows that the initial state can be restored by regular maintenance. In addition, due to advanced technological / design improvements can increase the design life expectancy above the initial condition.
Inspection & overhaul schedule
Through FlexLTP the turbine-opening at 50,000 equivalent operating hours (EOH) can be avoided since the turbine condition can be predicted via daily monitoring. This means no full overhaul within 100,000 EOH (up to 12 years).
Inspection & overhaul scope
Inspection
Monitoring and re-adjustment of all functions of the monitoring, safety and protection equipment. Opening of the turbine housing not necessary.
Minor Overhaul
In addition to the inspection‘s scope of work, during the minor overhaul further testings but also necessary replacements are executed. Opening of the turbine housing not necessary.
Major Overhaul
Additional to the scope of inspection and minor overhaul, during the major overhaul the turbine is examined in dismantled condition. Opening of the turbine housing necessary.
Preparations
Approximately 18 months in advance, a meeting with a Siemens Energy service engineer is necessary to clarify the following scope of work under consideration of plant observations, operating behaviour and EOH:
- Nature and extend of the overhaul
- Available and required spare parts
- Opportunities of upgrading
- Time schedule and resources
Benefits
By utilization of an optimized maintenance strategy the following benefits can be ensured:
- Reduction of failure downtime
- Prevention of forced outages
- Optimization of operating costs
- Extension of equipment failure
- Enhanced availability and reliability
- Highes profitability
