Steam turbine plants are used in industry and in utility power plants in various ways to generate electrical energy, to drive compressors and pumps, and to provide costeffective heating or process steam at various pressure levels.
The turbine design data are determined by the specific requirements and needs of the different user groups. This means that the steam turbines have to be adapted to the process conditions of each specific application and that a differentiated approach to maintenance has to be adopted accordingly.
The prevailing economic boundary conditions of steam and electricity generation make great demands on the thermal efficiency and on the availability and reliability of steam turbine plants.
In the past, an inspection and overhaul strategy tailored to the specific plant has proved to be an important tool for ensuring optimal and reliable operation. To permit an overall assessment of the condition of steam turbines and their auxiliaries, a factfinding inspection after opening of plant components is required in addition to the usual monitoring routines, inspections and additional measurements.
These recommendations provide guidelines for scheduling inspections and overhauls, taking into account the type of turbine, the design, the monitoring and diagnostic equipment, the operation regime, the duty and the age of the unit.