Chapter 2 Maintenance of turbines

Introduction:
Gas turbines are a common sight in distributed energy applications. Driven by the ever-increasing need for
higher peak loads in utilities, facility operators have found it necessary to ensure peak performance of gas
turbines. One way of ensuring efficient performance of the gas turbine is regular maintenance.

The gas turbine may have a simple operating principle, but the equipment comprises of highly
specialized components. In addition, these components have extremely fine tolerance of
operation. There is an even bigger challenge within the turbine. GT components operate under
extremely high temperatures. Today, we have turbines operating at inlet temperatures of 1300
°C and above.

This is coupled by the presence of corrosive gases and elevated stress levels. Maintenance is about
fighting the challenges created by this harsh environment.

The total maintenance:-

The total maintenance for turbines is in the winter season because the electricity consumption
decreases in comparison with summer season.

Before the start of total maintenance, all mechanical and electrical devices must be isolated to
prevent any risk during maintenance.

The first step of maintenance is washing the unit and cleaning the cover from dirt and dust as
shown in fig.2.1.
 FIG.2.1. cleaning the cover from dirt and dust

After cleaning, the top cover is removed by the hook as shown in fig.2.2.
 FIG.2.2. removing the top cover.

The next step is the disassembly of air ducts. The fig. 2.3 show the air ducts.

FIG.2.3. the air ducts.

ALSO THE FUEL NOZZLE ARE DISASSEMBLIED AS SHOWN IN FIG.2.4.

 Fig.2.4 fuel nozzles.

The doors of the combustion chambers are also removed to disassembly the combustion chamber as
shown in Fig.2.5, 2.6 and 2.7.

Fig.2.5 The doors of the combustion chambers

Fig.2.5 The liner
 Fig.2.7 The combustion chamber

The transition pieces which are responsible for transporting the combustion output in the lining to the
turbine blades are then disassembled as shown in Fig.2.8.

Fig.2.8 The transition pieces.

Next the top cover of the turbine, which holds the combustion chambers and blades of the fixed rows of
the turbine are disassembled as shown in Fig.2.9.

Fig.2.9 The turbine top cover