Gas Turbine Radial Clearance Inspection — Italy
PSPP provided independent inspection support for the final radial clearance verification of a large industrial gas turbine at a manufacturing facility in Italy. The assignment covered both compressor and turbine blade clearance measurements prior to preparation of the unit for shipment.
- 1
- Industrial gas turbine inspected
- 2
- Compressor and turbine sections verified
- 2
- Detailed radial-clearance test reports reviewed
- 1 day
- On-site inspection duration
The Challenge
Radial clearances are critical to the safe and efficient operation of gas turbines because insufficient or excessive spacing may affect rotating-component integrity, thermal expansion behaviour and operational performance. The inspection required accurate measurements at designated locations using calibrated and traceable instruments while the machine was in its final assembled condition.
Scope & Approach
PSPP witnessed the final radial clearance inspection of one industrial gas turbine unit. Before measurements began, the identification, calibration validity and traceability of the measuring equipment were verified. Compressor radial clearances were measured through designated casing access points using a calibrated radial-clearance micrometer. The instrument was zeroed and checked against certified reference standards before use and rechecked throughout the measurement process. Turbine blade radial clearances were verified using calibrated feeler gauges of appropriate thickness. Measurements were taken at specified locations between the rotating blade tips and the corresponding stationary components in accordance with the applicable manufacturer drawings and measurement maps. The inspection covered the designated measurement points in both the compressor and turbine sections. Recorded readings were reviewed against the manufacturer's specified acceptance limits, and the related inspection sheets and technical test reports were examined.
The Outcome
The required compressor and turbine radial-clearance measurements were witnessed and documented as part of the final mechanical verification of the assembled gas turbine. The recorded results and the manufacturer's technical disposition were reviewed against the applicable project requirements before the unit proceeded to the next stage of preparation.
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