Tohoku Electric Power Develops Metal Inspection Equipment for Hydroelectric Power Plants
Improving the accuracy of inspections using ultrasonic waves and shortening the time required
The Tohoku Electric Power Group has developed a 3D-UT system that detects defects inside the metal of hydroelectric power plants. By combining 3D position data of the impeller in the water turbine with the conventional method using ultrasonic waves, aging deterioration and damage inside the metal can be grasped with high accuracy. We also introduced a program that automatically detects whether there is a defect, shortening the time required for judgment.
It was jointly developed by Tohoku Electric Power and its subsidiary Tohoku Power Generation Industry (Sendai City). Approximately 80% of Tohoku Electric Power's hydroelectric power plants have been operating for more than 60 years. There was a growing need for a highly accurate and efficient inspection method for deterioration and damage to the metal used in the blades of impellers.
Conventionally, workers would bring the measured data back to the office to check for damage, etc., but with the new system, analysis images are displayed on the device on the spot. The equipment incorporating the new system is smaller than before, and can be used even in small-scale hydroelectric power plants with an output of 1,000 to 10,000 kilowatts.
In the case of small-scale facilities, damage to the exterior of the impeller could be confirmed, but the space was limited and detailed inspection of the metal interior was difficult. The company believes that the introduction of the new equipment will enable detailed inspection of outdated hydroelectric power facilities, leading to a longer service life.
For the time being, it will be used for its own hydroelectric power generation facilities, but in the future it will also consider external sales to other electric power companies.
