Gas-fired turbines coupled to electric generators are expected to provide more than 60 percent of U.S. electric power demands over the next few decades. Argonne researchers have developed technologies to enable the reliable operation of high-temperature ceramic materials that improve turbine efficiency, lower exhaust emissions and enhance turbine lifetimes.
Reliability is a key concern because unscheduled shutdowns are costly.
NDE methods include thermal imaging, acoustic resonance, air-coupled ultrasound and laser backscatter methods. Ceramic-component makers are taking advantages of these techniques to evaluate reliability in each processing stage because detecting faults early saves time and costs. Ceramic liners are being developed for gas combustion chambers, and Argonne tests these components. The liners are laminated cloth seamed together into belts that are 0.12 inches thick, eight to 12 inches wide and up to 30 inches in diameter. NDE techniques can detect faults or flaws in the layers or seams that can change mechanical and thermal properties before the liners are used in turbines.