Automated stator insulation flaw inspection tool and method of operation
First Claim
1. An electrical generator inspection system for detecting insulation breakdown axially between two or more adjacent laminates of a generator stator core comprising:
- a track supported by and spaced from the generator stator core and generally shaped to approximately conform to at least a portion of the axial profile of the generator stator core;
a carriage that rides along and is supported by the track between the track and the generator stator core;
an electromagnetic detector for identifying eddy currents flowing between laminates in the stator core, said electromagnetic detector being supported by said carriage between the carriage and the generator stator core; and
drive means for remotely moving the carriage along the track.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automated tool for performing an EL CID inspection of the step iron region of a generator stator that can be employed with the rotor in place. The tool has a track that is axially cantilevered at one end and supported magnetically within a stator slot adjacent the region to be monitored. The track has a smoothly rounded contour that approximately conforms to the profile of the stator step region. A carriage carrying a pickup coil is slideably mounted on the track and is driven back and forth along the track over the area to be inspected by a remotely-operated drive system. A video camera is mounted on the track and provides a remote visual indication of the location of the carriage relative to the stator.
30 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. An electrical generator inspection system for detecting insulation breakdown axially between two or more adjacent laminates of a generator stator core comprising:
-
a track supported by and spaced from the generator stator core and generally shaped to approximately conform to at least a portion of the axial profile of the generator stator core;
a carriage that rides along and is supported by the track between the track and the generator stator core;
an electromagnetic detector for identifying eddy currents flowing between laminates in the stator core, said electromagnetic detector being supported by said carriage between the carriage and the generator stator core; and
drive means for remotely moving the carriage along the track. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A method of inspection a generator stator core comprising the steps of:
-
supporting and spaced from a generator stator core slot a track that has a smooth contour that generally conforms to the axial contour of a step iron region of the generator, axially over the step iron region;
remotely moving a carriage having an electromagnetic detector positioned between the carriage and the stator core, along the track over the step iron region of the generator; and
remotely monitoring the position of the carriage and an output of the electromagnetic detector. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification