Turbine component tracking system

• US 7,698,030 B2
• Filed: 09/24/2003
• Issued: 04/13/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens Energy Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Siemens Energy Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Martin, Richard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Keith; Jack W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PIPALA, EDWARD J
• Application Number:
  US10/669,862
• Publication Number:
  US 20050085989A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,393 Days
• Field of Search: 701/100, 701/29, 701/30, 701/99, 701/34, 701/35, 731/12, 702182-184, 702187-188, 702/34, 702/35, 702/33, 700/115, 700/215
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: F01D 5/005 Repairing methods or devices
• CPC Class Codes: F05D 2230/80 Repairing, retrofitting or upgrading methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders

Abstract

A turbine component tracking system is provided. The turbine component tracking system is advantageously adapted to determine the remaining life of individual turbine components based on how and where they are used as well as if and how they are repaired. The turbine system is also advantageously adapted to track and analyze design, manufacturing and repair changes or modifications performed on turbine components.

Claims

1. A method of tracking turbine components, comprising:

marking a plurality of turbine components with indicia applied to a surface of the components;

placing the marked turbine components in a plurality of turbines;

operating the turbines;

obtaining operation data from the turbines via at least one turbine control system;

uploading the operation data from the turbine control systems to a central processing station; and

using the uploaded data at the central processing station to track desired aspects of the marked turbine components, wherein the marking identifies a material composition from which at least a portion of the turbine component was manufactured.

2. A method of tracking turbine components, comprising:

marking a plurality of turbine components with indicia applied to a surface of the components;

placing the marked turbine components in a plurality of turbines;

operating the turbines;

obtaining operation data from the turbines via at least one turbine control system;

uploading the operation data from the turbine control systems to a central processing station; and

using the uploaded data at the central processing station to track desired aspects of the marked turbine components, wherein the marking identifies a manufacturing step from which at least a portion of the turbine component was manufactured.