Turbine component tracking system

• US 8,352,117 B2
• Filed: 03/18/2010
• Issued: 01/08/2013
• 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): Algahaim, Helal A
• Application Number:
  US12/726,589
• Publication Number:
  US 20100169191A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,027 Days
• Field of Search: 701/29, 701/30, 701/99, 701/100, 702182-184, 702187-188, 731/12, 700/115, 700/215
• US Class Current: 701/29.6
• 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 turbine component tracking system, comprising:

a plurality of marked turbine components, wherein the marking on the turbine component identifies a material composition from which at least a portion of the turbine component was manufactured;

at least one turbine control system adapted to obtain operational data for the turbine components; and

a central processing station operatively connected to the at least one turbine control system and adapted to upload the operational data from the at least one turbine control system,

whereby desired turbine component specific information is determined and output by the central processing station for turbine component tracking purposes including the material composition from which the portion of the turbine component was manufactured.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the turbine components are marked with a bar code or a serial number.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of indicia are used to mark the turbine components.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the turbine control system is TXP control system.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the turbine control system continuously updates the operational data for each turbine component.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the central processing station is remotely located from the turbine control system.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the central processing station receives the operational data via electronic uploads from the internet.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of marked turbine components include turbine components for a plurality of turbines.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of marked turbine components include markings on a surface of the components.

10. A turbine component tracking system, comprising:

a plurality of marked turbine components, wherein the marking on the component identifies a manufacturing step from which at least a portion of the turbine component was manufactured;

at least one turbine control system adapted to obtain operational data for the turbine components; and

a central processing station operatively connected to the at least one turbine control system and adapted to upload the operational data from the at least one turbine control system,

whereby desired turbine component specific information is determined and output by the central processing station for turbine component tracking purposes including identifying a manufacturing step from which the portion of the turbine component was manufactured.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the turbine components are marked with a bar code or a serial number.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein a plurality of indicia are used to mark the turbine components.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the turbine control system is TXP control system.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the turbine control system continuously updates the operational data for each turbine component.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the central processing station is remotely located from the turbine control system.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the central processing station receives the operational data via electronic uploads from the internet.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of marked turbine components include turbine components for a plurality of turbines.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of marked turbine components include markings on a surface of the components.

19. A turbine component tracking system, comprising:

a plurality of marked turbine components, wherein the marking on the turbine component identifies a repair procedure that at least a portion of the turbine component underwent;

at least one turbine control system adapted to obtain operational data for the turbine components; and

a central processing station operatively connected to the at least one turbine control system and adapted to upload the operational data from the at least one turbine control system,

whereby desired turbine component specific information is determined and output by the central processing station for turbine component tracking purposes including the identification of the repair procedure that the portion of turbine component underwent.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the turbine components are marked with a bar code or a serial number.