Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a generator or turbine component using a laser ablation technique. The method includes programming a controller coupled to a laser source for controlling the laser source to perform laser ablation. A laser beam is directed at a generator or turbine component surface for vaporizing surface contaminants and coatings deposited on the generator or turbine component surface without changing material properties of said generator or turbine component. A computer system having a processor and a database is communicatively coupled to the controller. The database is loaded with turbine or generator component data and corresponding laser power related data for ablating surface contaminants and coatings from respective components.

Abstract: A laser-based cleaning system for cleaning generator and turbine parts. In one aspect, the invention includes a system for cleaning blades of a turbine rotor assembly, comprising: a laser positioned remotely from the turbine rotor assembly for generating a laser signal; a laser workhead that receives the laser signal via an optical fiber, wherein the laser workhead is positionable proximate a blade in the turbine rotor assembly and can deliver a laser beam onto a surface of the blade to cause a cleaning of the blade; and a vacuum system for vacuuming debris created by the cleaning.

Abstract: A laser-based cleaning system for cleaning generator and turbine parts. In one aspect, the invention includes a system for cleaning blades of a turbine rotor assembly, comprising: a laser positioned remotely from the turbine rotor assembly for generating a laser signal; a laser workhead that receives the laser signal via an optical fiber, wherein the laser workhead is positionable proximate a blade in the turbine rotor assembly and can deliver a laser beam onto a surface of the blade to cause a cleaning of the blade; and a vacuum system for vacuuming debris created by the cleaning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a generator or turbine component using a laser ablation technique. The method includes programming a controller coupled to a laser source for controlling the laser source to perform laser ablation. A laser beam is directed at a generator or turbine component surface for vaporizing surface contaminants and coatings deposited on the generator or turbine component surface without changing material properties of said generator or turbine component. A computer system having a processor and a database is communicatively coupled to the controller. The database is loaded with turbine or generator component data and corresponding laser power related data for ablating surface contaminants and coatings from respective components.