Abstract: An optical imaging and processing system includes an optical element and a processor configured to process the plurality of image frames to generate a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the turbine component interior. The system may also include a display coupled to the processor to display the three-dimensional model. An operator may view and analyze the three-dimensional model on the display for defects. The processor may further be configured to automatically navigate the three-dimensional model to determine defects within the turbine component interior. The system may also include a repositioning device configured to reposition the optical element such that the optical element may capture the plurality of image frames from multiple vantage points within the turbine component interior.

Abstract: An optical imaging and processing system includes an optical element and a processor configured to process the plurality of image frames to generate a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the turbine component interior. The system may also include a display coupled to the processor to display the three-dimensional model. An operator may view and analyze the three-dimensional model on the display for defects. The processor may further be configured to automatically navigate the three-dimensional model to determine defects within the turbine component interior. The system may also include a repositioning device configured to reposition the optical element such that the optical element may capture the plurality of image frames from multiple vantage points within the turbine component interior.

Abstract: An optical imaging and processing system includes an optical connection and an optical element disposed at a first end of the optical connection. The first end of the optical connection is configured to extend into a turbine component interior such that the optical element is disposed within the turbine component interior. The system also includes a photodiode array disposed at a second end of the optical connection, where the optical element is configured to transmit a video stream of the turbine component interior to the photodiode array as the optical element is moved within the turbine component interior between multiple vantage points. The system also includes a processor coupled to the photodiode array, wherein the processor is configured to process the video stream to generate a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the turbine component interior without utilizing a previously defined three-dimensional model input of the turbine component interior.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for enhanced tip-tracking and navigation of visual inspection devices includes a visual inspection device. The system further includes a plurality of spatially sensitive fibers. The system includes a computing device. The computing device includes a memory device and a processor. The system includes a storage device. The storage device includes an engineering model representing the physical asset. The computing device is configured receive an insertion location from the visual inspection device. The computing device is configured to receive fiber information associated with the visual inspection device. The computing device is configured to determine the real-time location of the visual inspection device using the fiber information. The computing device is configured to identify the real-time location of the visual inspection device with respect to the engineering model.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring, in real time, a gap between a rotating portion and a stationary portion of a machine. The monitoring system includes an imaging device for forming a reference image of the gap and one or more next images of the gap, the imaging device including a portion disposed within the machine and a portion external to the machine. The system also includes an image processor coupled to the imaging device configured to monitor whether the gap is increasing or decreasing by comparing the reference image to the one or more next images.

Abstract: An optical imaging and processing system includes an optical connection and an optical element disposed at a first end of the optical connection. The first end of the optical connection is configured to extend into a turbine component interior such that the optical element is disposed within the turbine component interior. The system also includes a photodiode array disposed at a second end of the optical connection, where the optical element is configured to transmit a video stream of the turbine component interior to the photodiode array as the optical element is moved within the turbine component interior between multiple vantage points. The system also includes a processor coupled to the photodiode array, wherein the processor is configured to process the video stream to generate a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the turbine component interior without utilizing a previously defined three-dimensional model input of the turbine component interior.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to a system and method for evaluating opportunities to extend operating durations. A system according to the present disclosure can include: a computing device in communication with a machine amongst a plurality of machines within a machine system, the machine being subject to a particular operating duration, wherein the computing device is configured to perform actions including: examining operating data for the machine; modeling future performance data for the machine; calculating an operating duration extension risk for the machine; determining whether the machine is eligible for an operating duration extension based on the examined operating data, the modeled future performance data, and the calculated operating duration extension risk; and calculating an extension readiness metric for the machine in response to the machine being eligible for the operating duration extension.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for enhanced tip-tracking and navigation of visual inspection devices includes a visual inspection device. The system further includes a plurality of spatially sensitive fibers. The system includes a computing device. The computing device includes a memory device and a processor. The system includes a storage device. The storage device includes an engineering model representing the physical asset. The computing device is configured receive an insertion location from the visual inspection device. The computing device is configured to receive fiber information associated with the visual inspection device. The computing device is configured to determine the real-time location of the visual inspection device using the fiber information. The computing device is configured to identify the real-time location of the visual inspection device with respect to the engineering model.

Abstract: A method for extending a service life of a gas turbine component includes identifying the service life for the component and comparing a characteristic of the component to a predetermined departure parameter. The method further includes refurbishing the component to a predetermined specification if the characteristic of the component satisfies the predetermined departure parameter and establishing an extended service life for the component.

Abstract: A nozzle for a turbine system is disclosed. The nozzle includes an airfoil, an inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall. The airfoil includes exterior surface defining a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The airfoil further defines a tip and a root. The inner sidewall is connected to the airfoil at the tip. The outer sidewall is connected to the airfoil at the root. The inner sidewall and outer sidewall each includes a peripheral edge defining a pressure side slash face, a suction side slash face, a leading edge face, and a trailing edge face. At least one of the inner sidewall pressure side slash face, the inner sidewall suction side slash face, the outer sidewall pressure side slash face, or the outer sidewall suction side slash face has a generally curvilinear profile.

Abstract: A measurement system measures a gap between a plurality of rotating bucket tips and a stationary shroud surface. The system includes a sensor secured to the shroud surface, where the sensor senses a distance between each of the rotating bucket tips and the shroud surface, and a key phasor indexing each of the plurality of rotating bucket tips. A processor receives data from the sensor and the key phasor and calculates a shift against each of the plurality of buckets. The processor determines a time to bucket replacement based on current service hours of the plurality of rotating buckets tips.

Abstract: A method and a system for analysis of turbomachinery are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a request initiation system configured to initiate a departure request for a turbomachinery. The system further includes a commercial screening system configured to receive the departure request and to derive a commercial evaluation based on the departure request. The system also includes a technical evaluation system configured to derive a technical evaluation profile based on the departure request. The system additionally includes a request acceptance system configured to derive at maintenance action based on the commercial evaluation and the technical evaluation profile, wherein the technical evaluation profile comprises a technical analysis of the turbomachinery.

Abstract: A combustor includes a combustion chamber and an interior wall circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the combustion chamber and defining an exterior surface. A plurality of turbulators are on the exterior surface. The combustor further includes means for preferentially directing fluid flow across a predetermined position of the turbulators. A method for cooling a combustion chamber includes locating a plurality of turbulators to an exterior surface of the combustion chamber and preferentially directing fluid flow across a predetermined position of the plurality of turbulators.

Abstract: A combustor includes a combustion chamber and an interior wall circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the combustion chamber and defining an exterior surface. A plurality of turbulators are on the exterior surface. The combustor further includes means for preferentially directing fluid flow across a predetermined position of the turbulators. A method for cooling a combustion chamber includes locating a plurality of turbulators to an exterior surface of the combustion chamber and preferentially directing fluid flow across a predetermined position of the plurality of turbulators.

Abstract: A combustor includes a combustion chamber and an interior wall circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the combustion chamber and defining an exterior surface. A plurality of turbulators are on the exterior surface. The combustor further includes means for preferentially directing fluid flow across a predetermined position of the turbulators. A method for cooling a combustion chamber includes locating a plurality of turbulators to an exterior surface of the combustion chamber and preferentially directing fluid flow across a predetermined position of the plurality of turbulators.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring, in real time, a gap between a rotating portion and a stationary portion of a machine. The monitoring system includes an imaging device for forming a reference image of the gap and one or more next images of the gap, the imaging device including a portion disposed within the machine and a portion external to the machine. The system also includes an image processor coupled to the imaging device configured to monitor whether the gap is increasing or decreasing by comparing the reference image to the one or more next images.

Abstract: A measurement system measures a gap between a plurality of rotating bucket tips and a stationary shroud surface. The system includes a sensor secured to the shroud surface, where the sensor senses a distance between each of the rotating bucket tips and the shroud surface, and a key phasor indexing each of the plurality of rotating bucket tips. A processor receives data from the sensor and the key phasor and calculates a shift against each of the plurality of buckets. The processor determines a time to bucket replacement based on current service hours of the plurality of rotating buckets tips.

Abstract: A combustor includes a combustion chamber and an interior wall circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the combustion chamber and defining an exterior surface. A plurality of turbulators are on the exterior surface. The combustor further includes means for preferentially directing fluid flow across a predetermined position of the turbulators. A method for cooling a combustion chamber includes locating a plurality of turbulators to an exterior surface of the combustion chamber and preferentially directing fluid flow across a predetermined position of the plurality of turbulators.