POD of advanced ultrasonic inspection methods applied to the welded joints of hydraulic turbine runners

Hydro-Québec, as a major power generation company, uses models to estimate the service life of turbine runners so as to avoid unpredicted halts of power generation equipment. For these models, the location, the orientation and the size of welded joint flaws are some of the most influential inputs. Since ultrasonic testing (UT) methods have been found effective for the characterization of these flaws, it is important to quantitatively assess the reliability of these methods through probability of detection (POD) studies. However, experimental POD campaigns are excessively time and money consuming rapidly making them unaffordable and impractical. On the other hand, recent advances in our capabilities to accurately simulate non destructive testing (NDT) processes, enabled a new tool called MAPOD for “Model Assisted Probability of Detection”. This project aims at providing Hydro-Québec with a clear understanding on the performance of advanced ultrasonic inspection methods in the detection of harmful flaws that could impact the service life of their turbine runners.

Faculty Supervisor:

Martin Viens

Student:

Partner:

Institut de Recherche Hydro-Québec

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Utilities

University:

École de technologie supérieure

Program: