Early detection and diagnosis of overheating problems in turbine generators by instrumental chemical analysis

Overheating problems within turbine generators if undetected can lead to catastrophic failures associated with long and costly outages. Instrumental chemical analysis methods used to detect and diagnose these hot spots are described. The Core Monitor, gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer have been applied to the analysis of the generator hydrogen coolant. By determining the concentration and type of organic thermal decomposition products in the hydrogen, the extent and possible location of the problem can be diagnosed.