Generator Maintenance, Repair & Inspection Seminar 2008

The next session of this seminar is to be conducted during August 2008 in St. Louis, MO. The exact date and specific hotel have not been determined. To be notified directly when this information becomes available please contact Sean McLenithan at 518-399-3616.

Seminar Outline

Introduction to Generators

How generators work. An overview of the components that make various generator designs; where components are located; what they look like; and how they function. How electricity is made and the role of components in this process.

Liquid Cooled Stators

Where leaks are found. An overview of stator leaks and problem areas in liquid cooled machines. The 2-piece clip solution to ending water box leaks. Testing in accordance with TIL-1098.

Insulation Degradation

An overview of the history of insulation systems. How to detect insulation problems. Typical repairs and options. Testing insulation integrity using capacitance mapping and DC leakage tests.

End Windings

Loose support components. An overview of typical end-winding problems and how to intelligently address and identify them. Areas to check during minor and major outages.

Shorted Turn Detection

How serious is a shorted field turn? The effects, causes, characteristics and detection methods (on-line, off-line); testing case-studies of shorted turns by those who install and manufacture flux probes.

Hardware Problems

What is a hardware problem and what is not? A look at issues associated with generator hardware; how to locate and repair various hardware-related problems.

Generator Testing

Tests you should conduct. An overview of equipment used for generator testing as well as the "Why, When and Where" of test procedures: AC Hi-Pot test, EL CID tests, vacuum and pressure decay tests, capacitance mapping, meggar testing, helium tracer gas testing, DC leakage and resonance frequency tests.

Field Rewinds

When is a rewind necessary? A look at copper dusting, top turn isolation issues and replacement of the main leads on direct-ventilated fields. A pictorial presentation of the process of conducting a field rewind.

Balancing

Low-speed balancing, high-speed balancing, effects of excitation, lag angles, shorted turns, alignment effects, 1st-2nd-3rd critical frequencies and their effects on balance.

High Voltage Bushings (Tentative Topic)

How they are made and refurbished. A look at the equipment, material, and know-how that goes into the manufacture and replacement of high voltage bushings.

Core Monitoring (GCM)

Tagging compounds and monitoring equipment play an essential part in the early detection of overheating. Learn how these systems work and how they can contribute to your preventative maintenance plan. Learn details of system installation, costs/benefits and alarm analysis from the experts who develop and maintain these systems.

Busted, Burned and Broken

What causes failure? A hands-on demonstration of various generator parts removed from machines of all types. A description of why they failed and some existing replacement options.

Stator Rewinds

When is a rewind necessary? Procedures used to determine when it's time to rewind. How a rewind is technically directed. Major steps in conducting a rewind. Items to consider when conducting a rewind that can cut costs while maintaining quality.

Uprating Opportunities

Getting more output from your generator. An overview of areas to consider and major point factors to consider when evaluating an uprate.