TEServices assesses turbine components in our metallurgical lab including life extension, failure analyses, brazing, coating and welding qualifications. Our in-house capabilities include nondestructive testing (NDT), visual, 3D digital and scanning electron microscopy as well as automatic sectioning, grinding and polishing.

Furthermore, we provide heat treatments of samples, mechanical, oxidation and corrosion testing. TEServices performs this for end-users, end-user organizations, and end-users' suppliers, such as repair and coating facilities. TEServices prides itself on giving advice that is easy to understand, even for customers that are not metallurgically trained.

TEServices standard metallurgical evaluation limits itself to visual microscopy and can usually be performed within 24 hours after receiving the sample. Advanced metallurgical evaluations also use an in-house Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to provide pictures at high magnifications up to 20,000X to be able to define gamma prime and other phases and abnormalities which is performed within a few days.

With metallurgical evaluation a sample is taken in a repairable area, such as the tip of the Trailing Edge of a turbine blade. After mounting, grinding and polishing, this sample is reviewed in un-etched, as well as in etched condition, at low magnifications with visual microscopy, and at high magnifications with a Scanning Electron Microscope. This evaluation can be critical to define the proper repair scope, the need for coating, and possible limitations of operation hours.

Sometimes, the metallurgical condition needs to be assessed without removal of a sample. After grinding, polishing and etching on the part, TEServices can grind and polish the surface, and microscopically evaluate the material with, or without, replica technology at TEServices or at customer location. This information can be very valuable in providing metallurgical condition to assess the condition of the component without removal of a sample (at locations that would render the part scrap or require repair) or even removal from the turbine.

This technology has also been proven effective to evaluate the condition of Frame 7 FA row 0 compressor blades, turbine wheels and buckets using visual, digital and scanning electron microscopes. TEServices can perform the evaluation in our lab within a couple of days.

Application of replica after polishing (left) and after etching 2000X digital picture

When one of your components fails, understanding why may become critical. Not only to be able to recoup some of the losses, but also to avoid this type of failure in the future. TEServices not only has the equipment such as visual, digital (Keyence) and scanning electron microscopes, and metallurgical expertise, but also the component and operational knowledge, to provide you with the best failure analysis.

TEServices performs First Article Inspection (FAI) or qualification for end-users, OEM’s, repair and coating facilities. Based on their own or our specifications; stripping, welding, brazing and coating processes are evaluated and qualified. Typical coating qualification reviews the coating chemistry and thickness, however TEServices coating qualification includes: interface, un-melted particles, porosity, oxidation, and the amount of other contamination

When non-destructive evaluations give reasons for concern or when there are other concerns, such as over-firing the turbine or running beyond OEM recommended life, TEServices can provide you with a more comprehensive evaluation. Life assessment combines metallurgical evaluation at critical locations with mechanical testing. Stress rupture testing reveals the true strength of the material at elevated temperatures. The life assessment evaluation together with the history of the part can determine the remaining life time of the component.

Life extensions of components including the above described metallurgical evaluations together with mechanical testing, models, and other experiences of that specific component enables TEServices to assess the remaining life.

Since 2011, TEServices has completed destructive testing on more than 60 F-technology bucket/blades annually in order to perform metallurgical evaluations and mechanical testing (stress rupture, TMF and LCF) in new, As-Run, and as repaired condition to extend their life for TEServices’ customers (see ASME paper: GT2012-68363, Extending useful life of F-class gas turbine components)