What is Mechanical Commissioning?

Last week we started our discussion about commissioning. Commissioning is the Process by which an equipment, facility, or plant (which is installed, or is complete or near completion) is tested to verify if it functions according to its design objectives or specifications. So, mechanical commissioning is the process that verifies and documents the performance of mechanical systems against defined objectives and criteria.

In other words, does it work like it’s supposed to work? Imagine installing a huge CCGT (combined cycle gas turbine) in a power station and then just assuming it works correctly without checking! Talk about a really disastrous decision!

Now, although my business is infrared thermography, infrared scans are only a part of mechanical commissioning. For example, I might work with a team of mechanical commissioners to verify that certain parts, like rotating equipment, of the mechanical systems are operating as they should. (Mechanical applications for thermal imaging almost always involve rotating equipment.) Excessive heat is generated by friction caused by faulty bearings, inadequate lubrication, misalignment, imbalance, misuse, or normal wear.

During mechanical commissioning, thermography can be used to scan and verify the operating capacity of:

• Electrical switchgear, breakers, bus connections, and contacts
• Transformer connections
• Mechanical couplings on rotating equipment
• Process piping and heat exchangers
• Compressor heads
• Motor and generator connections, windings, feeders and exciters
• Bearings
• Drive gears and drive belts (for excessive friction)

CCGT & HRSG Commissioning and Validation

Thermography as part of the validation of temperature profiles throughout a HRSG (Heat Recovery Steam Generator) boiler during the commissioning process is an invaluable tool in finding and assessing the condition of the boiler. It can be used to evaluate the overall temperature levels and to look at specific areas of interest such as the roof and floor penetrations, bellows arrangements, expansion joints, and inspection hatch gaskets and locate problems associated with excessive conduction and gas leaks.

So, there you have it! Thermography isn’t the whole answer to mechanical commissioning, but it certainly plays an important part!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.