Centrifugal compressor provided with a marker for measuring wear and a method of monitoring wear using said marker

Abstract

A device and method for precise measurement of erosion of compressors, without removing an engine, and with easy positioning. A centrifugal compressor of a gas turbine with a radial air inlet includes an impeller including blades and a casing for an air stream to flow in the blades of the impeller. The casing, covered with an abradable coating, includes an annular elbow zone in a substantially median part. Marking depressions of predetermined depths, preferably in groups, are machined in the abradable coating of the zone. Examinations by endoscopy are successively performed to provide an image signal of the markers. Processing the endoscopic signal supplies a number of remaining markers and a criterion for decision on removing the engine is applied thereto. Erosion occurs in the elbow of the casing and evolution thereof may enable monitoring of erosion of other components of the compressor, in particular the blades of the impeller.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.