Case Study: a client resolves turbine vacuum leaks and restores plant efficiency with Applus+ helium leak testing and thermography

Client resolves 4-year turbine leak issue in half a day with Applus+

A client in the energy sector had been struggling for four years with a loss of capacity at their power plant in Asia, caused by air entering the vacuum system. This issue reduced the plant's efficiency, forcing it to consume more energy and use additional pumps to operate. Despite multiple attempts by other parties to diagnose the problem, a solution remained elusive until the client engaged Applus+.

Applus+ deployed a team of specialists who used helium leak testing and thermography with an infrared camera to inspect the system. They quickly identified large leaks in the internal labyrinth seal of the turbine. A provisional repair immediately improved the vacuum pressure rise test values, confirming the diagnosis. Applus+ provided the client with a definitive solution and advised on the necessary comprehensive repairs to ensure the turbine's future reliability, successfully solving a four-year-old problem.