1. Is any manipulation of the Unit necessary for an inspection?
2. Does the unit load matter?
3. How long does the average inspection take?
4. How much does an inspection cost?
5. Is helium safe?
6. In the event of a leak that limits the unit load, what is the response time?
7. How successful are the inspections?

1. Is any manipulation of the Unit necessary for an inspection?

Most units have easy access to the discharge of the air removal system. AES crews insert a 3/8” sample line into the discharge opening. If the discharge is not easily accessible the air inleakage measurement system is valved open to provide the sample during the inspection.

2. Does the unit load matter?

AES crews prefer to have the unit operating at or greater than 10% turbine load. AES crews have conducted many inspections with less than 10% turbine load and at times with the unit off-line with by-pass steam with success. Higher turbine loads provide for crisper leak responses. An experienced inspection crew can interpret the more difficult responses at low or no turbine load.

When a unit is experiencing a problem at a certain load AES recommends the unit to operate at that load during the inspection.

3. How long does the average inspection take?

1-3 days depending on the size of the unit and the number of leaks identified.

4. How much does an inspection cost?

On average the per unit inspection price including all labor, equipment, travel and expenses, is between $3,900 – 10,000. The determining factors are unit size, number of leaks identified and the location of the power station in relationship to the AES home office.

When multiple unit inspections are conducted within a powerhouse or utility, the per unit cost decreases because the mobilization and demobilization charges are amortized over the multiple units.

5. Is helium safe?

Helium is inert gas, which means exhibiting no chemical activity.

Although helium is “a safe tracer gas”, safety precautions must be adhered to at all times while handling pressurized cylinders.

6. In the event of a leak that limits the unit load, what is the response time?

In most cases, AES crews can be mobilized within the first two hours after the initial telephone call. AES crews are prepared to arrive on-site and initiate the inspection to identify the source of leakage.

If all AES inspection crews are assigned to other inspections and an emergency occurs at another facility, AES will attempt to reschedule or postpone a current routine inspection to address the emergency.

7. How successful are the inspections?

Our guarantee says it all, “if we don’t find your leak, you don’t pay”.

AES crews are trained to arrive on-site and efficiently identify the sources of leakage. AES wants the plant personnel to attend to their daily business while we conduct our inspections.

On occasion the cause of the problem is not a condenser air or tube leak. By having AES’s experience on-site, condenser air or tube leaks can be ruled out as a potential cause and the AES crew can assist in evaluating the other potential causes until the problem is solved.