AUTOMATED STATOR INSULATION FLAW INSPECTION TOOL AND METHOD OF OPERATION

摘要

An automated tool (10) for performing an EL CID inspection of the step iron region (18) of a generator stator (16) that can be employed with the rotor in place. The tool has a track (12) that is axially cantilevered at one end and supported magnetically within a stator slot adjacent the region to be monitored. The track has a smoothly rounded contour that approximately conforms to the profile of the stator step region. A carriage (26) carrying a pickup coil (22) is slideably mounted on the track and is driven back and forth along the track over the area to be inspected by a remotely-operated drive system (38). A video camera (50) is mounted on the track and provides a remote visual indication of the location of the carriage relative to the stator.