Value Added
Columbia, S.A. 125 MW Hydro unit. Seven major arc flash faults Repair implemented returning The unit into service in 3 months.
SF6 Breaker
VAI created a 2-day by-pass for a damaged SF6 breaker Avoiding B.I.
OEM Blames Owner for Damaging H.P. Impulse Wheel
Vinoski & Associates, Inc. – Led by Dan Kelso with the support of our metallurgist Joe Daleo prove the OEM compromised the blades, making them susceptible to steam admission excitation and subsequent failure.
501J CTG 330 MW
We participated in the TP inspections, at night and on the weekend. OEM declared 5 had to be inspected for contamination, although no contamination was visible – only water marks (dried deposits).
Argentina, S.A. Transmission Distribution
New repairs to a 45-year paper insulated line induced secondary cracking and compromised the integrity of the paper insulation (causing cracking).
Aerospace, Aviation, Jet Propulsion, etc.
Claim Damage, Reparability, Replacement Valuations, Salvage
550 MW STG Loss of DC Power
The insurers asked us to do an EPC Design Review, we listed several un-safe modes of failure. This design was used in 6 other power plants in South America.
6 MW STG Rotor Liberation
The insurers asked us to do an EPC Design Review, we listed several un-safe modes of failure. This design was used in 6 other power plants in South America.
Wind Turbine Generator
Latent Design Defects
Solar Energy Thermal/Photovoltaic
Latent Design Defects, Mis-managed Upgrades, Operational Damages
Compressor Clashing (“Surge”)
OEMs blame operators for their loss. Clashing often is based on “surge conditions” Clashing is due to the physical flexing of the outer casing.
OEM “Cannot determine the Root Cause”
VAI identified the root cause converting insurance claim to OEM warranty
6,500 HP Motor- Red Gear-Ball Mill
Within a few days VAI determined a torque issue Rick O’Mahony determined that the damage, as supported by our vibration expert, were occurring during startups and Rick declared that one of the soft-start liquid resistors was the problem.
Repetitive Compressor Failures
Repetitive Compressor Failures VAI identified a marginal design Recommends risk mitigation to insurance underwriters.
250 MVAR Synchronous Condenser
New units developed pole cracks Identified a manufacturing error
250 MVA Transformer
Superficial casing damage the OEM rejected the unit, but easily repaired for spare unit