Blade & Composite Inspection for wind turbines

Inspection of blades requires different NDT methods in comparison to steel inspection. The principles are different, as composite material involves more layers, but the inspection procedure is not as focused on narrow details as on welds.

Inspection of vital components and structures

Composite inspection is often related to wind turbine blades, but in fact it also concerns vital components and structures that are crucial for continued operation. At 3WIS our inspection team are trained in performing NDT inspection methods on composite material both uptower inside the nacelle, on installed blades on-site involving advanced rope access methods, and on new turbine blades at the manufacturing facility.

A typical NDT inspection is performed on scenarios ranging from struck of lightning, wrinkles in the coating, hollow pockets in the structure, damages from installation or transportation, various forms of delamination, voids and inspection of the bond line, which is the seam between the different components that the blade is made of.
When it comes to blade inspection, immediate repair can be performed uptower by our repair team.

The methods we typically involve for performing blade and composite inspections are:
- Visual Testing (VT) 
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
- Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

At 3WIS we are working towards accreditation in ISO 17020 and 17025, making us qualified to perform NDT inspection of our own welding procedures.

NDT inspection on wind turbine performed by 3WIS inspector Stephen Chambers

Benefit from our composite NDT inspection

”With our own developed procedures for composite NDT inspection, we have all the knowledge for performing the procedures in-house. We are among others in close collaboration with the manufacturers of turbine blades towards developing standard procedures for this type of components. Furthermore, we are able to involve our own competencies to ensure a better preparation of the NDT procedure and repair process afterwards. All together giving the client a faster and much better outcome for a potential repair, avoiding the risk of information falling between two chairs.”

The process of NDT Composite Inspections

1. The initial step before any inspection is performed, is that a visual analysis is handed over from our Project & Engineering department to our NDT specialists. Giving a thorough understanding of the specific issue and potential hotspots.

2. Procedure planning with relevant methods of NDT, either advanced or conventional. Based on the visual analysis, the full procedure is planned in-house by our back office NDT specialists.
3. All work instructions that are vital for performing a safe and qualified procedure are described and approved step-by-step. Here we also ensure the right methods and equipment is used.

4. The inspection scope is presented to the client who decides whether we develop our own procedure or work according to their own procedure standard. Suggested methods working alongside the client, we suggest methods for potential advanced NDT.
5. The actual NDT Inspection procedure is performed on-site, with the required methods and equipment.

6. After the NDT Inspection, a detailed report is made for findings
7. Instantly after the inspection report has been made, the findings are handed over to our engineering team or the client.
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FAQ: Blade & Composit inspections

What is blade and composite inspection?

Blade and composite inspection involves Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of wind turbine blades and other critical composite structures to identify issues such as delamination, voids, damage from lightning strikes, or defects in the bond line between blade components.

How does composite inspection differ from steel inspection?

The inspection principles for composite materials differ due to their layered structure. Unlike steel inspections, which focus on narrow details like welds, composite inspections assess broader issues such as structural integrity, delamination, and voids in the material.

Where are composite inspections performed?

At 3WIS, we perform composite inspections in various scenarios, including:

- Uptower inside the nacelle

- On installed blades using advanced rope access methods

- On new turbine blades at manufacturing facilities

What types of damage are identified during composite inspections?

Common issues detected during composite inspections include:

- Lightning strike damage
- Wrinkles in coatings
- Hollow pockets in the structure
- Transportation or installation damage
- Delamination
- Voids
- Issues with the bond line between components

What methods are used for blade and composite inspections?

We use the following advanced NDT methods for blade and composite inspections:

- Visual Testing
- Ultrasonic Testing
- Phased Array Inspection

Can repairs be performed immediately after a blade inspection?

Yes, our repair team can perform immediate repairs uptower, ensuring minimal downtime and quick restoration of functionality.

What are the benefits of choosing 3WIS for blade and composite inspections?

- Comprehensive in-house expertise and procedures for composite NDT inspections
- Faster preparation and execution of both inspection and repair processes
- Seamless integration of inspection and repair teams, avoiding delays and miscommunication
- Collaboration with blade manufacturers to continuously improve inspection standards
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