JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #49 - June 2009 - 47

Production UT scans to ensure blade quality Wind blade quality has become a key issue in sustaining the remarkable growth of this sector, even more so considering that the sites are not always easy to access, e.g. offshore, and that maintenance costs must be kept under control. This context explains why LM Glasfiber set up a strict quality control system. I n the March 2009 issue of its Newsletter, LM Glasfiber details how it ensures the quality of its wind blade manufacturing process by relying on the ultrasonic testing scan method. Focus Strategy for future growth LM Glasfiber is the world’s leading manufacturer of wind turbine blades, and the only supplier that operates on a global basis. Our aim is to further strengthen this position by building on our competitive blade technology and global reach. We share the same goal as our customers – to reduce the cost of energy from the wind. “Securing the quality of our blades is an integral part of our production processes. All blades go through so-called firewalls, where they are inspected for various quality issues. One of the methods applied is ultrasonic testing (UT) scans to examine bond lines, which a highly-specialised team carries out every day in our factories worldwide. Making sure our blades live up to strict quality standards is key for LM Glasfiber and our customers. Our comprehensive ultrasonic scan program is one of the ways in which we control blade quality. And it is a key focus for our quality program that we continuously improve the inspection methods applied and the equipment used. We comply with the guidelines of the American Society for NonDestructive Testing (ASNT). This means that we follow the highest internationally-recognized standards for training, for our blade-scanning methods and processes, and for our subsequent handling of documentation”, says Jorgen D. Vestergaard, team leader Blade Measurement, who started the global training program to certify key people in all factories. Continuous improvements The next step is implementing multi-transducer technology, which will be used to scan much larger areas of the blade. This so-called “UT phased array scan” is used in the aeronautic sector, for example. “LM Glasfiber will be one of the first in the wind industry to apply this technique for quality control of rotor blades, using reliable, portable and user-friendly equipment”, says Laura Rodriguez Gil, Global, process engineer, who is in charge of implementing the phased array technology. “Implementing the phased array technology means that our NDT inspectors will receive comprehensive training to become skilled in using this specific technique. We have already started the training programme in some of our factories”, says Laura Rodriguez Gil. “We will be able to offer our customers a higher level of quality assurance because we are able to scan the blades even more thoroughly, and the blade inspection time will be reduced due to the improved equipment, which ensures a more efficient scan process. The phased array scan is expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2009, where all plants will have certified NDT inspectors to carry out phased array quality inspections”, she concludes. More information: www.lmglasfiber.com The highest standard “After a year and a half of comprehensive training, a dedicated team of non-destructive testing (NDT) inspectors has now been trained worldwide to perform advanced UT scans on all our vacuum-infused blades. To apply the ASNT guidelines to our specific business and products, we have developed our own UT scan standard. This way, our customers can be sure that our NDT inspectors are thoroughly trained, that quality data from the scans is valid, and that the methods and techniques we use are continuously monitored and improved. All NDT inspectors working with this standard are re-certified every three years”, Jorgen Vestergaard says. No49 June 2009 / jec composites magazine 47

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JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #49 - June 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #49 - June 2009