Metallographic Aspects Investigation of Penstock Materials in Hydroelectric Power Plants and Penstock Maintenance Methods

Hydroelectric power plants are renewable energy sources and have little impact on the environment. Therefore, it is one of the most preferred energy sources in the world. In parallel with this situation, it is very important that the hydroelectric power plants are maintained, their failures are prevented or permanently removed. One of the most important parts of hydroelectric power plants is penstock pipes. Along with the snail part of the power plant, the penstock supplies the pressurized water to the turbine wheel for energy production. In the power plants that have been producing energy for many years, the maintenance and material properties of penstock are very important. In this study, one of the most important equipment of hydroelectric power plants, pressurized water pipes (penstock) and chemical components have been examined in macro and micro structure and their maintenance is investigated. In the metallographic study on the samples taken from two different regions of the penstock pipe; the perlitic structure, which has a homogeneous distribution into the ferritic structure forming the matrix, is determined and supported by analyzes. This study will help to ensure that all hydroelectric power plants operate smoothly in terms of penstock.