Development of a portable data acquisition and analysis system for industrial gas turbines

Abstract

This portable computerized data acquisition system was developed to assist those maintaining industrial gas turbines. The original system was designed to easily interface with a single type of control system. As the benefits accruing to users of the portable system became apparent, modifications were made to allow easy connection to other control systems. An integral component of the PortaScan system was the portable computer. When slotless laptops became ubiquitous, the data acquisition hardware was redesigned to fit into a single suitcase and be controlled through the laptop's printer port. At the same time, the new system was redesigned to reduce manufacturing costs and increase its marketability by incorporating previous modifications for interfacing with any control or instrumentation system. This portable data acquisition and analysis system is proving its worth as a cost-effective tool in operating and maintaining industrial gas turbines. Users throughout the world report substantial savings from using PortaScan.