Continuous Flow Engine Maintenance Scheduling and Progress Prediction System

Abstract

The method according to the present invention relates to a method for inspecting a continuous flow engine. The method utilizes an improved evaluation of the planned inspection schedule in order to guarantee the reliability of the continuous flow engine and to improve the available options and effects. The present invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for causing a computing entity to execute the method according to the present invention. The present invention relates to a storage device for providing the computer program according to the present invention. The present invention relates to a measuring device adapted to be used for maintenance or overhaul of a continuous flow engine. The present invention relates to a method of using the measuring device according to the present invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The method disclosed herein relates to a method for inspecting a continuous flow engine. The present invention also relates to a computer program product (computer program) including instructions configured to cause a computing entity to execute the method according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to a storage device for providing the computer program product (computer program) according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to a measuring device configured to be used for maintenance or overhaul of a continuous flow engine. The present invention also relates to a method of using the measuring device according to the present invention.

Background Art

[0002] Continuous flow engines are very important and extremely sophisticated devices used in modern industries. Despite being used for a long time, continuous flow engines are constantly being improved to further expand their scope of use and / or further enhance the benefits provided therewith. Herein, in particular, the extreme flexibility required to adapt the use of these continuous flow engines to current requirements has made such continuous flow engines non-replaceable and has further exposed them to a constantly increasing number of significant requirements due to the lack of ability to other interrelated elements in the corresponding systems. For example, in the field of power generation, continuous flow engines such as gas turbines must compensate for renewable energy sources such as wind power generation and solar power generation with variable fluctuations that require compensation. This increases the stress and fatigue of the corresponding continuous flow engines, necessitating continuous improvement of the means and methods for inspecting the continuous flow engines.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The above and other problems are solved by the products and methods disclosed hereinafter and in the claims. Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims and in the further description and drawings. These advantages can be used to adapt the corresponding solutions to specific needs or to solve additional problems.

[0004] According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for inspecting a continuous flow engine. The continuous flow engine is utilized to generate power (electricity) based on the flow of fluid passing through the continuous flow engine or compresses the flow of fluid passing through the continuous flow engine. The continuous flow engine includes a plurality of components. The method includes the step of obtaining a component maintenance list, the component maintenance list identifying components to be inspected during next maintenance or overhaul. The method includes the step of identifying at least one correlated component of the continuous flow engine, the step including searching for data from a component database and identifying components that are physically or functionally interrelated. The method includes the step of evaluating the effect of including the at least one correlated component in next maintenance or overhaul. The evaluation takes into account a failure mode, the failure mode considering the probability of replacement, the probability of failure, the probability of irreparable repair, or a combination of these probabilities. The evaluation takes into account the physical assembly structure of the continuous flow engine and includes a reduction in labor based on additional labor taking into account the required disassembly and assembly of the continuous flow engine based on the component maintenance list. The method includes the step of providing a list of at least one correlated component that would be advantageously inspected additionally during next maintenance or overhaul.

[0005] By using the method according to the present invention, the inspection of continuous flow engines can be improved surprisingly greatly. Other industrial devices present significantly lower requirements with respect to the downtime and spare parts taken according to similar inspection operations. However, in the case of continuous flow engines as mentioned here, usually replacement is not available, and for example, the long-term shutdown of a gas turbine required to compensate for the fluctuating energy production of renewable energy resources can pose a risk to the complete electrical grid safety. At the same time, components used in continuous flow engines, such as blades and vanes, are very expensive, and ultimately it has been difficult to allocate a large number of such components that are not required at many inspection sites, and it is expected to become impossible due to the very special and optimized components used to expand the limits of the continuous flow engines mentioned here. In particular, components that are recognized as being advantageous to replace simultaneously during normal inspections pose a major problem. Even in the case of standardized continuous flow engines, it is difficult for experts with up to 10 years of experience to master all such cases. Regarding further expected and even more special improvements to further enhance the effectiveness of very special continuous flow engines, it becomes even more difficult or even impossible to make such an evaluation as mentioned here only based on experience. Therefore, the present invention, which provides an automatic solution for optimizing on-site spare parts management, is required to optimize the current inspections and solve the future needs of the industry. It provides an output that includes the components that should be additionally included to prevent the extension of downtime without the need for manual operation.

[0006] As used herein, "inspecting a component" refers to a defined interaction process such as replacement, repair, or checking its condition. Generally, this expression preferably refers to replacing or repairing the component.

[0007] Obtaining a component maintenance list can be a mere search of a predefined list of components of a continuous flow engine to be inspected at a specified time. However, for many applications, it may be preferable to add some components that are expected to be inspected for a particular continuous flow engine. For example, based on historical data of comparable or matching continuous flow engines or the expertise of experts. The list is not limited to components that are certain to be replaced. Typically, the component maintenance list preferably includes components that are certain to be inspected and components that are likely to require inspection. A person skilled in the art is well aware of how to select components that are likely to require inspection based on their own experience and / or historical data obtained from decades of accumulated experience.

[0008] As used herein, "probability of replacement" refers to the probability of replacement of the corresponding component required at a specified time. Preferably, the probability of replacement is determined based on historical data including the state and replacement timing of matching or similar components. For example, the corresponding database is obtained during inspection of the corresponding continuous flow engine by collecting the corresponding data over a long period of time. The corresponding data is associated with, for example, the specific operating time of the continuous flow engine. Based on such data, the corresponding probability of replacement can be determined for a specific component and a specific time. On the other hand, alternatively or additionally, simulation can be used to determine the degradation of the corresponding component and thereby determine the probability of replacement. In particular, the use of such simulation is a very useful method for providing corresponding findings. For example, the probability of replacement preferably is based on an evaluation of degradation limits and / or crack evaluation. For example, the crack evaluation can be performed based on the length of the crack, the shape of the crack, and / or the direction of the crack. Based on this information, it is possible to predict with high reliability the likelihood of failure during subsequent use and quickly predict the subsequent probability of replacement.

[0009] As used herein, "probability of failure" refers to the probability of failure of the corresponding component at a specified time that renders the continuous flow engine inoperable. This condition may, for example, be one that cannot be repaired without manual operation or even render the continuous flow engine irreparable. It is possible to subtract such probabilities from comparison with historical data, but usually it is preferred to utilize simulations that use historical data to predict the future evolution of components. It is also possible to use models to create such simulations, but it should be noted that using historical data is beneficial for typical embodiments. For example, it is possible to significantly reduce the processing power of the computer system utilized without losing reliability and detailed insights. The significant benefit of including simulations herein is based on newly emerging possibilities recently based on improved materials, designs, and the potential to monitor the continuous flow engine to present increased stress and situations not previously much observed, and it is considered that there is a significant benefit in including simulations regarding such possibilities. Such simulations can be utilized very well, which is considered to be based on the good adaptability of the model corresponding to the continuous flow engine, which is still utilized in a very flexible manner and a method that easily evaluates and simulates degradation. This is particularly important in the examples given herein because the method according to the present invention requires the evaluation of a plurality of correlated components that require a good balance between the required processing power and the highly reliable detailed information obtained here. It should be particularly noted that the method according to the present invention can be utilized for the continuous flow engine using the available computer hardware and software despite the calculations theoretically required to comprehensively simulate a complex system such as that described herein.

[0010] As used herein, the "probability of irreparable damage" refers to the probability that the corresponding component has received damage that is so severe that it cannot be repaired. Although the rest of the device may still be functioning, in this case, the corresponding component in question has deteriorated to such an extent that it is not allowed to recover its operating ability, nor removed, nor reduced, in order to restore its operability.

[0011] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program product (computer program) implemented in the form of a machine-readable storage medium, including instructions that act to cause a computing entity to execute the method according to the present invention.

[0012] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a storage device that provides the computer program product (computer program) according to the present invention, which stores the computer program product and / or provides the computer program product for further use.

[0013] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a measuring device adapted to be used during maintenance or overhaul of a continuous flow engine based on a component maintenance list adapted according to the method of the present invention. This measuring device is configured to collect data regarding components to be reviewed during maintenance or overhaul. This measuring device is configured to transfer the collected data to a database in order to further adapt the list of components to be inspected during maintenance or overhaul using the method according to the present invention.

[0014] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using the measuring device according to the present invention during maintenance or overhaul of a continuous flow engine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings are referred to in conjunction with the description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention and are to be understood as disclosing preferred embodiments for further explaining the present invention.

Figure 1

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Preferably, the following embodiments include at least one processor and / or data storage unit for implementing the method according to the present invention, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0017] Unless otherwise expressly stated, terms such as "calculate", "process", "determine", "generate / produce", "configure", "reconfigure", etc. and equivalent terms refer to operations and / or processes and / or steps of modifying and / or creating and / or converting data, where the data is presented as or available as physical variables.

[0018] As used herein, "data storage (memory / recording)" or equivalent terms refer to, for example, temporary data storage such as RAM (Random Access Memory), or long-term data storage such as a hard drive, or a data storage unit such as a CD, DVD, USB stick, etc. Such data storage can additionally include a processing unit that enables processing of the data stored in the data storage or can be connected to such a processing unit.

[0019] In the following, the present invention is referred to by way of example with a continuous flow engine such as a gas turbine. It should be noted that the application of the present invention in such areas is particularly beneficial. The corresponding continuous flow engines are typically used, for example, as base power supply units in power generation and distribution networks and furthermore have to cope with fluctuations resulting from non-uniform power generation by renewable energy sources.

[0020] According to one form, the present invention relates to the method described above.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the probability of replacement is preferably determined using historical data and simulated data. It should be noted that combining historical data and simulated data is particularly useful for obtaining corresponding information on the continuous flow engine with a very good balance of processing power and accuracy.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the evaluation preferably takes into account the probability of failure. The probability of failure is at least partially determined using a simulation of the degradation of at least one relevant component. It should be noted that the determination of the probability of failure can be improved in typical applications by including a simulation of the degradation of at least one relevant component. By using the obtained history and operating conditions of the continuous flow engine, a very detailed and reliable simulation of the degradation becomes possible. On the other hand, the required processing power is surprisingly limited by being able to provide a large number of available degradation simulations. These simulations make it possible to better improve the probability of failure, and the additional effort is almost easily overcome by the improved findings obtained.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, preferably, at least one correlation component is a component configured to be in contact with the fluid flow when using a continuous flow engine. It should be noted that the inspection of a continuous flow engine, especially a gas turbine, is usually very beneficially improved by appropriately adapting the inspection of the corresponding components. Attention should be paid to the fact that the combination of available historical data and available in-depth insights regarding the components, which enables reliable simulation of component degradation with a not-too-high processing capacity, makes it possible to use the method according to the invention for the components surprisingly effectively.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, preferably, the component maintenance list and at least one correlation component include at least one matching component, and the step of evaluating the effect of including at least one correlation component in maintenance or overhaul includes an adaptation factor based on the total number of such matching components. The adaptation factor improves the effect of including at least one correlation component in maintenance or overhaul. It should be noted that such a simple adaptation of the effect evaluation includes practical insights for the main application and makes it possible to obtain an effect that exceeds the theoretically expected value by adding a slight surplus of the corresponding components.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the method preferably includes using antecedent factors, and the method uses antecedent factors. The antecedent factors are automatically provided based on a historical database containing component data inspected in past inspections of the continuous flow engine and / or received from an interface configured to be used by an operator. The antecedent factors increase the effect of including the evaluated spare parts in the list. It should be noted that while the comprehensive method described above already provides a very reliable evaluation, further improvements can be achieved by including past experience and / or the expertise of experts. The antecedent factors here can be utilized, in particular, as a relative coefficient that proportionally increases the effect or as an absolute increase in the determined effect. For example, it is possible to simply specify some antecedent factors for the values necessary to represent a component that is part of the list. The analysis of the historical database can be based on a comparison between the current evaluation and the components that were required to be inspected in the past under comparable conditions, and in addition, annotations and comments regarding the findings at such past inspections can be utilized. This allows, for example, very easily including practical deviations resulting from, for instance, an owner of a continuous flow engine handling the owned continuous flow engine in a particular way that subjects certain components to increased stress such that they deteriorate faster.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, preferably, the effort value further includes adapting additional effort based on correlated components that have already been identified as being to be additionally inspected during the next maintenance or overhaul. Utilizing the method according to the invention and in particular the embodiments described herein, which require a very efficient use of processing power, allows for performing several loops and / or including the dependency of the evaluation considering correlated components to be additionally inspected. For example, by considering the correlated components to be inspected that are included in addition to the component maintenance list and the resulting change in the inspection work, it is possible and effective to easily represent the further inspection of components. Typically, in this context, it is preferable to further take into account the physical assembly structure. For example, according to one embodiment, the re-evaluation of the correlated components is performed based on a combination of a failure mode exceeding a predetermined value and the interrelationship based on the physical assembly structure.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, preferably, the step of identifying at least one correlation component includes retrieving component data from a component database, preferably a remote database. For example, the remote database may also be provided as a distributed database. Typically, it is preferred to utilize a remote database. Although a local database may be theoretically beneficial, it should be noted that it is even more beneficial to maintain the possibility (evolvability) of continuously adapting the corresponding data regarding the correlation components. The actual effect of the corresponding adaptation in this context is considered to be based on the continuous changes, upgrades, and changes resulting from new findings of components, also based on new types of operation in the technical field of continuous flow engines. Thus, new dependencies can be identified without representing inaccurate previous data. The continuous improvement in the art simply represents that including such updates is surprisingly beneficial.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, preferably, the step of evaluating the effect of including at least one correlation component in maintenance or overhaul includes a downtime simulation. The downtime simulation includes simulating a possible reduction in the downtime of a continuous flow engine based on including at least one correlation component as a possibility in the list of components to be inspected during the next maintenance or overhaul.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, preferably, the method includes adapting a list of correlating components that are effectively inspected during the next maintenance or overhaul based on data obtained during the next maintenance or overhaul, including adding components to or excluding components from the list of correlating components that are effectively inspected during the next maintenance or overhaul. It should be noted that continuously adapting the list during maintenance or overhaul will further increase the effectiveness of the method. In one example, preferably, a defined measuring device that is continuously or upon request connected to a database is provided. The actual state of the components during maintenance or overhaul is uploaded. Thereby, the maintenance can be further adapted, and for example, unexpected situations based on unknown increased stress caused by unreported use beyond the allowed limits can be addressed. For example, detailed data regarding the use of a continuous flow engine can be continuously or at least examined before significantly deviating beyond a predetermined limit, and corresponding adaptations will be effective.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, preferably, the evaluation takes into account the probability of failure. The probability of failure is at least partially determined using at least one failure history database. The failure history database includes data regarding the degradation history of a plurality of similar or identical components. It should be noted that the available history database can provide surprisingly advantages for determining the probability of failure. In particular, human influences, which are different from a simulation considering an ideal process, are considered to be effectively taken into account.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, preferably, in the method according to the present invention, the evaluation takes into account the probability of failure. The probability of failure is at least partially determined using a simulation of the degradation of at least one correlated component. It should be noted that simulating the degradation of correlated components is a very effective tool for providing the probability of failure. Even when using the simulation alone, the method according to the present invention can be used to very effectively optimize the inspection of a continuous flow engine. For example, it is particularly beneficial to combine the simulated data with historical data to provide even more significantly improved findings to be utilized. The advantages obtained thereby are considered to be based on the combination of highly specific simulations and human factors that are difficult or impossible to simulate.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a computer program product (computer program) implemented in the form of a machine-readable storage medium, including instructions configured to cause a computing entity to execute the method according to the present invention.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a storage device for providing the computer program product according to the present invention. The device stores and / or provides the computer program product for further use.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a measuring device adapted to be utilized during maintenance or overhaul of a continuous flow engine based on a component maintenance list adapted according to the method according to the present invention. The measuring device is configured to collect data regarding components to be reviewed during maintenance or overhaul. The measuring device is configured to transfer the collected data to a database and further adapt a list of components to be inspected during maintenance or overhaul using the method according to the present invention.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using the measurement device according to the present invention during maintenance or overhaul of a continuous flow engine.

[0036] The following detailed description illustrates, with reference to the drawings, embodiments which should not be construed as limiting, and describes the features and further advantages thereof.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a scheme of the method according to the invention for an embodiment. Here, the method is applied to a gas turbine 1 which is an example of a continuous flow engine. The gas turbine 1 is used in the power generation industry and provides a highly sophisticated method for generating electricity in a very flexible manner. In this example, the fluid flow is generated inside the gas turbine based on burning the fluid using a plurality of burners.

[0038] The gas turbine consists of a plurality of components necessary to enable the operation of the gas turbine 1. The components providing the high-temperature gas path in contact with the fluid flow also consist of a plurality of components, and the extreme stress conditions of the high-temperature gas path impose a very large stress on the corresponding components. For example, the high-temperature gas path includes components 2a, 2b to be inspected according to the maintenance list, and components 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f that are interrelated with these components 2a, 2b.

[0039] According to the method according to the present invention, the processing unit 5 retrieves data from the component maintenance list 4. The component maintenance list 4 lists, for example, the components 2a, 2b included in the next maintenance or overhaul. The processing unit 5 retrieves data from the component database 6 containing data regarding the gas turbine 1 and its components 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f. Using this data, the processing unit 5 identifies the physical or functional correlated components 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f that are interrelated with the components 2a, 2b.

[0040] Taking into account the probability of exchange 7, the probability of failure 8, the probability of irreparable failure 9, and the failure modes based on combinations of these probabilities, the processing unit 5 evaluates the effect of including the relevant components 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f in the next maintenance or overhaul. At this time, the processing unit 5 retrieves data 10 regarding the physical assembly structure from the component database 6. Here, the risk is associated with the effort required to inspect the problematic components 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f during the next maintenance or overhaul or prior to a subsequent maintenance or overhaul. For example, it is evaluated whether the risk of failure of the components 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f is too high considering the significant effort in the case of replacement during the scheduled maintenance or overhaul work. Alternatively, it is evaluated whether the combined risk of the probability of exchange 7, the probability of failure 8, and the probability of irreparable failure 9 is low enough that it need not be included in future maintenance or overhauls, based on the low effort required to inspect those components in accordance with the physical relevant components 2a, 2b removed from the gas turbine 1 based on the initially planned maintenance or overhaul.

[0041] In this example, historical data and simulated data are used to determine the failure mode. For example, considering the latest available data, the current states of the correlation components 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f are simulated and the associated probabilities are determined. Further, the overall current state of a particular component of the gas turbine 1 is determined considering past measurements and past operating data. The associated historical data is determined to identify past findings and inspections included during previous maintenance or overhaul that indicate a deviation from the simulated situation. For example, early replacement of components is not based only on deterioration but also on the difficulty of inspecting the correlation components without replacing these components. For example, components that are removed to enable inspection, such as springs and bolts, which may be damaged during operation. For example, a failure history database including the measured state of components, the operating conditions of the gas turbine, and time-series data regarding components that failed during operation is used. It should be noted that including such a historical database is very beneficial for most applications.

[0042] An operator using the method according to the present invention can specify the number of loops not shown in FIG. 1. For example, it can be specified to execute three loops, and the first (initial) evaluation indicates the correlation components 3b, 3d that should be additionally inspected. Based on the correlation components 3b, 3d to be additionally inspected, it is necessary to adapt the evaluation of other correlation components. For example, based on the correlation components 3b, 3d added to the inspection, it may be effective to inspect the entire group of components 2a, 2b, 3b, 3d, 3e. Introducing such loops is very beneficial. For example, inspecting the entire set of components 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f can be overall beneficial as it provides an overall reduction in downtime based on a simulation considering the planned complex maintenance or overhaul work.

[0043] Based on the evaluation, the processing unit 5 presents a list 11 for additionally inspecting the relevant components 3b, 3d, 3e to be included in the next maintenance or overhaul.

[0044] For example, the list 11 can be selected to include all of the components 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f that present an overall probability of 95% that any of the components 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f will need to be replaced during the next maintenance or overhaul and are available during the process. This probability assessment greatly reduces the risk that untrained personnel, despite being required to prepare the necessary spare parts, do not include the required components 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f at the preparation stage.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, the method according to the invention is available to present additional costs, which are, for example, the costs when components 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f are not included in the spare parts provided for maintenance or overhaul and need to be shipped urgently, or when an extension of the downtime is required until the maintenance or overhaul is completed.

[0046] The method is not static and can also be re-executed during maintenance or overhaul. For example, preferably, a measuring device according to the invention that enables direct acquisition of additional data is utilized. This additional data can indicate that the state of the components of the gas turbine is different from the expected state. As a result, further components 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f are effectively inspected. This information can be immediately transferred to the central storage facility, immediately triggering the delivery of additional spare parts to the corresponding facility and notifying the inspector who executes the corresponding additional process.

[0047] The present invention has been disclosed in detail only for the purpose of explanation. However, the present invention should not be understood to be limited to the above-described embodiments that represent forms providing advantages of solving specific problems or satisfying specific requirements. The scope of protection should be understood to be limited only by the claims of the patent.

Claims

1. A method for inspecting a continuous flow engine, wherein the continuous flow engine is utilized to generate power based on the flow of fluid passing through the continuous flow engine or compresses the flow of fluid passing through the continuous flow engine, the continuous flow engine includes a plurality of components, the method includes the step of obtaining a component maintenance list (4), the component maintenance list (4) identifies components (2a, 2b) to be inspected during the next maintenance or overhaul, the method includes the step of identifying at least one correlated component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) of the continuous flow engine, which step includes retrieving data from a component database (6) and identifying components that are physically or functionally interrelated, the method includes the step of evaluating the effect of including the at least one correlated component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) in maintenance or overhaul, the evaluation takes into account a failure mode, which failure mode takes into account a probability of replacement (7), a probability of failure (8), a probability of irreparable failure (9), or a combination of these probabilities, the evaluation takes into account the physical assembly structure of the continuous flow engine and includes a reduction in labor based on additional labor taking into account the required disassembly and assembly of the continuous flow engine based on the component maintenance list (4), the method includes the step of providing a list of the at least one correlated component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) that would be advantageously inspected additionally during the next maintenance or overhaul, A method characterized by the above.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the probability of replacement (7) is determined using historical data and simulated data.

3. The evaluation takes into account the probability of failure (8), the probability of failure (8) is at least partially determined using a simulation of the degradation of the at least one correlated component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f), The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one correlated component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) is a component configured to contact the fluid flow during use of the continuous flow engine.

5. The method includes utilizing antecedent factors, The antecedent factors are automatically provided based on a historical database containing component data inspected in past inspections of the continuous flow engine and / or received from an interface configured to be utilized by an operator, The antecedent factors increase the effect of including the evaluated spare parts in the list, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The value of the effort further includes adapting the additional effort based on correlation components (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) that have already been identified as components to be additionally inspected during the next maintenance or overhaul, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The step of identifying the at least one correlation component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) preferably includes retrieving component data from the component database (6) as a remote database, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The step of evaluating the effect of including the at least one correlation component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) in maintenance or overhaul includes a downtime simulation, The downtime simulation includes simulating a possible reduction in the downtime of the continuous flow engine based on the possibility of including the at least one correlation component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) in a list of components (2a, 2b) to be inspected during the next maintenance or overhaul, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The method includes adapting a list (11) of the at least one correlation component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) that is effective to be additionally inspected during the next maintenance or overhaul based on data obtained during the next maintenance or overhaul, and including additional components in or excluding components included in the list (11) of the at least one correlation component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) that is effective to be additionally inspected during the next maintenance or overhaul, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The evaluation takes into account the probability of failure (8), The probability of failure (8) is determined at least in part using at least one failure history database, wherein the failure history database includes data regarding the degradation history of a plurality of similar or identical components, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The evaluation takes into account the probability of failure (8), The probability of failure (8) is determined at least in part using a simulation of the degradation of the at least one correlated component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f), The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A computer program, embodied in the form of a machine-readable storage medium, comprising instructions operative to cause a computing entity to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A storage device for providing the computer program according to claim 12, the storage device storing and / or providing the computer program for further use.

14. A measuring device configured to be utilized during maintenance or overhaul of a continuous flow engine based on a component maintenance list (4) adapted according to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the measuring device is configured to collect data regarding components (2a, 2b) to be inspected during the maintenance or overhaul, and the measuring device is configured to transfer the collected data to a database and further adapt a list of components (2a, 2b) to be inspected during the maintenance or overhaul using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A measuring device, characterized in that.

15. A method of using a measuring device, comprising using the measuring device according to claim 14 during maintenance or overhaul of a continuous flow engine.

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