ENERGY SERVICES ENGINEERING

PRODUCT SERVICE

TIL 1213-R1
24 JANUARY 2007
Compliance Category M
Timing Code - 7

TECHNICAL INFORMATION LETTER

SPIRAL WOUND METAL GASKET UPGRADES
APPLICATION
This TIL applies to all gas turbine models.

PURPOSE
To make recommendations regarding an upgrade from spiral wound gaskets (Style CG) to those constructed with inner
rings (Style CGI). Operational and maintenance problems due to improper gasket installation have been experienced in
the field.

Reason for Revision

To update the technical recommendations within this document and the affected units list.
Compliance Category
O - Optional

Identifies changes that may be beneficial to some, but not necessarily all,
operators. Accomplishment is at customer's discretion.

M - Maintenance

Identifies maintenance guidelines or best practices for reliable equipment

operation.

C - Compliance Required

Identifies the need for action to correct a condition that, if left uncorrected,
may result in reduced equipment reliability or efficiency. Compliance may be
required within a specific operating time.

A - Alert

Failure to comply with the TIL could result in equipment damage or facility
damage. Compliance is mandated within a specific operating time.

S Safety

Failure to comply with this TIL could result in personal injury. Compliance is
mandated within a specific operating time.

Timing Code
1

Prior to Unit Startup / Prior to Continued Operation (forced outage condition)

At First Opportunity (next shutdown)

Prior to Operation of Affected System

At First Exposure of Component

At Scheduled Component Part Repair or Replacement

Next Scheduled Outage

Optional

COPYRIGHT 2007 GE
The information published in this Technical Information Letter is offered to you by GE in consideration of its ongoing sales and service relationship
with your organization. However, since the operation of your plant involves many factors not within our knowledge, and since operation of the plant
is in your control and ultimate responsibility for its continuing successful operation rests with you, GE specifically disclaims any responsibility for
liability based on claims for damage of any type, i.e. direct, consequential or special that may be alleged to have been incurred as result of applying
this information regardless of whether it is claimed that GE is strictly liable, in breach of contract, in breach of warranty, negligent, or is in other
respects responsible for any alleged injury or damage sustained by your organization as a result of applying this information.

TIL 1213-R1
Incorrect installation and tightening procedures will be
evident by:

BACKGROUND DISCUSSION
Spiral wound gaskets are used in many gas turbine
piping systems on raised-face and flat-faced flanges.
Proper flange bolt tightening is required for uniform
compression and proper gasket function. However, in
some cases achieving consistent gasket compression
has proven difficult in practice during installation and
maintenance.
Recently several field incidents have identified issues at
flanged joints using spiral wound Style CG gaskets (see
figure 1). These issues may have been caused by any of
the following:

Incorrect installation and tightening procedures for

flange bolts.

Lack of pressure / leak testing of entire piping

systems after periodic maintenance on any area of
the specific system.

Use of spiral wound gaskets not manufactured by

the Flexitallic* Group, Inc.

Piping distortion caused by welding of the piping,

mis-handling of the skid, or shipping conditions.

Distortion of the skid from improper setting on the

foundation.

Improper flange loading due to spring hanger misadjustment.

Mis-handling of the gasket prior to installing.

Flange leaks.

The inner diameter of unevenly compressed

gaskets "peaking" at the spiral resulting in the
winding protruding into the flow path.

Distortion of the backing ring with accompanying

distress to the spiral.

Liberation of spiral windings.

If the Style CG gasket is non-uniformly loaded, or not

centered in the piping bore the spiral windings may
become damaged, unravel and liberate.
By using Style CGI gaskets (see Figure 2), the chance of
the gasket unraveling is greatly reduced.

Style CGI
Figure 2: Flexitallic* CGI gasket Illustration
Engineering has reviewed sealing techniques and a risk
analysis has revealed Style CG gasket failures can
result in operational problems, delays and unnecessary
cost.
In an effort to improve equipment reliability and
minimize the consequences of improper gasket
installation, GE has decided to implement the use of
Style CGI gaskets in place of the Style CG. The risk of
not upgrading increases the chances of gasket winding
and filler material entering the combustion system and
other components if the gaskets are not installed
properly.

Style CG
Figure 1: Flexitallic* CG gasket Illustration

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TIL 1213-R1

RECOMMENDATIONS

To reduce the potential for problems with flanged

connections using spiral wound gaskets, the following
recommendations should be incorporated into normal
periodic maintenance and installation routines.

Another indication of leaking flanges is the

failure of the system to hold pressure during
the test.

When replacing gaskets either after

disassembly of any piping system, or after
performing a system leak check, ensure that
only Flexitallic* spiral wound Style CGI or ZG
gaskets (see Figure 3) are used as
replacements.

1. Installation and tightening procedure for spiral

wound metal gaskets:

If a hammer, crowbar, or any type of pincher

bar is required to remove or install the bolts,
with the flanges against the gasket, the
flanges are out of alignment tolerance. Check
angularity of flange faces. Total gap
measurement is not to vary more than 1/8inch. Flange faces should not spring open
more than 1/4-inch.

Clean flange surfaces and upgrade to a new

Flexitallic* brand Style CGI gasket. Ensure the
gasket is properly centered within the flange.

Install bolts with anti-seize compound (GE part

287A1397) on threads and seating surfaces
and run up all bolts until seating surfaces are
in light contact (snug tight).

The gasket changing should take place during a

planned outage and should not affect outage duration.
Customers have the option of upgrading to Style CGI
gaskets immediately or just replace unit spares with
Style CGI gaskets when Style CG gaskets are depleted.
It is recommended that Style CGI gaskets be used on
piping joints 2 inches and greater in diameter. For pipe
flanges smaller than this, ZG serrated gaskets are
recommended due to Style CGI inner gasket diameter
being smaller than the bore of the pipe.
The recommended steps are:

Tighten bolts to less than 30% of the final

torque value utilizing proper tightening
sequence. Refer to the torque value table in
the Inspection and Maintenance Manual
provided with your gas turbine. If more than
30% of the final torque value is initially applied,
the spiral may experience serious damage that
cannot be offset by subsequent tightening.

Complete the torquing sequence in two more

steps using a pattern of alternating opposite
bolts. Finally, make a final tightening in a
clockwise direction at the final torque again.

Mark flanges to show the tightening procedure

has been accomplished.

Identify gaskets that need ordering

Order the replacement Style CGI gaskets

Communicate proper gasket installation

procedures to the installation/maintenance
labor

ZG Serrated gasket

2. Pressure / leak testing of system piping (Reference

MLI 0204):

Flanged connections can loosen as a function

of time, temperature and vibration. Users are
encouraged to pressure / leak test the entire
on-base piping system after installation or
maintenance on any area of the specific
system. Leak tests could include use air or
nitrogen (or other inert gas).

Leak checks, especially on fuel gas flanges,

should include taping around the flanges with
masking tape. A small hole can be poked in
the tape at a convenient location for leak
testing. Using a soap bubble solution or other
method, check for leaks.

Figure 3: ZG Serrated gaskets

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TIL 1213-R1
Special Tooling
None

By implementing this gasket upgrade, there will be a

reduced chance of incorrect flange tightening causing
gasket failure. This should result in fewer opportunities
of internal piping contamination. These defects can
cause serious operational problems, such as exhaust
spreads. The upgraded gaskets are also less likely to
be damaged by handling prior to installation.

Reference Documents
MLI 0204
Applied Piping Practice 351A3700 (Please consult with
your local GE I&FS Service Manager or Contract
Performance Manager if you need a copy of this
document)

PLANNING INFORMATION

Previous Modifications
None

Compliance
Compliance Category: M
Timing Code: 7

Scope of Work
There no additional man-hours needed.

Manpower Skills
No special manpower skills are needed. Gasket
installers should be fully educated on proper handling
and torquing methods.

Contact your local GE I&FS Service Manager or

Contract Performance Manager for assistance or for
additional information.

Parts
CGI gaskets: N5606
ZG Serrated Gaskets 372A1159
Flexitallic* is the only authorized supplier for spiral
wound gaskets.

NOTE: If you would like to receive future TILs by email,

contact your local GE I&FS Service Manager or Contract

Performance Manager for assistance.

* Flexitallic is a registered trademark of The Flexitallic Group, Inc.,

which is not affiliated with the General Electric Company.

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TIL 1213-R1

TIL COMPLIANCE RECORD

Compliance with this TIL must be entered in local records. GE requests that the customer notify GE upon compliance of
this TIL.
Complete the following TIL Compliance Record and FAX it to:
TIL Compliance
FAX: (678) 844-3451
Toll free FAX: 1-888-896-TILS (1-888-896-8457)

TIL COMPLIANCE RECORD

For Internal Records Only #

Site Name:
Customer Contact Information

Customer Name:
GE Contact Information

Contact Name:

Contact Name:

Address:

Address:

Email:

Email:

Phone:

Phone:

FAX:
Turbine Serial Number(s):

FAX:

INSTALLED EQUIPMENT

TIL Completed Date:

100% TIL Completed:

Description:

Unit Numbers:

Part Description:

Part Number

MLI Number

Comments:

If there are any redlined drawings that pertain to this TIL implementation, please FAX the drawings along with
this TIL Compliance Record.

NOTE:

FAX this form to:

TIL Compliance
FAX: (678) 844-3451
Toll free FAX: 1-888-896-TILS (1-888-896-8457)
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TIL 1213-R1

USER SATISFACTION SURVEY

GE values your opinions and comments.
GE requests that you complete the User Satisfaction Survey below to help us better serve you with accurate and timely
information on your equipment.
Complete the following TIL Compliance Record and FAX it to:
TIL Survey
GE Product Service
FAX: (678) 844-6737
Toll free FAX: 1-866-604-2668

USER SATISFACTION SURVEY

Serial Number:

Date:

1. How many days after TIL issue date did you receive this TIL?

1 - 5 days

6 - 10 days

+ 10 days

NOTE: If you would like to receive future TILs by email, contact your local GE Energy Services representative for assistance.

Rate the following based on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is Excellent and 5 is Poor.

2. Please rate how well this document informed you of the technical issue.

3. Please rate the overall effectiveness of this TIL.

Comments / Suggestions:

FAX this form to:

TIL Survey
GE Product Service
FAX: (678) 844-6737
Toll free FAX: 1-866-604-2668

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