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TIL 1298-1
GE ENERGY SERVICES
PRODUCT SERVICE
23 March 2001

TECHNICAL INFORMATION LETTER

LOAD COUPLING NUT EVENT

APPLICABLE TO
Selected Gas Turbines and Steam Turbines with
Riverhawk Coupling hardware shipped prior to
November 2000.

PURPOSE
Notify users of a potential personnel safety issue
resulting from liberation of coupling nut locking tab
during machine operation, and to recommend short-
term corrective actions
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
During a recent inspection at a customer site, a load
coupling nut-locking device was found to be
liberated. An RCA has determined that there is a
potential for crack initiation at the locking device
groove (See Figure 1). This potential is greatest
during early operational life of the component.
Sites currently in installation must perform NDT
inspections of these components to determine if
crack initiation has occurred. Units currently
operating should inspect the affected parts at the
next opportunity. Figure 1 shows a hexagonal nut
with a section of the locking device liberated.
Cylindrical nuts are also affected by this TIL.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Users are requested to contact their local GE
Energy Services representative for approved testing
/ inspection procedures.
The affected parts are the cylindrical and hexagonal
nuts for the coupling. GE part numbers
356A3962P003, 356A3954P001, 358A7395P003,
358A7395P005, 358A7395P009, 358A7395P010,
358A7202P002, 358A7202PP018, 358A7202P004,
and 358A7202P019
MAINTENANCE
If the components are found to have experienced
crack initiation, your local GE representative should
be contacted for replacement parts.

Contact your local GE Energy Services

representative for assistance or for additional
information.

Figure 1 Hexagonal Nut with a section of the locking

device liberated.
TIL Category: H, I, J, STM
COPYRIGHT 2001, 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.