KVAERNER ENERGY LTD

THERMAL POWER DIVISION

CSD FIELD TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION

Subject: Water Wash Recommendations FTI No: 0257 Rev 0

Applicable: All F/FA gas turbines MLItem:

1. Purpose

Inform users of the latest operating instructions on water wash recommendations

to avoid potential distress of rotating components.

2. Background/Discussion

Gas turbine rotors are potentially sensitive to rapid, local cooldown. Rapid, local
cooldown associated with incorrect off-line compressor water wash can result in
reduced interference at critical rotor rabbet interfaces. The reduced interference
may result in changes in unit vibration performance or localized cyclic stress if
the unit is operated at elevated cooldown speed in this condition.

A GE study reviewed field data from off-line water washing. The data showed
that, regardless of wash water temperature at the compressor inlet, water
temperature at the compressor discharge casing drain and turbine inlet is much
closer to the compressor blading temperature. Compressor blading temperature
is a strong function of ambient air temperature and total cooldown time.

TIL REFERENCE NO: 1236-2 DATE:14th January, 1998

PREPARED BY: D.J. Taylor APPROVED BY: D.J. Taylor

SIGNATURE: SIGNATURE:

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If for example, ambient temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit (F), wash water

temperature at the entrance to the turbine rotor will be about 80 degrees F. This
condition could lead to “fast cooldown” and may cause local thermal distress to
the rotor in certain circumstances where the actual turbine rotor metal
temperature is significantly greater than ambient temperature. Use of 180
degree F inlet wash water was previously thought to allow a maximum permissive
wheelspace temperature of 300 degrees F while maintaining the 120 degree F
maximum allowable difference between water temperature and wheelspace
temperature. However, since it is now apparent that the actual water wash
temperature at the turbine rotor would, in the above example, be closer to 80
degrees F, a wheelspace temperature of 300 degrees F would result in a 220
degree F mismatch. A much greater variation than the maximum allowable
difference of 120 degrees F.

Therefore, as an additional requirement for off-line water wash, regardless of

water inlet temperature, the stage 2 aft wheelspace temperature must be
stabilized at 150 degrees F or lower, while measured at speeds of 30 RPM or
lower, before the water wash is started. The wheelspace temperature measured
while the rotor is turning at 60RPM will not reflect the actual temperature of the
turbine rotor. The stored heat of the turbine rotor will cause the wheelspace
temperature to increase after the rotor is returned to turning gear (6 RPM). For
units that are not equipped to attain a stable speed of 30 RPM or lower, the
wheelspace temperature must be stabilized at 130 degrees F or lower when
measured at 60RPM or lower, before the water wash is started.

3. Recommendations

For off-line water wash, even with water inlet and ambient temperatures within
the GE recommended parameters, the stage 2 aft wheelspace temperature must
be stabilized at 150 degrees F or lower, while measured at speeds of 30 RPM or
lower, before the water wash is started. For units that are not equipped to attain
a stable speed of 30 RPM or lower, the wheelspace temperature must be
stabilized at 130 degrees F or lower while measured at 60RPM or lower, before
the wash is started.

Contact your KEL representative for assistance or for additional information.

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