LM5000
Session chair and discussion leader for the LM5000 group is Chuck Toulou, Ripon Cogeneration LLC, Ripon, Calif. Fleet status: 56 engines in operation, 12 lease-pool engines (only three available). Monday sessions involved the users and depot experts.
Discussion points included the following:
LP compressor rotor-blade corrosion often occurs when the unit is offline. Use borescope inspection to identify metal attack and clean as necessary. Rotor corrosion issues may result if blade corrosion is not addressed in timely fashion. Improved water wash and rinse practices can mitigate the problem.
Variable stator vane hardware may suffer distortion, breakage, or wear. Periodic visual inspections are recommended. Maintain bolts tight; pressure wash regularly and keep free of debris.
Teflon was replaced as the sealing-surface material with aluminum silicon plasma spray for the No. 1 bearing stationary seal. Consult Service Bulletin 214.
Turbine mid-frame liner clocking is a concern. Work is ongoing to identify a method for preventing clocking; welding is not a possibility.
Cracking is in evidence on the auxiliary gearbox No. 2 pad. Reason is unknown at this time. LM2500 has the same part but no report of cracking.
HP turbine bearing issues have been traced to damage during shipment. Recommendation: Monitor temperature and vibration to identify an impending problem.
Availability of spare parts is a major issue for this diminishing fleet. Users suggested storing units removed from service and cannibalizing as necessary.
