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Planning ahead

Save time and money with proactive steam turbine maintenance!

The average age of GE Vernova's combined cycle steam turbine fleet is 21 years, so you're likely to be experiencing hardware issues like shell creep, shell cracking, or rotor bow bending. Get ahead of potential problems by planning your steam turbine maintenance in advance.

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Plan ahead and see the benefits

  • Avoid substantial lost generation costs by planning for specific emergent work issues based on your unit’s history
  • Work with GE Vernova’s team to develop your outage scope with fleet-specific risks in mind 
  • Avoid up to 14 days of outage extension time to address emergent findings

Expert insights on outage planning and steam turbine maintenance

Watch our on-demand webinars

  • D11 outage insights: Lessons & Live Outage execution
  • Preparing for the unexpected: Outage planning for steam turbines

Webinar

D11 outage insights: Lessons & Live Outage execution

November 6th, 2024 | 11 am Berlin, 11 am New York, 3 pm Kuala Lumpur

Are your D11 turbines approaching end-of-life? In this webinar, our experts will share insights into enhancing outage planning and execution for aging combined cycle equipment. They will discuss real-world cases, common pitfalls, and much more.

Webinar

Preparing for the unexpected: Outage planning for steam turbines

November 6th, 2024 | 11 am Berlin, 11 am New York, 3 pm Kuala Lumpur

In this on-demand webinar, learn essential strategies for effective outage planning for steam turbines and discover how GE Vernova can help you navigate supply chain challenges, stock critical parts, and develop a more robust plan for successful outages.

Practical outage planning insights for steam turbine plant managers

Explore our blog series

Featured videos

Learn more about what we do

  • Diaphragm repair expertise
  • Rotor repair expertise
  • Steam turbine parts delivery
  • Steam turbine outages
  • Pre-outage risk management

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Commonly asked questions

Why choose GE Vernova for steam turbine services?

As the OEM for your steam turbine, GE Vernova is the only provider with the proprietary IP and full configuration history for your specific unit, combined with an advanced analytics package that evaluates current operation to deliver customized service recommendations and dedicated engineering support to return you to service safely and on schedule. Leveraging fleet history and OEM insight, we partner with you on a strategic plan that improves your turbine’s performance well beyond a single outage.

How does frequent cycling impact steam turbines in combined cycle plants, and what is the role of outage planning?

Frequent cycling can compromise steam dryness, leading to water droplet formation that has the potential to cause premature erosion in critical areas such as rotor blades. Tailored outage planning that aligns with start profiles can help mitigate these risks. Engage with our expert team early to develop a comprehensive outage strategy.

What options and upgrades are available to extend the life of a steam turbine?

Steam turbines typically have a 30+ year lifespan, depending on operational history. Consider advanced upgrades such as steam path replacements and enhanced shells and casings to extend the turbine's operational life beyond the standard 30-year mark.

What are the common and uncommon findings in combined cycle steam turbines?

Common findings

  • Valve failures 
  • Water induction or foreign object introduction into the steam path
  • Failures in the lube oil bearing train 
  • Loss of power leading to lubricating oil loss and unit shutdown 
  • Steam path blade and seal failures due to wear and tear

Uncommon findings:

  • Steam leakage through bolted joints, valve couplings, or actuated valves 
  • Liberation of rotating parts 
  • Cracks in casings 

Regular inspections targeting known failure modes are crucial. Monitor for long-term issues such as cracking and creep and feel free to contact us if you observe any signs.

What essential emergency spare parts are needed for steam turbines, and what inventory does GE Vernova maintain?

Critical emergency spare parts include bolting hardware and valve internals. GE Vernova stocks common components such as front and last stage blades, though inventory availability may vary. It’s ideal to plan for known issues and specific plant requirements to help ensure that the right spare parts are available.

What is the recommended approach for repairing steam joint leaks at the HP and IP sections of the steam turbine?

A systematic approach is the ideal strategy, including diagnosing the root cause and implementing robust repair solutions such as bolting upgrades, steam dams, sealants, or half-pipe repairs. Our expertise lies in systematic diagnosis, mapping of flange surfaces, and leveraging experienced field personnel. Sharing past mitigation experiences also helps enhance future planning.

How far in advance should steam turbine outage planning start, and what is the optimal duration for an outage?

Outage planning should generally be initiated 18 to 24 months in advance, to account for thorough assessment, and the optimal outage duration can vary but typically ranges from 25 to 45 days, depending on specific needs.

What elements contribute to keeping a steam turbine outage within schedule, and how can a reliable return to service be ensured?

Early identification of findings, attention to high-risk areas, and detailed contingency planning. You’ll want to ensure tooling availability, address potential delays, and have fallback plans in place. Efficient management overall involves planning for contingencies, developing what-if scenarios, and addressing unexpected events promptly.

On which steam turbine models is Live Outage available, and how does it impact cycle reduction and outage completion time?

Live Outage is available for the D11 fleet, and has reduced cycles by up to 20% while improving outage completion time by up to 10%. Connect with local representatives for insights into the Live Outage concept and its advantages.

How can planning margin for unexpected or emergent findings during steam turbine outages be designed to ensure flexibility and adaptability?

Efficiently manage cleaning and repair phases, triage findings based on urgency and promptly address identified risks to design effective planning margin. This approach helps ensure flexibility and adaptability during outages.

Training

Knowledge is power

To successfully operate and maintain your plant, you need a well-trained workforce. GE Vernova's Gas Power Customer Training provides flexible training solutions to meet your total plant needs in the following areas:

Asian Manager Engineering and worker in standard safety uniform working inspect the electricity high voltage pole.
  • Total plant solutions
  • Controls & excitation  
  • Gas turbines  
  • Steam turbines  
  • Boilers  
  • HRSG  
  • Generators 

Contact us

Want to learn more about our steam turbine services?