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TIL 1323-3R1
TECHNICAL INFORMATION LETTER
ISOLATING INNER ON-LINE WATER WASH
(OLWW) SYSTEM NOZZLE MANIFOLD FOR
F-CLASS UNITS
APPLICABLE TO
All commissioned F Class gas turbines with On-Line
Water Wash Systems.
PURPOSE
To inform users of GEs recommendation to isolate the
inner OLWW system nozzle manifold by either installing
a manual isolation valve or blanking the supply piping to
the inner water wash nozzle supply line.
The purpose of this TIL revision is to make additional
recommendations for on line water wash system
operation recommendations.
BACKGROUND DISCUSSION
After R0 blade erosion was established as the root
cause for a GE 9FA Gas Turbine suffering a blade
liberation event, GE began looking for ways to improve
its OLWW system. The goal was to maintain the
current performance benefit given by daily operation of
the OLWW system while eliminating, or significantly
reducing, the R0 blade leading edge erosion levels being
seen across the F Class fleet.
After extensive testing in the laboratory and field on
multiple GE F class units, it is recommend operating the
OLWW system in the following configuration.
RECOMMENDATIONS
GE recommends operating the OLWW system utilizing
only the outer (aft) manifold. Testing done by GE shows
the inner (forward) OLWW manifold performs minimal
compressor cleaning and may cause increased erosion
rates on the R0 blade leading edge. The erosion
appears to be caused by water stratification on the bell
mouth struts wall, which then impacts the root of the R0
blade. Elimination of this manifold does not impact
GE ENERGY SERVICES
PRODUCT SERVICE
9 JANUARY 2003
compressor performance degradation rates as compared
to a two manifold system.
Additionally, GE recommends reducing the OLWW
system pressure supplied to the outer (aft) manifold to
40 psig by installing a stainless steel ball valve and
locally monitored pressure gauge. Initial testing
performed by GE has indicated this system configuration
may reduce the OLWW R0 blade leading edge erosion
rate.
This TIL will be updated with further recommendations
based on additional long term fleet operation testing data
is developed.
To support this recommendation, GE is advising on the
installation of a 1 manual isolation ball valve (PN
354A3276P007) in the inner (forward) manifold supply
line and operation of the system with the valve shut. Or,
instead of inserting a manual isolation valve, simply
cutting and capping both ends of the supply line will
suffice in eliminating water flow through the inner nozzle
manifold. For the outer (aft) nozzle manifold, it is
suggested that a 1 pressure throttling valve (PN
256A1129P028 along with two connector fittings PN
156A1075P022) and 0-100 psi pressure gauge (PN
315A2970P304) be installed in the outer (aft) manifold
supply line. Both of these modifications should be made
at the next available outage. All material must be
capable of isolating pressures up to 100 psi and able to
withstand application in a water environment.
Note: Installation and operation of these
recommendations does not affect the off line water wash
system.

COPYRI GHT 2003 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 1323-3R1
Page 2

Reference GE TIL 1303 for additional OLWW system

operating recommendations. Contact your local GE
Energy Services representative for assistance or
additional information.