1237-1 POSSIBLE FLEXIBLE HOSE INSTALLATION ERRORS

February 25, 1998

APPLICABLE TO

MS3000, MS5000, MS6000, MS7000, MS9000 including all frame sizes B, E, F,

FA

PURPOSE

To alert gas turbine operators of potential cracking on flexible hoses having

diameters of three (3) inches and above. The potential for cracking occurs when
operating in excess of 150 PSI gage pressure and/- or operating in excess of 366
degrees Fahrenheit (F) when incorrectly installed with excessive offset and/- or
not in a stress free state.

BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION

Note: Flex hose cracks are a potential safety hazard.

Based on GE field experience, at least three flex hose failures have been
reported.

When flex hoses operate at high pressure and temperature, leakage is possible
from a cracked hose. Root cause analysis (RCA) of the failed hoses indicated
that the design "Minimum Bend Radius" had been violated in the as-installed
condition. These hoses did not visibly appear to have a smooth or continuous
arc, or curvature.

This applies to hoses, three (3) inches and above in diameter, operating in
excess of 150 PSI gage pressure, and/- or operating in excess of 366 degrees
Fahrenheit.

Correct installation requires the flex hose to be installed in a "Stress-Free"

condition.
Piping systems where an affected flex hose may exist are: atomizing air,
extraction air, gas fuel, fuel purge, steam injection plus cooling and sealing air.

Figure 1 and 2 show a typical flex hose after the desired installation has been
accomplished. The hose should demonstrate a "Smooth and Uniform" bend or
radius of curvature in one plane only. The examples show the common "Offset"
and "Angular Bend" method typical of hose installation.

Figure 3 shows an example of a flex hose typical of those that have cracked in
service. This hose demonstrates a "Triple Radius" bend that may contain
undesirable stresses. This installed hose shape can be the result of numerous
factors. An example of cause would be excessive compression of the hose
during installation if the relative length was too long.
RECOMMENDATIONS

GE recommends an inspection of affected flex hoses at the first opportunity the

turbine compartment can be accessed safely. If a suspect flex hose is found, it
may require refitting or replacement at the earliest available outage. Contact your
local GE representative to review findings. Correct or replace the hose if it is
determined a triple radius exist.

Flex hoses must be installed in a stress-free state. Excessive force must not be
used to either stretch or compress hoses when fitting between two fixed
members.

Note: The gasket thickness must be credited as a part of the fixed distance when
determining the stress free state. Figure 4 and figure 5 describe installation
tolerances.

In addition to the correction or replacement criteria noted above, modification of

rigid connecting piping maybe required to insure stress free installation. Piping
fabrications connected to flex hose can be cut to remove or add length as
required to assure the flex hose is in a stress free state when final assembly
bolting takes place.
Piping Applied Practice drawing 351A3700, section 14 should be consulted for
reference.

Contact your local GE representative for installation practices that apply.