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TIL 1237 1 - FLexible Hose Installation Errors
TIL 1237 1 - FLexible Hose Installation Errors
TIL 1237-1
GE POWER GENERATION
GLOBAL PRODUCT & TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
February 5, 1998
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,
TIL Category: B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
COPYRIGHT 1998, 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-1237-1
Page 2
Radius-1
Radius-3
Radius-2
Figure 3
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.