ENERGY SERVICES ENGINEERING TIL 1607

PRODUCT SERVICE 31 MARCH 2008

Compliance Category – M
Timing Code - 6

TECHNICAL INFORMATION LETTER

BENTLY NEVADA EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE

APPLICATION
All gas turbines equipped with Bently Nevada shaft displacement probes.

PURPOSE
Bently Nevada shaft displacement probes are installed on every GE heavy-duty gas turbine currently built. The
equipment provides additional vibration monitoring capability that may be used to provide advanced rotordynamic
diagnostic capabilities. As with any precision instrumentation, periodic inspections and maintenance are required to
ensure its continued reliability.

Compliance Category

O - Optional Identifies changes that may be beneficial to some, but not necessarily all,
operators. Accomplishment is at customer's discretion.

M - Maintenance Identifies maintenance guidelines or best practices for reliable equipment

operation.

C - Compliance Required Identifies the need for action to correct a condition that, if left uncorrected,
may result in reduced equipment reliability or efficiency. Compliance may be
required within a specific operating time.

A - Alert Failure to comply with the TIL could result in equipment damage or facility
damage. Compliance is mandated within a specific operating time.

S – Safety Failure to comply with this TIL could result in personal injury. Compliance is
mandated within a specific operating time.

Timing Code
1 Prior to Unit Startup / Prior to Continued Operation (forced outage condition)
2 At First Opportunity (next shutdown)
3 Prior to Operation of Affected System
4 At First Exposure of Component
5 At Scheduled Component Part Repair or Replacement
6 Next Scheduled Outage
7 Optional

COPYRIGHT 2008 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.
This Technical Information Letter contains proprietary information of the General Electric Company, USA and is furnished to its customer solely to
assist that customer in the installation, testing, operation and/or maintenance of the equipment described. This document shall not be reproduced in
whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any third party without the written approval of GE Energy Services Engineering.
 TIL 1607

BACKGROUND DISCUSSION
GE mounts two Bently Nevada proximity probes 90
degrees apart on each gas turbine bearing to monitor
rotor vibration. These probes are eddy-current probes
that send voltage readings to a panel that conditions
and processes the signals for vibration monitoring.
Rotor vibration readings augment the bearing cap
vibration readings that are measured by seismic
sensors. Data from proximity probes is not read by gas
turbine controller logic for turbine protection. Instead,
proximity probes serve to diagnose vibration issues Figure 2: Front view of a typical Bently panel
and are useful for determining unbalance of rotors, and
identifying rubs or bearing damage. A number of sites have reported that their Bently
panels (see Figure 2) display errors, which prevent
some or all vibration data from being read and/or
recorded. In such cases, the seismic sensors external
to the bearing caps provide turbine protection when
high levels of vibration occur. However, with non-
working probes it is impossible to trend historical OSM
(On Site Monitor) data of proximity probes, or to record
real-time ADRE (Automated Diagnostics for Rotating
Equipment) and/or System 1 data for rotordynamic
analysis and diagnosis.

GE has identified several factors responsible for missing

proximity probe data. The most common are
misaligned or damaged keyphasors (see Figure 3), and
damaged cabling (see Figure 4). Even with the majority
Figure 1: Proximity probe mounted to measure
of Bently equipment functioning properly, partially
shaft vibration
missing data can prevent detection or diagnosis of a
Each proximity probe is connected through an number of issues.
electrical cable of matching impedance to a
Proximitor® and Bently rack. These probes detect the
relative position from a rotor journal or thrust collar
surface to the surface where they are mounted (see
figure 1 above). The AC and DC components of this
voltage reading reach the Bently panel or rack typically
located in the PEECC (Packaged Electrical and
Electronic Control Center) at site. The DC voltage (also
known as gap voltage) corresponds to the distance to
the journal surface relative to a zero reference, giving
the relative position of the journal within the bearing.
The AC voltage waveform is coupled with a reference
signal (keyphasor) that fires once per shaft revolution.
These waveforms are processed together by the Bently
rack to provide a value of peak-to-peak vibration
amplitude and phase angle relative to the notch on the
shaft. The Bently rack can also be used to output shaft
orbit and filter waveforms into constituent frequencies. Figure 3: Circled region showing rubbed
keyphasor probe

COPYRIGHT 2008 GE
This Technical Information Letter contains proprietary information of the General Electric Company, USA and is furnished to its customer solely to
assist that customer in the installation, testing, operation and/or maintenance of the equipment described. This document shall not be reproduced in
whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any third party without the written approval of GE Energy Services Engineering.
Page 2 of 6

Figure 4: Burned turbine end bearing
proximity probe cable
RECOMMENDATIONS
GE recommends the following inspections and
maintenance practices to improve reliability of Bently
monitoring equipment on turbines so equipped. At the
next scheduled outage, the following checks will
address common issues that may affect the Bently
monitoring system:
• Check Bently panel for alarms. Document the
alarm (LED label and flashing rate) and press
the reset switch, which will clear latched
alarms. The Bently rack can also identify
problem probes with a “Not OK” status.
Proximity probes have an OK range that is
centered on approximately (–) 10 V DC. Refer
to the rack Installation and Operation or
Installation and Maintenance Guide for more
specific procedures.
• Check routing of cabling for any proximity
probes that have errors at the Bently panel.
Check resistance of the cables between the
junction box and probe connection.
• Verify that probe, cable, and Proximitor®
series match. GE specifies 3300 and 7200
series equipment for different applications.
• Check the integrity of cabling for proximity
probes at the turbine end bearing that are not
routed through the drain tunnel. Measure
resistance of the cables between the junction
box and probe connection. On F class units, if
the cables are routed outside the lube oil drain
pipe and in the bearing tunnel, either replace
the cables with high-temperature cabling
rated to 260 degrees C or modify the routing
to match the current versions of the drawing
(MLI 235A, 235B, or 1154). Check to confirm
that TIL 1271 has been implemented in
accordance with this recommendation.
• Water contamination at connectors from the
probes to the cables causes spikes in signals,
particularly when the cabling has oil or dirt
accumulation indicating compromised sealing.
Connectors should be protected by a silicone
sheath. If they are not, then the connection
COPYRIGHT 2008 GE
This Technical Information Letter contains proprietary information of the General Electric Company, USA and is furnished to its customer solely to
assist that customer in the installation, testing, operation and/or maintenance of the equipment described. This document shall not be reproduced in
whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any third party without the written approval of GE Energy Services Engineering.
Page 3 of 6
TIL 1607
should be cleaned and a Connector Protector
Kit should be installed. A connector insulation
kit may be purchased from Bently.
• Oil contamination in the Proximitor® housing
mounted near the turbine end drain pipe
accumulates when the seal is worn. Any oil
should be cleaned out and the seal replaced.
• Inspect the keyphasor for damage at the tip
and replace if rubbing is present. Check the
voltage of the probe and adjust gap as
required to obtain a DC voltage of
approximately 10.5 V. Also clean surface
corrosion from rotor shaft where keyphasor is
aimed.
For continued reliability of Bently monitoring
equipment, regular maintenance is recommended
every two years and whenever the rotor is removed:
• Recalibrate Bently rack monitors per the
procedure found in the Bently 3300 or 3500
Rack Configuration and Utilities Guide.
A Bently Nevada service representative is
recommended.
• Perform loop checks of probe cables to be sure
that the configuration matches sensor
arrangement drawings (ML 235A, 235B, 235C,
and 1154) applicable to the gas turbines.
Looking downstream toward the exhaust, all
gas turbine probes with the ‘X’ designation (e.g.
39VS11 and 39VS21) are generally mounted on
the left-hand side, and all ‘Y’ probes (e.g.
39VS12 and 39VS22) on the right. For
machinery coupled to the Gas Turbine, refer to
the unit specific drawings to determine the
orientation of proximity probes. Generator
vibration arrangements have a Cost Code
(equivalent to an MLI) of A1D.
• Confirm readings for each channel of Gap,
Direct, 1X amplitude and phase, and 2X
amplitude and phase.
• Review IO Configuration settings in the turbine
controller to verify proper assignment of the
keyphasor and proximitor feedback circuits. It
is possible to get a healthy loop check, yet fail
to get feedback because the proximitor wasn’t
associated to the keyphasor, as one example.
The use of a TK-3 test kit early on will help
assure both correct calibration/operation of
the probes, as well as correct signal
processing within the turbine controller.
 TIL 1607
Two 8-hour shifts are required to complete the Parts
recommended inspections, while the turbine is shut Connector Protector Kit: Bently Nevada parts 330153
down and off turning gear. When all Bently probes are and 163356
functioning the lights on the Bently rack will glow a
steady green during turbine operation. Properly Special Tooling
functioning vibration monitoring equipment enables Bently Nevada TK-3 Test Kit
detection of potential hardware issues and ensures the
ability to diagnose and correct known rotordynamic Reference Documents
problems when they arise. Some vibration monitoring TIL 1271
equipment issues that cannot be corrected from the http://www.ge-
instructions in this TIL require the expertise of a Bently energy.com/prod_serv/products/oc/en/bently_nevada.
Nevada Diagnostic Engineer to correct. Bently Nevada htm
may be contacted via their website at http://www.ge-
energy.com/prod_serv/products/oc/en/bently_nevada. Previous Modifications
htm. NA

PLANNING INFORMATION Scope of Work

Compliance Two 8-hour shifts are required by a mechanical or
• Compliance Category: M controls Technical Advisor to complete the
• Timing Code: 6 recommended inspections. Routine maintenance and
inspection of Bently rack to be completed every two
Manpower Skills years and whenever rotor is removed.
Controls and Mechanical Field Engineers required to
perform inspections and calibrations recommended in
Contact your local GE Service Manager or Contract
this TIL.
Performance Manager for assistance or for
• Replace and adjust gap of damaged keyphasor –
additional information.
three hours
• Replace Bearing #2 Bently cabling – one shift NOTE: If you would like to receive future TILs by email,
• Recalibrate Bently rack monitors – one shift contact your local GE Service Manager or Contract
Performance Manager for assistance.

COPYRIGHT 2008 GE
This Technical Information Letter contains proprietary information of the General Electric Company, USA and is furnished to its customer solely to
assist that customer in the installation, testing, operation and/or maintenance of the equipment described. This document shall not be reproduced in
whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any third party without the written approval of GE Energy Services Engineering.
Page 4 of 6
 TIL 1607

TIL COMPLIANCE RECORD

Compliance with this TIL must be entered in local records. GE requests that the customer notify GE upon compliance of
this TIL.
Complete the following TIL Compliance Record and FAX it to:
TIL Compliance
FAX: (678) 844-3451
Toll free FAX: 1-888-896-TILS (1-888-896-8457)

TIL COMPLIANCE RECORD For Internal Records Only #

Site Name: Customer Name:
Customer Contact Information GE Contact Information
Contact Name: Contact Name:
Address: Address:

Email: Email:
Phone: Phone:
FAX: FAX:
Turbine Serial Number(s):

INSTALLED EQUIPMENT TIL Completed Date:

100% TIL Completed:
Description:

Unit Numbers: Part Description: Part Number MLI Number

Comments:

NOTE: If there are any redlined drawings that pertain to this TIL implementation, please FAX the drawings along with
this TIL Compliance Record.
FAX this form to: TIL Compliance
FAX: (678) 844-3451
Toll free FAX: 1-888-896-TILS (1-888-896-8457)

COPYRIGHT 2008 GE
This Technical Information Letter contains proprietary information of the General Electric Company, USA and is furnished to its customer solely to
assist that customer in the installation, testing, operation and/or maintenance of the equipment described. This document shall not be reproduced in
whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any third party without the written approval of GE Energy Services Engineering.
Page 5 of 6
 TIL 1607

USER SATISFACTION SURVEY

GE values your opinions and comments.

GE requests that you complete the User Satisfaction Survey below to help us better serve you with accurate and timely
information on your equipment.

Complete the following User Satisfaction Survey and FAX it to:

TIL Survey
GE Product Service
FAX: (678) 844-6737
Toll free FAX: 1-866-604-2668

USER SATISFACTION SURVEY

Serial Number: Date:

1. How many days after TIL issue date did you receive this TIL?

1 - 5 days 6 - 10 days + 10 days

NOTE: If you would like to receive future TILs by email, contact your local GE Energy Services representative for assistance.
Rate the following based on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is Excellent and 5 is Poor.

2. Please rate how well this document informed you of the technical issue.

1 2 3 4 5

3. Please rate the overall effectiveness of this TIL.

1 2 3 4 5

Comments / Suggestions:

FAX this form to: TIL Survey

Product Service
FAX: (678) 844-6737
Toll free FAX: 1-866-604-2668

COPYRIGHT 2008 GE
This Technical Information Letter contains proprietary information of the General Electric Company, USA and is furnished to its customer solely to
assist that customer in the installation, testing, operation and/or maintenance of the equipment described. This document shall not be reproduced in
whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any third party without the written approval of GE Energy Services Engineering.
Page 6 of 6