TIL 1067 R4 - E Class Stage 2 Bucket Tip Shroud Deflection

TECHNICAL BULLETIN
TIL 1067-R4
E-Class Stage 2 Bucket Tip Shroud Deflection
Abstract
This Technical Bulletin is to inform Customers of the applicability of TIL 1067-R4 to units serviced by Baker
Hughes.
Serviceable Units
Applicable to 71EA, 91E & 61B Gas Turbines serviced by Baker Hughes. This TIL is applicable for part numbers
listed in the Tables 1, 2 & 3.
Compliance Category
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 Technical Bulletin could result in equipment or facility damage. Compliance is mandatory
within a specific operating time.
S – Safety Failure to comply with this Technical Bulletin could result in personal injury. Compliance is mandated within a specific
operating time.
Timing Code
1 Prior to Unit Startup / Prior to Continued Operation
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
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Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. Proprietary Information

The information published in this Technical Bulletin is offered to you by Baker Hughes in consideration of its ongoing sales and service relationship with your organization. However, since the operation
of your plant involves factors not within our knowledge, and since operation of the plant is within your control and responsibility for its continuing successful operation rests with you, Baker Hughes
disclaims responsibility or liability for damage of any type, including but not limited to direct, consequential or special damages that may be alleged to have occurred as a result of applying this
information, regardless of whether it is claimed that Baker Hughes is strictly liable, in breach of contract, in breach of warranty, negligent, or is in any other respect responsible for any alleged injury
or damage sustained by your organization as a result of applying this information. The information contained in this Technical Bulletin is confidential and proprietary. This Bulletin and the information
contained in it are protected by copyright and/or other intellectual property rights. This Bulletin and information are provided for authorized use only, and may not be used by or disclosed to others
without the prior express written consent of Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l.
TECHNICAL BULLETIN
Contacts
For units under warranty or covered under a Contractual Service Agreement (CSA), please refer to your Baker
Hughes Project Manager.
For technical questions or application and commercial requests please contact:

Baker Hughes Company
Customer Service Center
Via Felice Matteucci, 2
50127 Florence, Italy
e-Mail: customer.service.center@bakerhughes.com
Phone: +39 055 427 2500
Fax: +39 055 423 2800
Please specify the Unit Serial Number and Technical Bulletin associated with the request and whether the
request is technical or commercial.
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Technical Bulletin e-mail notification service, please visit the Technical Enhancements & Notifications
Platform:
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In addition, Customers can update the implementation status of Technical Bulletins applicable to their fleet
directly for one or multiple serial numbers.
To update the implementation status of Technical Bulletins:

Log in to the TEN platform – https://www.bakerhughes.com/customer-resources
 Go to the “My implementation status” page
 Search by document code or by unit serial number.
 Flag the record(s) to be updated
 Click on “Update Status”.
2/3
The information contained in this Technical Bulletin is confidential and proprietary. This Bulletin and the information contained in it are protected by copyright and/or other
intellectual property rights. This Bulletin and information are provided for authorized use only, and may not be used by or disclosed to others without the prior express written
consent of Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l.
TECHNICAL BULLETIN
Expense Policy
The recommendations contained in this Technical Bulletin are for information only. Unless otherwise indicated
in a Contractual Service Agreement (CSA) in force between the parties, a specific Purchase Order must be in
place and all costs associated with the implementation of the recommendations shall be paid by the
Customer.
3/3
The information contained in this Technical Bulletin is confidential and proprietary. This Bulletin and the information contained in it are protected by copyright and/or other
intellectual property rights. This Bulletin and information are provided for authorized use only, and may not be used by or disclosed to others without the prior express written
consent of Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l.
GE POWER TIL TIL 1067-R4
PRODUCT SERVICE Publish Date: 08 DECEMBER 2021
Compliance Category - C
Timing Code - 4
TECHNICAL INFORMATION LETTER

E-CLASS STAGE 2 BUCKET TIP SHROUD DEFLECTION
APPLICATION
Applicable to 7E, 7EA, 9E & 6B Gas Turbines. This TIL is applicable for part numbers listed in the Tables 1, 2 & 3.
PURPOSE
To provide current information and recommendations regarding Stage 2 Bucket tip shroud deflection, and to inform
Frame 6, 7 and 9 customers of updated information regarding inspection procedure for Stage 2 Buckets.
REASON FOR REVISION

To include Improved Boroscope Inspection Procedure.
COMPLIANCE CATEGORY
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
© 2021 General Electric Company
The proprietary 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 General Electric Company 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 or distributed in whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any third party without the written approval of GE. All rights reserved.
Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

BACKGROUND DISCUSSION
This TIL provides guidelines for inspection of tip shroud deflection on the second-stage buckets and replacement
recommendations intended to reduce operational risk. Outward radial deflection of bucket tip shrouds can lead to rubbing
of the radial seal on the stationary shrouds and possible bucket tip shroud cracking. Eventually, liberation of the bucket
shroud can occur. Investigations have shown that tip shroud deflection is primarily a function of creep in the 50% to 70%
span of the trailing edge of the airfoils, with a small secondary impact from distortion of the tip shroud itself. Operating
conditions can play a significant role in the second-stage bucket issues identified above. Operation with maintenance
factors greater than one (peak load, wet control curve, high steam/water injection rates) will potentially reduce the
replacement interval. Unit firing temperature rating can also play a significant role in these issues, and therefore it is
important to understand the firing temperature history for any set of second-stage buckets for which this TIL inspection is
being performed.
This tip shroud deflection is separate from the tip shroud distortion discussed in TIL 534 and TIL 540. That distortion was
primarily seen on older style MS7001E and MS9001E buckets, with straight-edged (non-scalloped) tip shroud
configuration. Affected units can refer to those older TILs for information on that type of distortion (also described as tip
shroud curling).
GENERAL INFORMATION TO ALL USERS
The range of tip shroud deflection for a given set of S2Bs can be monitored via borescope inspection (BI) to assist users
in determining timing and scope of second-stage bucket maintenance. However, this BI strategy is not a substitute for
performing the full TIL inspection. The full TIL inspection is still required at all Hot Gas Path and Major Inspections.
Please see the specific initial and subsequent Borescope Inspection instruction and criteria in this TIL. Consult your local
GE representatives for questions or assistance in these procedures.
If the recommended inspection is not performed, the bucket may either a) liberate through creep rupture, or b) deform,
resulting in shroud “Z” Lock disengagement from the adjacent buckets leading to aeromechanical issues.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Inspection Timing
During standard annual borescope inspections, inspect tip shrouds for any significant lifting. If significant lifting is
observed, measure the step per the instructions in the borescope inspection procedure below. Contact your local GE
representatives for further direction.
For bucket part numbers not listed in Tables 1,2 & 3, it is recommended to visually inspect the parts. If any parts show
signs of visible shroud lift at the contact face, then the full TIL inspection should be performed, and data submitted for
review.
2. Inspection Procedure
Refer appendix 1 for Unit Closed Condition Inspection Procedure

Refer appendix 2 for Unit Open Condition Inspection Procedure


Contact your local GE representatives for assistance or for additional information.
Appendix 1
INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR UNIT CLOSED CONDITION:
INSTRUCTIONS TO PREPARE THE GAS TURBINE FOR BORESCOPE INSPECTION:
a. The gas turbine must be shut down and the turbine wheel space temperatures should be no greater than 150°F
(66°C) before the borescope is inserted, as exposure of the borescope to higher temperatures may permanently
damage the internal glass fiber bundle.
b. When inspecting turbine buckets, it is necessary to rotate the rotor incrementally to bring each bucket into the
field of view of the borescope. Withdraw the borescope slightly while turning the rotor to prevent damage to the
equipment.
CAUTION! - A lube oil supply to the rotor bearings must be maintained during the borescope inspection.
c. A “zero” datum should be established for the rotor by marking the load coupling or rotor shaft with a permanent
marking pen, grease pen, or paint marker. This will provide the necessary reference to determine one revolution or
intermediate angular positions.
d. Visually inspect all Stage 2 Bucket tip shrouds on the leading and trailing sides noting any unusual conditions,
differences, or deviations in the height of the tip shrouds as shown in the example figures. When possible,
measure the step at the hard face, from the flow path side of the Tip Shroud (see Figure 1). The airfoils should
also be inspected for cracking, missing material, or any other unusual findings.
e. Prepare the recorded images and measurement data if available for GE Engineering evaluation and disposition.
Contact your GE representatives for final disposition.
GE recommends a borescope capable of recording video or still images for performing this inspection. If a more in-depth
inspection is necessary, a borescope with stereo measurement capability is also recommended.
Contact GE representatives for assistance or for additional information. Service support may include engineering
evaluation of data and correlation of data with other units in similar applications.

NOTE: Borescope Inspection of the bucket tip shrouds for identifying tip shroud deflection condition should be made as
the buckets rest close to Bottom Dead Center (6:00 position, BDC) of the gas turbine for best results. Top Dead Center
(12:00 Position, TDC) can be used as a second choice as well if the BDC position is not accessible. Measurements or
photos taken from any other position can be unreliable and misleading when attempting to identify bucket tip shroud
deflection, due to bucket wheel dovetail wear and acceptable manufacturing tolerances that will cause the buckets to
“lean.” These factors may produce a misleading result in evaluating tip shroud deflection that would not be representative
of the true variance in the bucket row. Withdrawal and reinsertion of the borescope is required to avoid damage when the
rotor is rotated. If the inspection indicates that the bucket engagement is less than the acceptable measurement found in
this TIL the buckets should be replaced immediately and the bucket wheel should be inspected for excessive wear in the
dovetail roots per TIL 1049. Please consult your model-specific GE Gas Turbine Service Manuals for the best borescope
access port locations prior to performing any inspections.
All “Z-Lock” areas of all 92 buckets should be inspected during all routine borescope inspections. This inspection should
be recorded on video.
Figure 1: Borescope Step Measurement

Flowchart to represent Inspection Procedure
A full borescope inspection consists of two parts. First Part, a full overview inspection and image documentation of all 92
“Z-Lock” areas. A Second Part in which at least the 10 locations with the most reduced engagement are examined and
measured in detail.
FIRST PART: FULL OVERVIEW INSPECTION FOR IMAGE DOCUMENTATION OF ALL 92 “Z-LOCK” AREAS
The inspection images must meet the following conditions:
1. The overview images should be taken at the bottom dead center
2. The view should be from the S2B leading edge in flow direction nearly perpendicular to the “Z-Lock”
engagement surface
3. The images should display the thickness of the tip shroud in the “Z-Lock” area that becomes visible in a
particular position and viewing angle only. This requires radio communication between the inspector and the
operator of the hydraulic turning gear to stops and maintain the rotor in the optimal position until the image is
taken. Images should display the entire width of the “Z-Lock” engagement area. Refer Figure 2.
4. The inspection preferably be performed with a 3D Phase Measurement Forward View Lens.
5. The inspection location (1 to 92) should be displayed on the image using live annotation.

NOTE: Take many pictures from slightly different perspectives and select the most suitable picture for each location after
the inspection.
Figure 2
NOTE: If the remaining engagement at all 92 “Z-Lock” locations is equal to or greater than 50% from first part
inspection, then document all images from the first part inspection. Inspection completes here. Refer Figure 3 for
representative percentage of engagement.
Figure 3
If the remaining engagement at all 92 “Z-Lock” locations is less than 50% from first part inspection, then perform
second part inspection as described below:
SECOND PART: DETAILED INSPECTION AND OPTICAL MEASUREMENT OF SELECTED LOCATIONS
The locations with the most reduced engagement at the “Z-Lock” are particularly relevant for a reliable Engineering
disposition after a borescope inspection. Therefore, special attention must be paid to the locations with steps that are
clearly above average. Document and measure at least 10 locations with the seemingly highest steps. The remaining
engagement at these locations must be documented with multiple images and measured as precisely as possible.

Use the same inspection location numbering that was used for the full overview inspection.
Two methods can be combined to record and measure the remaining engagement:
METHOD 1: Measurement of the step at “Z-Lock” area while the examined location is at the top center or bottom center.
The step height at the middle of the “Z-Lock” area is the most representative value to estimate the remaining
engagement but additional measurements on either side of the engagement area are useful complements and
verifications (see Figure 4).
The step measurement becomes more meaningful if the tip shroud thickness is also measured because the remaining
engagement is the tip shroud thickness minus the step.
Figure 4
METHOD 2: Measurement of the contact marks in the “Z-Lock” area. This measurement of the actual contact marks may
be done with the inspected parts in any position (not only at top center and bottom center) because the contact marks
show the actual remaining engagement during operation. Take detailed images of the contact marks.
NOTE: This inspection can only be done if a small gap between adjacent parts provides visibility of the contact marks.
It is a best practice to repeat optical measurements from slightly different perspectives to obtain verified readings. Such
verifications should be done when performing measurements at “Z-Locks” with a concerning low remaining engagement
that is less than 20% of the nominal engagement area.
All other issues like deformations and cracks should be documented with detailed images (see Figure 5).

Figure 5
DOCUMENTATION OF BORESCOPE INSPECTION
Record the following images in the borescope inspection report:
FIRST PART: FULL OVERVIEW INSPECTION FOR IMAGE DOCUMENTATION OF ALL 92 “Z-LOCK” AREAS
▪ 92 images that show all 92 “Z-Locks” in sequence and display the step and remaining engagement in the best possible
way. You may take more images during the inspection but should select the most suitable image from each location for
the report.
▪ The location number (1 to 92) should either be visible on the images or noted next to the image.
SECOND PART: DETAILED INSPECTION AND OPTICAL MEASUREMENT OF AT LEAST THE 10 LOCATIONS WITH
THE SEEMINGLY HIGHEST STEPS AND LOWEST REMAINING ENGAGEMENT
▪ Document these selected locations with multiple images and multiple measurements to record the step and remaining
engagement as precisely as possible. Provide the dimensions of the remaining engagement area.
▪ Also other issues in these contact areas should be documented in detail with images (deformations, signs of cracking).
▪ The location number (1 to 92) should either be visible on the images or noted next to the image. The location number
must match with the location numbering of the full overview inspection.

Appendix 2
INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR UNIT IN OPEN CONDITION:
The following inspection procedure is recommended at every Hot Gas Path Inspection interval as determined by latest
revision of GER 3620, unless otherwise directed by your GE representatives. Record all data on the Data Collection form
described in Step 5 of Inspection Procedures and submit results to your GE representatives for further evaluation.
NOTE: Deflection measurements taken in accordance with this TIL should be performed at as close as possible to the
TDC position. Measurements taken from any position other than TDC or BDC can be unreliable and misleading when
attempting to identify bucket tip shroud deflection due to bucket wheel dovetail wear and acceptable manufacturing
tolerances that will cause the buckets to “lean”. This lean can produce a misleading result in evaluating tip shroud
deflection that would not be representative of the true variance in the bucket row. For this reason, the wheel should be
incrementally rotated several times throughout the course of the inspection, to ensure that the measurement of all 92
interfaces occurs when the subject interface is within 3 tip shroud interfaces of TDC position.
1. Inspect the buckets for bucket wheel dovetail wear according to latest revision of TIL 1049 to eliminate any potential
bias in the Tip Shroud Deflection measurements conducted in the following steps. If the buckets do not meet the
acceptable criteria for bucket wheel dovetail wear in the latest revision of TIL 1049, then TIL 1049 recommendations
must be followed, and this TIL inspection cannot be performed. If the buckets meet the criteria found in latest revision of
TIL 1049, then continue to Step 2.
2. Load buckets outward and in the direction of rotation with buckets at TDC position. Best practice for loading the
buckets radially outward is by temporarily inserting shims between the bucket dovetail and wheel slot during inspection.
3. Measure the 'step' at the midpoint and 0.050 inches behind the contact surfaces (see Figures 8, 9, 10, & 11)
4. Measure the 'higher' shroud thickness at the same location that the drop was taken (see Figures 6, 7, & 10)
5. Record data on the Data Collection Form, available from your GE representatives.
6. Repeat measurements on all 92 buckets.
7. Ensure all required fields are completed on the inspection form and submit the measurement data to your local GE
representatives for disposition. For details, additional information, and assistance in implementing above
recommendations contact your local GE representatives.


PLANNING INFORMATION
Compliance
• Compliance Category: C
• Timing Code: 4
Manpower Skills
GE Borescope Technician; GE Borescope Technician’s Assistant; GE Technical Advisor; Millwright craft labor
Parts
Not Applicable
Special Tooling
Video Borescope
Reference Documents
TIL 1049-R3 - cited to help eliminate any measurement bias that may occur during implementation of this TIL.
Scope of Work
GE Technical Advisor and millwright to remove borescope plugs and rotate the rotor – one 12-hour shift.
GE Borescope Technician and assistant to inspect with borescope – one 12-hour shift.
GE Technical Advisor and millwright to take measurements if the unit is opened – one 12-hour shift.
TIL DISPOSITION
Disposition of TILs should be entered in local records and also in GE Power ServiceNow. Follow the below instructions for entering the
disposition record;
• Log into the Power ServiceNow at https://gepowerpac.service-now.com/til_new/ using your GE SSO number and password.
• Select "TIL Disposition".
• Click on the TIL for the serial number you want to update.
• Choose the most appropriate "Disposition Status" and enter "Disposition Notes".
• Click "Save".
Contact your local GE Services representative for assistance or for additional information

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TECHNICAL BULLETIN

2 At First Opportunity / Next Shutdown

4 At First Exposure of Component

6 Next Scheduled Outage

Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. Proprietary Information

For technical questions or application and commercial requests please contact:

This online tool is available only to registered BH Customers.

To update the implementation status of Technical Bulletins:

TECHNICAL INFORMATION LETTER

REASON FOR REVISION

© 2021 General Electric Company

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

GENERAL INFORMATION TO ALL USERS

Refer appendix 1 for Unit Closed Condition Inspection Procedure

© 2021 General Electric Company

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR UNIT CLOSED CONDITION:

INSTRUCTIONS TO PREPARE THE GAS TURBINE FOR BORESCOPE INSPECTION:

© 2021 General Electric Company

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

Figure 1: Borescope Step Measurement

© 2021 General Electric Company

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

The inspection images must meet the following conditions:

1. The overview images should be taken at the bottom dead center

© 2021 General Electric Company

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

SECOND PART: DETAILED INSPECTION AND OPTICAL MEASUREMENT OF SELECTED LOCATIONS

© 2021 General Electric Company

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

© 2021 General Electric Company

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

DOCUMENTATION OF BORESCOPE INSPECTION

Record the following images in the borescope inspection report:

© 2021 General Electric Company

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR UNIT IN OPEN CONDITION:

6. Repeat measurements on all 92 buckets.

© 2021 General Electric Company

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

• Select "TIL Disposition".

© 2021 General Electric Company

Date Printed: 08 DECEMBER 2021

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