DWG Number GEK121636 Rev - Released 3/11/2019 Page 1 of 5

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GEK121636
February 2019

GE Power

Atmospheric Relief Diaphragm

These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations in equipment nor to provide for every possible contingency to be
met in connection with installation, operation or maintenance. Should further information be desired or should particular problems
arise which are not covered sufficiently for the purchaser's purposes the matter should be referred to General Electric Company. These
instructions contain proprietary information of General Electric Company, and are 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 General Electric Company.
© 2019 General Electric Company. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed in whole or in part,
without prior permission of the copyright owner.

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DWG Number GEK121636 Rev - Released 3/11/2019 Page 2 of 5

GEK121636 Atmospheric Relief Diaphragm

I. DESIGN FUNCTION
Atmospheric relief diaphragms are a safety feature to protect the steam turbine casing, condenser and plant
personnel against damage due to over-pressurization within the exhaust casing.

Atmospheric relief diaphragms are typically mounted to the upper half of low pressure steam turbine
exhaust casings The diaphragm assembly is a mounting ring and grid to support normal vacuum load, and
a retaining bar and knife-edge to relieve the casing under positive-pressure. The assembly is bolted to the
exhaust casing and available for replacement as necessary.

During normal turbine operation, the atmospheric relief diaphragm is to dish inward and rest on the mating
support grid. The thin diaphragm will shift positions and engage the knife-edge only when positive-pressure
is present internal to the exhaust casing; the diaphragm is designed to relieve internal pressure at
approximately 5 psig (34.5 kPa (gage), 0.35 kg/cm2G). Exhaust casing atmospheric pressure equalization
will occur once the diaphragm has been relieved.

II. RISK AND GE RECOMMENDATION

Typical cause for exhaust casing over-pressurization is the inability of the condenser to accept heat load
given a loss in circulating cooling water and failure of the bypass valve(s) to close; such events may occur
during plant start-up/shutdown when cooling water circulating pumps are turned off/fail.

Over-pressurization poses the risk of hardware damage: last stage blades, distortion of the inner/outer
casings (as present) and potential rupture of the exhaust casing itself. Additionally, an uncontrolled exhaust
casing rupture is a critical safety risk for turbine-deck personnel. In each reported over-pressurization
event, the atmospheric relief diaphragms served to protect turbine hardware by controlling location of
pressure equalization (protecting critical hardware and personnel).

GE recommends customers consider potential safety hazards present with atmospheric relief diaphragms:
(1) lightweight debris from released diaphragm assembly, (2) potential asphyxiation hazard by large
quantity steam release into turbine hall. Some customers have opted to duct the atmospheric relief
diaphragm to another location or external to the plant. If safety concerns for station personnel are identified,
customer is responsible for training/provisions to mitigate risks at site.

GE recommends customers perform testing/maintenance/refurbishment of bypass valve(s) in the water

steam cycle (if present) at intervals defined in the valve O&M manual/manufacturer’s recommendation.
An appropriate bypass valve maintenance program will minimize risk of condenser overpressure condition.

III. OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

Caution required when handling/installing atmospheric relief diaphragm assemblies to avoid unnecessary
hardware damage, and personnel cut risk associated with internal knife-edge.
No anticipated maintenance is required for the atmospheric relief diaphragms. Spare diaphragms (MLI
CDDS) are typically provided with the Steam Turbine equipment in the event of damage to the original
(MLI CDD0). Maintaining consistency to original specification (material, gage thickness) is critical for
proper function of the atmospheric relief diaphragms.

2 © 2019 General Electric Company. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed in whole or in
part, without prior permission of the copyright owner.

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DWG Number GEK121636 Rev - Released 3/11/2019 Page 3 of 5

Atmospheric Relief Diaphragm GEK121636

IV. GRAPHICS
The following images visually describe the Atmospheric Relief Diaphragms; see turbine bill of materials
(MLI CDDS, CDD0) for unit specific hardware.

(3D images depicting Axial and Down Exhaust Configurations,

as Example; unit-specific hardware may differ.)

© 2019 General Electric Company. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed in whole or in part, 3
without prior permission of the copyright owner.

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DWG Number GEK121636 Rev - Released 3/11/2019 Page 4 of 5

GEK121636 Atmospheric Relief Diaphragm

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part, without prior permission of the copyright owner.

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DWG Number GEK121636 Rev - Released 3/11/2019 Page 5 of 5

GEK121636 Atmospheric Relief Diaphragm

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without prior permission of the copyright owner.

GE Proprietary Information - Class II (Internal) US EAR - NLR