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TIL 1287-1
GE ENERGY SERVICES
PRODUCT SERVICE
8/23/2000

TECHNICAL INFORMATION LETTER

EXCESSIVE GAS FUEL FLOW AT
START-UP (F-CLASS)
Start-up is a Safety Critical Operation on gas
APPLICABLE TO
turbine units. Close adherence to GE Power
MS6001F, MS7001F and MS9001F Classes of Systems specifications and guidelines is
Gas Turbines Operating on Gas Fuel. imperative.

PURPOSE Long term preventative maintenance is the key to

To inform users of start-up characteristics for gas reliable and safe operation. This includes scheduled
turbines in order to diagnose deterioration of the maintenance inspections of mechanical, hydraulic
start-up sequence due to calibration drift, sensor and electrohydraulic systems and timely repairs or
imprecision, or hydraulic system wear. replacement of system components as stated in
Additionally, to warn users of the risks of altering GER-3620.
the control logic constants, or re-loading control
logic software without proper GE technical
VENT TO ATMOSPHERE
assistance.

BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
P2
In July and August 1999, two MS7001B units (psig)
20VG-1
were removed from service due to uncontrolled (GAS SYSTEM VENT VALVE)

combustion events in the exhaust system. The

events were the result of excessive fuel flow at
the beginning of the ignition sequence that led to
a combustible mixture in the exhaust plenum. P1 P3

GAS
GE identified several contributing factors SRV GCV NOZZLES

including out-of-calibration servo control cards, (SPEED / RATIO VALVE) (GAS CONTROL VALVE)
GAS MANIFOLD
worn position sensors (LVDT’s), evidence of
P1 - GAS SUPPLY INLET PRESSURE
contaminated hydraulics with servo fouling, and P2 - SPEED REGULATED GAS PRESSURE TO GVC
P3 - TURBINE CONTROL GAS PRESSURE

incorrect software constants.

The result of these different contributors is

uncontrolled P2 pressure (pressure in cavity
Figure 1. Turbine Gas System Schematic
between Stop/Ratio Valve [SRV] and the Gas
Control Valve [GCV]) – see Fig. 1. Due to the
preset open-loop positioning of the GCV during
the ignition sequence, P2 control is critical to
proper control of gas fuel flow, and thus to a
properly controlled start-up.

TIL Category: H,I,J

COPYRIGHT 2000, 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.
TIL1287-1
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DIAGNOSTIC MONITORING
Customers should use the following four (4)
diagnostic monitoring guidelines during start-up
to ensure safe, reliable operation.
As a reference, Figure 2 demonstrates the characteristic
P2 pressure and GCV positioning for a typical start.
Guideline P2 values can be determined using
information listed in Table I at the end of this document.
1) P2 HIGH (greater than P2H psig )
PRIOR to the ignition sequence – Fuel gas
may be passing the SRV before it is permitted
– ABORT the start immediately
– Review the calibration and operation
of the SRV, LVDT(s) servo valve, and P2
pressure transducer
– Determine root cause and perform
TIL1287-1
Page 2
– Determine root cause and perform
corrective action prior to next start
attempt.
4) LONG START - It is GE fleet experience for
the fuel gas fired turbine that ignition
initiation – to flame indication nominally
takes less than 10 seconds. Any start which
requires 15 seconds or more should be
considered a warning indicator. Upon any
long start, the gas turbine and gas fuel
supply systems should be closely evaluated
for maintenance / corrective action.
Abnormal noises during startup should be
considered an indicator and should be
investigated immediately.
110

FSNL
IGNITION WARMUP
corrective action prior to next start 100

attempt. 90

80 FSR/ GCV STROKE

1) P2 VERY HIGH (greater than P2VH psig)
70
FSR / GVC STROKE

DURING the ignition sequence (nominal

TURBINE SPEED

P2 PRESSURE

60

target is P2F psig) – P2 is not controlled 50

correctly P2 PRESSURE
40

– ABORT the start immediately 30

TURBINE SPEED

– Check control constants against GE 20

*CAUTION SYSTEM CURVES ARE

specifications, SRV calibration, GCV 10 NOT DRAWN TO SCALE

calibration, hydraulic pressure, servo 0

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

operation – determine cause TIME

– Determine root cause and perform

corrective action prior to next start Figure 2 Typical Turbine Start Sequence 7001B
attempt.
3) P2 LOW (less than P2L psig) sustained RECOMMENDATIONS
for 3-5 seconds DURING the ignition Due to the critical nature of the control system in
sequence. As per Figure 2. P2 levels should the safe and reliable operation of a gas turbine,
continuously increase through the ignition GE recommends that users not alter control
period. Otherwise, a system problem may be constants or attempt to re-load control logic
indicated such as a malfunctioning hydraulic- without qualified on-site GE technical assistance.
servo, which could result in a sudden over- GE also recommends that the preceding
correction; OR a miss-calibrated / diagnostic guidelines be reviewed and followed
uncontrolled GCV which would allow closely during start-ups – especially those
excessive fuel flow. following maintenance outages. This should
become a regular procedure to monitor and
– ABORT the start immediately determine acceptable performance of equipment.
– Check hydraulic system pressure, Alarms and other indicators of abnormal
servo operation, LVDT operation, GCV operation should be fully investigated before
calibration, control constants proceeding with startup and operation.
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For assistance in implementing the above

recommendations, contact your regional GE
Energy Services representative
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TABLE I
P2 Guideline Values
by Frame size:
P2H P2VH P2L

MS6001F 6 PSIG 1.25 X P2F 0.8 X P2F

Classes

MS7001F 6 PSIG 1.25 X P2F 0.8 X P2F

Classes

MS9001F
6 PSIG 1.25 X P2F 0.8 X P2F
Classes

Notes:
1. Measured P2 pressure before the ignition sequence should be zero (0) psig. The
P2H limits are valued at levels that should allow a clear determination using the existing
pressure transducer.
2. P2F is the site-specific P2 gas pressure at firing. P2F will vary with firing speed.
P2F can be found in the latest revision of the site specific Control Specifications (Control
System Settings). Note that modifications, upgrades and system changes may affect the
site-specific P2F gas pressure at firing. Contact GE representative for clarification if there
is any uncertainty.
3. Additional information concerning the maintenance of the gas fuel system can be
found in TIL-331CR1: LEAKAGE PAST THE GAS FUEL STOP VALVE.