Combustion Turbine (CT) and Combined-Cycle (CC) O&M - Program 79

Program Overview
Program Description
The asset value of natural-gas-fired gas turbines, especially in combined-cycle plants, is on the rise, driven by
their inherent efficiency, emissions, operational characteristics, broader market fit with a forecasted affordable
fuel supply, and complementary role covering load swings such as those from intermittent renewables. Cycling
and high-temperature operations adversely affect combustion turbine component life, as well as plant reliability
and availability. The risks associated with hot section durability, compressor failures, rotor cracks, and
combustor dynamics must be cost-effectively managed. Improved operational flexibility, in areas such as dry
low-NOx (DLN) combustor turndown and plant startup, would help plants address load demands. Beyond the
gas turbine, combined cycles have a broader range of concerns, including selective catalytic reduction (SCR)
catalyst deactivation, steam turbine-generator reliability, plant performance degradation, faster startups, and
load response to better accommodate intermittent power sources from wind and solar.
The Electric Power Research Institutes (EPRIs) Combustion Turbine (CT) and Combined-Cycle (CC) O&M
program (Program 79) provides comprehensive resources to address the operation and maintenance (O&M)
needs of conventional and advanced CTs, related emissions control equipment, and combined-cycle rotating
equipment.
Research Value
Members of this program can use the R&D to manage equipment risks through root cause analyses and
engineered solutions; reduce life-cycle costs through repair technology and improved component design; and
enhance overall plant operational flexibility by reducing combustor issues, mitigating cycling damage, and
increasing performance. Specifically, members can:

Manage major O&M risks not typically covered by OEM and third-party service agreements
Improve O&M costs through in-depth understanding of O&M issues at the model/sub-model-specific level,
and significantly reduce overall life-cycle costs without increasing failure risks
Gain expert assessments of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and independent offerings in
addition to O&M recommendations
Benefit from O&M experience and resources through collaborative interactions

Approach
Program activities address monitoring and inspection, repair technique improvement, component life prediction,
and plant O&M management tools. Model-specific design features are directly addressed in product
development. Members use the R&D for:

Risk management (early detection, root cause, and solutions) R&D uses in-depth studies of high-risk
component issues to identify root cause failure mechanisms and to develop and demonstrate
corrective/damage mitigation solutions.
Research into O&M improvements (life prediction, component design, and repair) research provides
model-specific repair, procurement, and damage-tracking guidelines for hot-section, combustor, and
compressor components.
Operational flexibility (capacity, performance, combustion dynamics, and emissions) R&D produces
techniques for improving interrelated machine operational characteristics, such as tuning and turndown of
DLN systems and mitigating cycling damage.
Plant productivity support tools and training provide O&M cost analysis software, maintenance guidance,
and overhaul planning tools for different CT models and select combined-cycle equipment, as well as
training courses for applying EPRI products.

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Accomplishments
EPRIs Combustion Turbine and Combined-Cycle O&M program has provided high-quality technical evaluations
and products to support better operations and maintenance for more than 30 years, including:

Model-specific repair guidelines for widely used 50/60-Hertz (Hz) machines

Replacement part procurement guidelines for D/E- and F-Class models
Compressor and rotor root-cause analysis and O&M solutions
O&M guidance for DLN combustor systems and segmented feed pumps
SCR and CO catalyst deactivation assessment and improved emission controls tuning

Current Year Activities

Program R&D for 2012 will seek to mitigate advanced machine dependability issues and reduce conventional
machine O&M costs. Specific efforts will focus on:

Root causes of recurring failures and durability shortfalls

Cost-effective approaches for addressing compressor, combustor, and rotor dependability and useful life
assessment tools
New and updated repair and procurement guidelines for 50/60-Hz models
Auxiliary and combined-cycle equipment O&M: SCR catalyst management; steam turbine and electric
generator issues; and inlet air filtration improvements

Estimated 2012 Program Funding

$3.2M
Program Manager
John Scheibel, 650-855-2446, jscheibe@epri.com

Summary of Projects
Project Number

Project Title

Description

P79.001

Risk Management: Early

Detection, Root Cause and
Solutions

In-depth investigations and guidelines address high-risk component

failure root cause mechanisms. Corrective solutions and damage
mitigation techniques are developed, evaluated, and demonstrated.

P79.002

O&M Improvements: Life

Prediction, Component
Design and Repair

The project provides model-specific repair, procurement, and

damage-tracking guidelines for hot section, combustor, and
compressor components.

P79.003

Operational Flexibility:
Capacity, Performance,
Combustion Dynamics and
Emissions

This project provides techniques for improving interrelated machine

and plant operational characteristics, such as emissions and
turndown of DLN systems, part-load performance, or full-load
megawatt capacity production.

P79.004

Plant Productivity Support

Tools & Training

This project provides O&M cost analysis software and overhaul

planning tools for different models, as well as combined-cycle plant
equipment O&M guidelines and special studies, and develops training
courses to assist with the application of EPRI products.

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P79.001 Risk Management: Early Detection, Root Cause and Solutions (067357)
Key Research Question
The effective operation of complex, tightly integrated combustion turbines (CTs) requires astute monitoring,
regular inspection, understanding of the critical damage mechanisms and root causes, and engineered solutions
to maintain high availability and reliability. This requirement is particularly true for advanced machines, in which
cascading failures can cause more than $10 million in equipment damage. Similar concerns exist for highbackpressure steam turbines (STs) and electric generators used in combined cycles. These types of major
equipment risks usually are not addressed by service agreements and only are partially covered by insurance.
Approach
This project helps members with early detection of incipient damage, as well as in-depth understanding of
damage mechanisms and the underlying root causes driving accelerated deterioration and increased risk of
outright failure.

Cost-effective risk management needs to be tailored to the specific machine model and issue in the
compressor, combustion system, or hot section. This project develops and validates inspection and
monitoring techniques, collects field experience, characterizes component design features, develops
detailed engineering models, and evaluates damage mitigation and corrective design measures.
In the compressor, work is aimed at understanding and mitigating the impacts of extensive rubbing,
erosion/corrosion, deposit buildup, foreign object damage (FOD), stall/flutter flow excitations, and
clashing contributing to blade and stator failures.
In the combustion system, techniques are being developed to detect dry low-NOx burner instabilities,
leading to fuel nozzle failure and downstream hardware damage.
In the turbine hot section and rotor, material testing and design analyses are used to assess risks from
high-temperature creep/oxidation, thermo-mechanical fatigue cracking, and reduced fracture
toughness/embrittlement of costly superalloy and CrMoV components. Detailed component failure and
stress analysis is often covered in supplemental projects.
In the electric generator and bottoming steam cycle, risks from end winding failures or fatigue cracking of
the long-last steam turbine blades are addressed at the root cause analysis level, and corrective
measures are proven by plant testing and experience.

Impact

Mitigate damage by using improved monitoring and inspection techniques to provide advance notice to
CT owners of abnormal conditions and the opportunity to take countermeasures.
Cost-effectively reduce the risk of high-impact failures by understanding damage mechanisms and their
root causes, and adjusting maintenance accordingly.
Develop, evaluate, and demonstrate engineered solutions, including design modifications that effectively
address the root causes.
Determine the useful economic life of high-valued components on a sound, independent engineering
basis.

How to Apply Results

Investigation reports of root cause failure and damage provide technical background to define flaw size for
inspection, adjust operating practices, and evaluate possible design modification. An engineered solution may
require the involvement of the OEM, repair shop, or other service provider. Monitoring techniques are
customized to the model type and plant configuration. The plant or remotely located monitoring center installs
the software with appropriate connections to the plant process data historian.

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2012 Products
Planned
Completion Date

Product Type

Rotor Life Evaluation - Update: This report provides guidance on evaluating

the condition of life-limiting CT turbine and compressor rotors subject to longterm deterioration from creep, embrittlement, and low-cycle thermal fatigue
mechanisms. The project develops new inspection techniques and material
property data using conventional destructive and small sampling techniques,
such as the small punch test, on retired components.

01/31/12

Technical
Update

Demonstration of Damage Mitigation Techniques: Monitoring Experience:

The effectiveness of new coatings, component modifications, remote
inspection, or monitoring techniques is demonstrated and validated. Additional
R&D may be identified to further improve or refine component redesigns or
O&M procedures. Ongoing work focuses on field validation of online detection
of DLN combustor damage using an EPRI developed health indicator
incorporated into the dynamics monitoring system. Planned new work will
monitor compressor damage, such as from rotating stall or surge, that may
produce field-observed incidents of airfoil clashing.

01/31/12

Technical
Update

Component Failure Investigations and O&M Risk Mitigation Guidance: For

the turbine, compressor, combustor, and rotor components, deterioration and
failure are investigated for specific models. For combined cycles, electric
generator windings and steam turbine flow path failures, such as last stage L-0
cracking, are investigated. Metallographic analyses, material property testing,
and stress modeling, coupled with machine operating characteristics, are used
to develop and screen possible solutions. Recent focus has been on
compressor rotating and stationary compressor airfoil cracking.

12/31/12

Technical
Update

Planned
Completion Date

Product Type

Rotor Life Evaluation - Update: Guideline addresses general approach to

evaluating turbine and compressor rotor life.

12/31/13

Technical
Update

Demonstration and Validation of Component Modification and Damage

Mitigation Techniques: Novel techniques to detect damage and implement
mitigation measures are covered.

12/31/13

Technical
Update

Component Failure Investigations and O&M Risk Mitigation Guidance:

Failure root cause analysis of components of wide interest to gas turbine
operators.

12/31/13

Technical
Update

Product Title & Description

Future Year Products

Product Title & Description

P79.002 O&M Improvements: Life Prediction, Component Design and Repair (067358)
Key Research Question
Combustion turbines require extensive repair and refurbishment at predetermined intervals due to very hightemperature operation. Superalloy blades, vanes, and combustion hardware depend on effective repairs to
achieve their stated economic life. Due to the high cost of repairs (for example, an F-class first-stage blade
replacement can cost $2 to 4 million per row), the need for in-depth guidance is critical. Fallout rates (i.e., for
parts deemed not repairable at the prescribed strip/recoat interval) have exceeded 50% for certain hightemperature combustion turbine models. For mature designs, extending run intervals may be possible with
design and material testing qualification. A new generation of low-conductivity thermal barrier coatings (low-k
TBC) potentially offers extended operating life or enhanced performance benefits. Compressor O&M issues

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include rubbing, tip cracking, foreign object damage, erosion, corrosion, aerodynamic stall/flutter, and surge.
Repair service providers and aftermarket parts suppliers may offer competitive alternatives to the original
equipment supplier for innovative design/repair solutions.
Approach
Effective management of compressor, combustion, and hot-section life-cycle costs focuses on three elements:
optimizing the maintenance interval, extending service life by repair, and obtaining lower-cost/longer-life
replacement hardware. EPRI offers R&D supporting all three areas:

Damage tracking guidance is based on extensive durability analyses that provide objective estimations of
creep, oxidation, and thermal mechanical fatigue damage to specific components locations as a function
of operation. EPRI maintains and continues to expand a series of CT component repair guidelines
covering combustion/hot-section hardware for 50/60-Hz conventional and advanced models. Currently
available model-specific volumes cover: GE 7B, 6B, 7FA, 9FA, 7E/EA, 9E; Siemens-Westinghouse
W501A-D, W501D/D5A, W501F, V84.2, V94.2, V84.3A, V94.3A; Alstom 11N2, GT24, GT26; and
Mitsubishi M501F, M701F.
A series of procurement guidelines for replacement of superalloy components provide technical criteria
for nondestructive examination, acceptable coatings, qualification/approval of master heats, dimensional
conformity, manufacturing and heat treatment, metallurgical requirements, and quality assurance. Also
included is repair technology development using novel welding, brazing, and geometry modifications.
For the compressor, EPRI develops and translates into plant-oriented guidance the following areas:
understanding the influence of inlet guide vane scheduling and aerodynamic conditions on blade
dynamics, surface treatments for erosion/corrosion resistance, and methods to address attachment
fretting and airfoil impact damage. To facilitate the application of guidelines, EPRI routinely issues reports
surveying the capabilities of repair shops and aftermarket parts suppliers.

Impact

Reduce fallout from repair cycles and possibly extend overall economic life using the damage-tracking
guidance to optimize maintenance intervals.
Achieve cost savings from competent, cost-effective refurbishment services made possible by the repair
guidelines.
Reduce replacement hardware costs by procuring more durable designs and competitive bidding.
For those machines covered by extended service agreements, EPRI products play a role in overseeing
quality repairs, establishing objective run/scrap criteria, and factoring in technology improvements into the
overall lifecycle management.

How to Apply Results

Repair and procurement guidelines, as well as related supplier capability surveys, are used to support
competitive bidding. The guidelines are designed to be incorporated into a technical specification bidding
document. The repair criteria are used to safely guide refurbishment and identify key quality issues. Damage
tracking guidance can be used to make manual estimations of component maintenance intervals or incorporated
into the plant's automated monitoring system. Project information also is useful in managing long-term service
agreements. Compressor guidance is aimed at supporting field inspection and air flow path maintenance.

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2012 Products
Planned
Completion Date

Product Type

CT Repair Guidelines: New and Updated Model-Specific Volumes:

Eighteen gas turbine models are covered in separate repair guideline volumes.
Each volume provides individual component specifications, addressing the
specific design features and repair considerations for hot-section blades and
vanes and combustion hardware. Guidelines routinely are updated to include
the latest design features, restoration dimensions, typical component damage,
and repair techniques.

12/31/12

Technical
Update

Component Durability Analysis and Damage Tracking: Component

durability models provide insights into relating plant operations to observed hotsection damage. Local stress and temperature profiles closely relate to tip
oxidation, leading-edge distress, and trailing-edge and platform cracking.
Service-aged component testing and field experience are incorporated in
updated damage tracking software. This information is used to improve repair
procedures, optimize service intervals, and assess design modifications.

12/31/12

Technical
Update

Repair Shop and Alternative CT Component Supplier Capabilities Update:

EPRI routinely surveys repair shops and alternative parts supplier capabilities.
Reports cover both North American and international repair service providers
and alternative parts suppliers. Topics include experience level with specific
model parts, unique component design features or repair approaches, and
near-term plants of new offerings, especially related to E- and F-class models.

12/31/12

Technical
Update

Advanced Repair Development and Qualification: A new generation of lowconductivity thermal barrier coatings (TBC) enable the components to operate
at lower metal temperatures or increased turbine inlet temperature. Coupon
testing to establish data critical to quality parameters and performance
characteristics will be performed, leading to field testing. Additional repair
development also is planned for qualifying new high-strength brazing
compositions and for evaluating the effectiveness of alternative heat treatments
used for reconditioning superalloy components.

12/31/12

Technical
Update

Compressor Airfoil Trimming Guideline: Compressor airfoil tips and leading

and trailing edges can be damaged by foreign objects, rubbing, and liberated
upstream component pieces. For light to moderate damage, the airfoil may be
trimmed in lieu of replacement and thus avoid cost and outage time. The 7FA
guideline begun in 2011 defines appropriate trimming practices based structural
analysis for rotating blades. Plans are to extend the guideline to selective inlet
stationary vanes and develop additional model-specific guideline versions.

12/31/12

Technical
Update

Planned
Completion Date

Product Type

CT Repair Guidelines: New and Updated Model-Specific Volumes: Repair

guidelines primarily focused on model-specific combustor and hot-section
components.

12/31/13

Technical
Update

Procurement Guidelines for Improved Components: New and Updated

Model-Specific Volumes: Component procurement guidelines aimed at
replacing hot-section hardware.

12/31/13

Technical
Update

Component Durability Analysis and Damage Tracking: Independent

analysis of hot-section durability issues and maintenance interval guidance.

12/31/13

Technical
Update

Product Title & Description

Future Year Products

Product Title & Description

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Product Title & Description

Advanced Repair Development and Qualification: New repair technology to

help extend overall component useful life.

2012 Research Portfolio

Planned
Completion Date

Product Type

12/31/13

Technical
Update

P79.003 Operational Flexibility: Capacity, Performance, Combustion Dynamics and Emissions

(100579)
Key Research Question
Plants required to cycle generally suffer from accelerated degradation, reduced availability, and increased O&M
costs. The challenge in cycling combustion turbine plants lies in the interrelationship of capacity, performance,
and emissions combined with high transient stresses in hot-section components. The combustion system often
is the limiting factor in turndown, while thick-walled components in downstream combined-cycle equipment can
slow startups. The dry low-NOx (DLN) combustor is particularly sensitive to changes in fuel quality, ambient
conditions, component ware, and calibration. Improving the gas flow interface between the gas turbine and the
heat recovery steam generator would further help lessen damaging vibratory pulsations and thermal
maldistributions.
Approach
This project examines the impact of design limitations on various operational flexibility issues, leading to solution
developments and field validation. The near-term focus is on combustor dynamics and emissions of particular
concern for the DLN and conventional diffusion-flame designs using extensive water/steam injection. Emissions
produced during startup, shutdown, low-load, and load transients are an emerging operational flexibility
challenge. Techniques for monitoring damaging dynamic events and procedures for improved tuning are helping
to enhance the performance of premixed combustion systems. All aspects of combustion maintenance,
including nozzle flowing, optimal maintenance intervals, and extended service hardware modifications, will be
addressed. A new project focus involves developing and demonstrating emerging automated tuning techniques
and related sensing devices. The project has developed extensive background information about capacity
enhancement techniques, such as foggers, chillers, and evaporative coolers. Incorporating thermal storage ice
production with inlet chillers to take advantage of off-peak power is being investigated.
Impact

Improve O&M of conventional and dry low-NOx combustors by using model-specific guidance.
Understand the limitations of fuel interchangeability and possible issues with broader fuel supply
sourcing.
Boost electricity production through extensive background information on capacity and storage
enhancement techniques.
Improve overall operational flexibility by introducing field-validated plant modifications.

How to Apply Results

The guidelines and reports are used in conjunction with combustor inspections and improvements to system
operation, such as overseeing the regularly scheduled refurbishment or adjusting fuel splits. Reports provide the
understanding necessary to anticipate possible fuel impacts and methods to accommodate wider quality
variations via monitoring, combustor adjustment, and equipment modifications. Reports also help identify
possible equipment and control modifications to enhance certain aspects of improving plant operational
flexibility.

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2012 Products
Planned
Completion Date

Product Type

DLN Combustor Fuel Nozzle Flow Testing: DLN combustor performance,

such as emission and dynamics, is highly sensitive to proper re-flowing
procedures typically performed by the repair shop. EPRI reference flow orifices
have been fabricated to emulate DLN fuel nozzle effective flow areas the
primary criteria for fuel nozzle reconditioning. This project will demonstrate the
use of the EPRI reference orifices in improving the accuracy and precision of
shop re-flowing procedures.

12/31/12

Technical
Update

Combined Cycle Performance Monitoring and Recovery: This generic

combined-cycle guideline defines how to successfully design, implement, and
manage a plant heat rate monitoring and recovery program, including key plant
and major component efficiency indicators; instrumentation and data needed to
determine actual vs. expected conditions; and diagnostic flow charts to
determine likely causes of performance deficiency.

12/31/12

Technical
Update

DLN Combustor Auto-Tuning Field Test: DLN combustors typically require

periodic re-tuning to maintain performance within a narrow operational
emissions-dynamics acceptance window. Auto-tuning is an emerging
technique to maintain the combustor within the acceptance window by
automatically trimming the combustor fuel splits. This project addresses the
implementation and extended operational experience with this advanced
combustor control feature.

12/31/12

Technical
Update

Planned
Completion Date

Product Type

Plant Operational Flexibility Modifications: Novel plant modifications to

improve aspects of operational flexibility.

12/31/12

Technical
Update

DLN Combustor O&M Guidelines: New and Updated: Guidelines address

proper maintenance and tuning of dry, low-NOx combustors.

12/31/13

Technical
Update

Capacity Enhancements: New Techniques and Operational Impacts:

Techniques and related experience to offset electricity production derates and
enhance peak output.

12/31/13

Technical
Update

Product Title & Description

Future Year Products

Product Title & Description

P79.004 Plant Productivity Support Tools & Training (100574)

Key Research Question
Plant managers, engineers, and operators must continually re-examine the effectiveness of their O&M
procedures and identify areas for improvement. These procedures include maintenance timing, risk
management, staff renewal, parts sparing, overhaul planning, and optimal budgeting. Information from outside
the company often is required for effective benchmarking and to help define effective, achievable goals.
Approach
This project addresses some of the key combustion turbine/combined-cycle O&M concerns not covered in other
parts of the program. Resources provided include:

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A series of O&M guidelines addressing gas turbine island and select combined-cycle equipment that
includes axial compressor performance, predictive maintenance implementation, selective catalytic
reduction (SCR) systems, and segmented feed pumps.
The INTURB CT owners directory, which facilitates contacting peers to share information about modelspecific reliability. The database contains information on more than 5,400 sites.
A series of software packages, called the Gas Turbine Overhaul Plan (GTOP), that provide model-specific
detailed disassembly, inspection, and re-assembly task breakdowns. Current GTOP models include the
GE Frame 7B, 6B, 5, 7FA, 9FA; Siemens-Westinghouse W501AA-D, V84.2; and Alstom GT11N/N1, N2,
11D, with others planned.
The CTCC O&M Cost Analyzer, which enables overall cost assessment of maintenance strategies,
including service agreements, operational cost impacts, and self-maintenance options.
Training courses and workshops that help members apply the program products.

Impact

Manage outages more effectively by using a detailed, model-specific overhaul plan with task-by-task
breakdown structure.
Benchmark and develop best practices by applying equipment O&M guidelines.
Develop detailed modeling and costs for examining operational impacts and changes in maintenance
strategies using the CTCC O&M Analyzer.
Identify and troubleshoot a range of equipment problems by employing the plant equipment guidelines.

How to Apply Results

GTOP software is used directly in the outage planning process. The task database can be transferred to other
popular maintenance management software. O&M guidelines are kept at the plant as a readily available
reference. EPRI training improves staff general technical understanding and application of specific EPRI
products. The CTCC O&M Analyzer typically requires two to three hours of web-based training, after which staff
can evaluate specific machine life-cycle economics.
2012 Products
Planned
Completion Date

Product Type

CTCC O&M Cost Analyzer: Update Version: Excel spreadsheet-based

software estimates the O&M costs for simple-cycle and combined-cycle plants
for user-specified operating scenarios. CT model-specific maintenance costs
are based on component replacement and repair costs, life estimates, and
maintenance intervals. This product is shared with EPRI Program 80 New
Combustion Turbine/Combined-Cycle Plant Design and Technology Selection.

12/31/12

Software

Equipment O&M Guidelines and PM Basis: O&M guidelines have been

developed for SCR and CO catalyst management, electric generator
endwindings issues, and segmented boiler feedpump. Additional guidelines are
planned for air inlet filtration and other CT auxiliary equipment. Guidelines
support the development of preventive maintenance (PM) basis templates,
which help implement effective maintenance actions. Reliability, Availability,
and Maintainability (RAM) statistics for combined-cycle plant equipment are
provided to help evaluate risk/benefit O&M tradeoffs. This project is
coordinated, including selected shared product development, with EPRI
Program 104 Generation Maintenance Application Center.

12/31/12

Technical
Update

Product Title & Description

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Planned
Completion Date

Product Type

Tech Transfer: Training Courses: Training courses and webcasts support the
technology transfer of program products. A Hot Section Life Management
course supports the implementation of repair guidelines, damage tracking
module, and procurement guidelines for the replacement of superalloy parts.
Other courses and webcasts support the maintenance of dry, low-emissions
combustors, including tuning procedures, rotor life evaluation, and software
orientation for the use of the CTCC O&M Cost Analyzer and GTOP products

12/31/12

Technical
Resource

Gas Turbine Overhaul Plan (GTOP): New and Updated: A database of

approximately 300 tasks covers detailed steps in gas turbine disassembly,
inspection, and re-assembly suitable for managing a combustion inspection,
hot-gas-path inspection, or major overhaul. A complementary version
addresses all major combined-cycle equipment. Man-hours, tooling, and craft

type are included in each task. The software platform is Microsoft Project , and
the task database is transferrable to other planning software. Maintenance
procedures and inspection forms can be linked to create a complete overhaul
record.

12/31/12

Software

Planned
Completion Date

Product Type

CTCC O&M Cost Analyzer: Update Version: Software to estimate O&M costs
for simple-cycle and combined cycle plants.

12/31/13

Software

Equipment O&M Guidelines: New and Updated: Maintenance guidelines

addressing select combined-cycle equipment.

12/31/13

Technical
Update

Tech Transfer: Training Courses: Training courses and webcasts supporting

program products.

12/31/13

Technical
Resource

Gas Turbine Overhaul Plan (GTOP): New and Updated: Model-specific

software to support gas turbine major overhauls.

12/31/13

Software

Product Title & Description

Future Year Products

Product Title & Description

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Supplemental Projects
Gas Turbine Rotor Life (066745)
Background, Objectives, and New Learnings
Gas turbines (GTs) are used in simple-cycle configuration to supply peaking power generation service. These
machines acquire many cycles but relatively few hours of service. They also are idled for extended periods and
thus are subject to corrosion from condensation. GTs in combined-cycle configuration can be deployed in either
daily cycling or more baseloaded service. As such, combined-cycle rotor life may be governed by hours of
operation or a combination of hours and starts.
GT rotors typically are inspected during hot gas path and major maintenance intervals when casing covers are
removed. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) typically will assist in these inspections and will judge
whether the rotor is suitable for continued service. Sections of the rotor may be deemed nonserviceable after
100,000 to 250,000 hours or 2500 to 5000 starts. The impacts of an extended outage for a rotor rebuild may be
mitigated by using a pooled spare rotorif one is available.
OEMs have been notifying GT owners that rotors used on high-hours machines should be shipped off-site and
disassembled for extensive inspection. Pending inspection results, a limited operation extension may be
granted. For high-starts machines, the recommendation often is to retire them without inspection. The
engineering basis for rotor operational extension or retirement is unclear, with little field experiential data to
establish a quantifiable risk.
Project Approach and Summary
The overall work scope is structured around two major tasks: Rotor Life Inspection and Evaluation Guidelines,
and Model-Specific Component Evaluation. Life prediction procedures are developed for the particular rotor
design and material, with particular emphasis on rim-blade interface, bolt holes, and center bores or alternatively
welded rotors. The component focus can be adjusted to suit a specific machine operating mode, anticipated
issues, or inspection results. Where available, destructive mechanical testing of retired components may be
included to further quantify material degradation.
Benefits
`Results from this project will provide GT owners with procedures and technical information to objectively
evaluate the condition of their GT rotors. Rotor rebuild/replacement, along with the associated outage, is
estimated to exceed $6 million per machine.

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Reducing Life Cycle Costs for Gas Turbine Hot Section Components (064708)
Background, Objectives, and New Learnings
Gas turbine (GT) combustion parts and the downstream hot section vanes and blades routinely are inspected,
refurbished, and replaced. The cost of extensive maintenance associated with the gas turbine life-cycle can
exceed the initial equipment cost by as much as a factor of three. Each model type has design-specific features
that require specialized knowledge to effectively manage machine O&M. For instance, each turbine model has
unique blade designs made of superalloy thin-walled castings requiring complex internal cooling, oxidation, and
thermal barrier coatings to survive in a high-temperature environment.
Faced with such specialized hardware, gas turbine owners seek to reduce O&M expenses without increasing
risk by optimizing all the activities and costs related to the inspect/repair/replace life cycle. To effectively support
this goal requires model-specific, objective knowledge of component design, repair, and degradation
mechanisms experienced in their own units.
To meet this basic need, EPRI has developed core competencies in hot-section design analysis and repair
procedures and applied them to different CT models. EPRI collaborative projects supported by the
owner/operators of 50- and 60Hz models have created an extensive knowledge base addressing widely used
conventional and advanced engines.
Project Approach and Summary
The general approach for each model-specific project is optimize the hot-section economic life cycle at either
the plant or fleet level according to how the parts inventory is managed. Tools are developed to manage critical
aspects of the life cycle: repair procedures, accumulated damage tracking, and replacement/upgrade
procurement guidelines. Component testing may be included if suitable specimens are available.
Benefits
The technical knowledge base provided by this project enables participants to more effectively manage gas
turbine hot-section life-cycle costs and the maintenance-related technical issues. The technical issues are
equally relevant to both OEM and independent O&M providers. If the knowledge base is used as part of an
overall maintenance strategy, participants can realize cost savings of 25% or more. These savings can range
from $500,000 for conventional D/E-Class machines to as much as $3.2 million for advanced F-Class machines
per hot gas path, depending on model and operating duty cycle.

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2012 Research Portfolio

Combustor Dynamics Monitoring for Improved Gas Turbine Reliability (072056)

Background, Objectives, and New Learnings
This project is a continuation of EPRI R&D that developed a basis for detecting combustion system failures in
dry, low-NOx (DLN) gas turbines, based on analysis of dynamic pressure data. This detection analysis approach
is a significant advancement over the threshold detection methodologies currently available with existing
combustion dynamics monitoring systems (CDMS). This field test effort project continues this work by applying
these methods to additional host site gas turbines. It will focus on the refinement of these methods of failure
detection for DLN combustion systems while minimizing false alarms alerts due to sensor failures, ambient
condition changes, and control system variations.
The objectives of this project are to provide host sites with an on-line tool to improve operational flexibility and
avoid DLN combustion system failures; to investigate any data anomalies and identify potential or emerging
problems over a 24-month period; and to generate guidelines to avoid DLN combustion system failures.
The knowledge developed by this project can provide gas turbine operators with information to improve
operational flexibility and avoid further in-service failures. This knowledge will assist in avoiding DLN combustion
system failures and reduce operational risks. The results will be incorporated in a series of EPRI design and
O&M guidelines that address increased combinedcycle operational flexibility.
Project Approach and Summary
The EPRI diagnostic tool will be installed in the host site's existing combustor monitoring system. The diagnostic
data will be monitored over a 24-month period. The plant receives regular status reports and alerts of impending
combustor system malfunctions.
Benefits
Combustor dynamics monitoring provides improved diagnostic capability and risk avoidance. The EPRI
diagnostic tool provides advanced warning beyond the conventionally supplied combustor monitoring system.

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Electric Power Research Institute

2012 Research Portfolio

SCR Catalyst Replacement Options for Gas Turbine/Combined Cycles (071350)

Background, Objectives, and New Learnings
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology for controlling nitrogen oxides (NOx) is broadly applied to natural
gas-fired combustion turbines, operating in combined cycle. The SCR performance depends on numerous
design and operating variables, including catalyst activity (K). Ideally the SCR could run for an indefinite period
of time; however, factors such as trace metal deposition will cause the catalyst to deactivate. A catalyst is
considered to be at end-of-life when the required NO removal cannot be achieved, or can be achieved only with
significant residual NH3 (ammonia slip). The widespread industry commitment to SCR technology is now
reaching a level of maturity, where catalyst is reaching the end-of-life, and plants are now considering options to
add, replace, or regenerate catalyst.
This project evaluates the least-cost way of maintaining the NO-removal capabilities of SCR systems, as
installed in natural-gas-fired combustion turbines operating in combined cycle. In the context of this discussion,
the NO-removal capabilities are the control of NO, without excessive ammonia slip, for a minimal gas pressure
drop.
The knowledge developed by this project will assist in understanding the gas turbine emission control system
configurations(s) and fine-tune the EPRI research specific to current best practices, vendor capabilities, and
SCR catalyst system design improvements.
Project Approach and Summary
The approach in this project is to evaluate the cost and performance of three catalyst management options.
Cost and performance data will be solicited from catalyst suppliers and regenerators.
Notably, only new catalyst is considered commercially proven. The two major providers of regeneration services
have never commercially regenerated catalyst for natural-gas-fired combustion turbines. Although one catalyst
supplier offers an ammonia destruction catalyst, experience is limited to one, small combined-cycle unit.
Performance has not been thoroughly documented. Consequently, there is uncertainly in these approaches.
A host site or sites for an engineering and risk assessment of these options will be defined. The details of the
SCR design combustion turbine process conditions, specifics of the HRSG will be established, as well as
the geometric details and activity of the catalyst.
Benefits
The results will assist gas turbine owners and operators in their investigation into the selection SCR catalyst
system designs alternatives and will directly benefit the public because it lowers environmental emission levels
and future risks of a power interruption or power outage due poorly functioning emission control technologies.

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2012 Research Portfolio

Combined Cycle Performance Recovery and Improvement (072058)

Background, Objectives, and New Learnings
The benefits of improved performance of combined-cycle power plants continue to grow as the costs of fuels
and emissions rise, and the possibility of a carbon dioxide cap-and-trade program looms on the legislative
horizon.
The mode of operation for many combined-cycle units has changed, whereby they spend more time on-line with
higher capacity factors. Thermal performance now has a much larger effect on the plants economics.
This project will compile a report, promulgating both the methodology and the technical details of a performance
improvement and maintenance program for equipment-specific combined power plants.
Project Approach and Summary
To produce a report that extends the EPRI generic Combined Cycle Performance Monitoring and Recovery
Guideline to equipment-specific combined-cycle configurations and draws in actual plant experience.
The steps in developing this guide include:
Review of existing combined-cycle plant performance assessment guidelines, publications, and training
courses
Review of utility best practices for combined-cycle plant performance assessment
The report will address both the programmatic and technical elements that comprise a performance monitoring
and improvement program, including:
Heat Rate Basics
Equipment-specific Combined Cycle Components
Performance Parameters and their relationship to Plant Heat Rate
Instrumentation Requirements
Regular, Periodic Actions to Maintain Good Plant Performance
Hardware and operational modifications to improve performance
The report will provide many benefits, including methods for equipment-specific performance assessment,
charts for root-cause diagnosis of performance issues, and identification of corrective action for improved
performance of combinedcycle power plants.
The application of project results will allow plant owners and operators to:
identify sources of performance degradation
define key performance recovery activities
quantify resulting performance improvements
Benefits
The benefits of heat rate reduction are substantial. Lower fuel costs directly affect the bottom line. In addition,
heat rate improvement is the only commercially proven and the most cost-effective control for lowering CO2 on
the margin. And all other emissions are also lowered on a ton/MW basis.
For example, a 1% heat rate reduction at a typical 500-MW natural gas-fired combined cycle plant, operating at
50% capacity factor, can cut CO2 emissions by 10,000 tons/year, which equates to $200,000 if a $20/ton CO2
tax is enacted. The plant also will experience more than $700,000 in fuel savings for the same 1% improvement
in heat rate, based on a fuel cost of $4/Mbtu.

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