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378C: COVERPLATE INSPECTION & INSTALLATION

September 3, 1976

Applicable to: MS-3002 H & J, MS-5002 A & B

COVERPLATE INSPECTION

During major inspections, all first and second stage forward and aft coverplates must undergo a
fluorescent penetrant inspection similar to that performed on first and second stage buckets.

PROCEDURE

1. IDENTIFICATION - Using a non-smearing marker, (Reference TIL-328) identify the coverplates

and the corresponding turbine wheel position. Assure that numbering matches on opposite sides of
the wheel.

2. DISASSEMBLY - Unseat the twist lock peening using a blunt nose chisel and small hammer.
Rotate the twist locks. Disassemble forward and aft coverplates and seal pin.

3. SURFACE PREPARATION - Clean the coverplates with a stiff bristle fiber brush or hand held
wire brush (non-rotary type). Thoroughly clean with trichloroethylene or equivalent. Use caution
to prevent loss of identification on the coverplates. To prevent loss of identity on the coverplate,
remark as required with a vibropencil in the area above the outer seal on the forward side. Area Z
on attached sketch .

4. INSPECTION - Closely examine all areas of the coverplate dovetail and the area between the
inner and outer seals front and back. Maximum allowable indications are shown on attachment "
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA ". For proper evaluation and maintenance consult your GE

field service representative.

5. REASSEMBLY - At reassembly it is recommended that new twistlocks be installed. If old

twistlocks are used, the peened areas must be inspected with red dye. Replace cracked twistlocks.
Turn twistlocks end for end for reassembly. If twistlocks do not have provision for peening on
both ends, they must be replaced.

Stake twistlocks using special staking tool (reference GE Drawing 802C850) and rawhide
or plastic mallet. Stake as shown on Rotor Assembly drawings (refer to Renewal Parts

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Book). Twistlocks should not rotate when a minimum torque of 5 inch-pounds is applied.
Check after staking using torquing screwdriver (reference Utica TCI Model TS30 and
Adapter, GE Drawing 215A1548).

COVERPLATE INSTALLATION

A potential balance problem could occur when complete sets of coverplates are changed out in a rotor
assembly. If the rotor is in an ASBD Gas Turbine Service and Repair Facility, no problem exists since
the rotor can be balanced as an assembly after the new coverplates are installed. However, on units in
the field, when installing a complete set of coverplates it is important that they be installed in such a
manner as to produce a similar amount of unbalance as the original set. Failure to correctly install a new
set of coverplates will result in an unbalanced rotor. THE WEIGHT CHART WHICH ACCOMPANIES
EACH NEW SET OF COVERPLATES IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE THE CORRECT WHEEL
POSITION FOR EACH COVERPLATE. THIS CAN ONLY BE DETERMINED BY COMPARING
THE OLD SET OF COVERPLATE WEIGHTS AND POSITION TO THE NEW SET.

RECOMMENDATION:

I. COMPLETE SETS

Whenever a complete set of coverplates is installed in a given rotor position (such as 1st
forward), the following procedure is recommended:

1. Identify each coverplate to be removed and the corresponding turbine wheel position.

2. Weigh each coverplate and record this weight in grams along with wheel position.

3. Report weights in grams and wheel positions of original set and weights of new set to your
Field Service Representative. The correct wheel position for each new coverplate can then
be determined.

By following this procedure and installing the new coverplates in the calculated wheel
positions, the possibility of having an unbalanced rotor due to coverplate unbalance is
eliminated.

II. PARTIAL SETS

Whenever less than a full set of coverplates is installed, the following procedure is
recommended:

1. If the number of coverplates being replaced is less than five (5), they may be replaced
without having to be recharted. The old coverplates should be weighed and replaced with
new coverplates which weigh within 2-3 grams of the old weight.

2. If the number of coverplates being replaced is five or greater, recharting is required. Report
weights in grams and wheel positions of original set, indicating which coverplates are to be
replaced, along with weights in grams of new coverplates to be installed. New wheel
positions for all coverplates can then be determined.

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COPYRIGHT 1995, 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.

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