M arch 10,

2 02 2

Abstract
The purposes of this Fleet Product Bulletin are to emphasize the importance of the Non-Return Valves used in
controlled and uncontrolled extraction line(s) of the steam turbines (NRVs) and to provide Customers with
guidelines for periodical test and maintenance activities to prevent personal injury and to preserve the
integrity of steam turbines in operation.

Serviceable Technology
Steam Turbines equipped with the Non-Return Valves used in controlled or uncontrolled extraction line(s).

Classification
KS SAFETY

Reference Documents
O&M Manual Operation and Maintenance Manual
OEM Manual Original Equipment Manufacturer Manual
Safety Manual Safety Maintenance Manual for SIL Loops
SOM6755588 Turbocompressor Safety Instructions
SOM6755589 Turbogenerator Safety Instructions
ETO00229 Steam Turbine Auxiliary Systems Maintenance Policy

Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. con socio unico (Registro Imprese di Firenze, Codice Fiscale 06593380485 e Partita IVA di Gruppo 06872660482)
Capitale Sociale ϭ 100.000.000,00 i.v. - Società soggetta a direzione e coordinamento di Baker Hughes Company

Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. Proprietary Information

Thei
nf
orma
ti
onpubl
i
shedi
nthi
sTechni
cal
B ul
l
e t
i
nisof
fer
edt
oyoub
y Bak
erHughesi
ncons
id
era
ti
onof
it
songoi
ngs
al
esa
nds
ervi
cer
el
ati
ons
hi
p wi
t
hyour
or
gan
iza
ti
on.However
,s
in
cet
heoper
at
i
on
ofy
our
pl
anti
nvol
vesf
act
orsn
otwi
t
hinour
knowl
edge,a
nds
in
ceoper
at
i
onoft
hepl
anti
swi
t
hiny
our
cont
rola
ndr
espons
ib
il
it
yfori
t
s c
ont
i
nui
ngs
ucc
ess
fuloper
at
i
onr
est
swi
t
hyou,Bak
erHughes
d
is
cl
aimsr
espons
ib
il
it
yorl
i
a b
il
it
yford
ama
geofan
y t
ype,i
ncl
udi
ngbutnotl
i
mit
edt
odi
r
ect
,cons
equent
i
a lors
peci
ald
ama
gest
hatma
ybea
l
legedt
ohaveocc
urr
edasar
esul
tofappl
yin
gthi
s
i
nf
orma
ti
on,r
egar
dl
essofwhet
heri
ti
scl
aimedt
hatBak
erHughesi
sst
ri
ct
lyl
i
a bl
e,i
nbr
eac
hofcont
rac
t,i
nbr
eac
hofwa
rr
an
ty,n
egl
i
g ent
,ori
si
nan
y ot
herr
espectr
espons
ib
lef
ora
nya
ll
egedi
nj
ury
ord
ama
ges
ust
ain
edbyy
our
or
gan
iza
ti
ona
sar
esul
tof
a ppl
yin
gthi
si
nf
orma
ti
on.T hei
nf
orma
ti
onc
ont
ain
edi
nthi
sTechni
cal
B ul
l
e t
i
nisc
onf
i
d ent
i
a l
a n
d pr
opr
i
et
ary
.T hi
sBul
l
e t
i
nan
d t
hei
nf
orma
ti
on
c
ont
ainedi
nitar
epr
ot
ect
edbyc
opy
ri
ghtan
d /orot
heri
nt
el
lect
ualpr
oper
tyr
i
ght
s.T hi
sBul
l
e t
i
nan
d i
nf
orma
ti
ona
repr
ovi
dedf
ora
ut
hor
iz
edus
eonl
y,a
ndma
ynotbeus
edbyord
is
cl
osedt
oot
her
s
wi
t
houtt
hepr
i
orex
presswr
i
tt
enc
ons
entofNuovoPi
gnoneT ecn
ologi
eS.
r.l
.
M arch 10,
2 02 2

Background
The Non-Return Valves are used in controlled and uncontrolled extraction lines for steam turbines (see Fi
gur
e
1for extraction items description) to enable extraction flow and to protect the turbine from steam backflow
from process lines.
The NRVs are equipped with a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, assisting the valve to close, when de-
energized: however, in some cases non assisted valves may be used.
The failure of NRVs to close during a turbine shutdown or trip sequence, could lead to uncontrolled overspeed
with consequent potential personnel injury and damage to the unit and other equipment in the plan.

The Non-Return Valves on steam turbines extraction lines are a safety element.

Fi
gur
e1– T y
pi
calIt
emsi
nC ont
rol
l
e dE x
tr
ac
ti
onSy
st
em

2/9
Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. Proprietary 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.
M arch 10,
2 02 2

Recommendations
The Baker Hughes Company emphasizes the importance of complying with the guidelines for installation,
inspection, testing and maintenance of NRVs following the requirements contained in the NRV Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), in the Operation and Maintenance (O&MM) Manuals and the additional
details set out below, whichever is more restrictive.

Applying the following guidelines is recommended:

 The NRVs must be monitored and tested according to A.M oni
t
ori
ng/T est
i
ngofNRV sparagraph.
 Any deviation from previous and expected NRV behavior must be investigated and analyzed, and the
required corrective actions must be implemented before operating the unit.
 To prevent exposure of site personnel to hazards and to avoid modification of the performance of the
valve during closure, the maintenance of NRVs component during turbounit operation is not allowed. For
this reason, maintenance must not be performed with the valve in operation (i.e., tightening of packing
glands, fixing leaks, etc.) and a valve overhaul with the unit in shut down and an offline test are
recommended.
 After maintenance activities NRVs must be tested before restarting, following the instructions described
in A.M oni
t
ori
ng/T est
i
ngofNRV sparagraph and in accordance with the O&MM.
 Maintenance activities must be planned and performed based on condition according to paragraph C .
Ma
i
nt
enan
ceAc
ti
vi
ti
esofE x
tr
ac
ti
onsNRV s
 Monitor and control the steam purity to ensure that it complies with the Baker Hughes Company
requirements: poor steam purity can lead to corrosion and erosion, debris, and deposits within the valve
with consequent increased risk of valve sticking or other malfunctions.
 In case of extended outage duration (> 1 month), ensure that adequate precaution is taken to prevent
valve corrosion by performing regular maintenance of piping and preventing oxidation of the
components during shutdown periods.
 If blowing of the steam pipes is necessary, NRVs should not be in position or unprotected: this procedure
can damage the valves and significantly increase the risk of malfunction during turbine operation. Before
blowing of any pipes: NRVs must be removed (if bolted in place). If valves are welded in place, the valve
internal components must be removed, and the valve seat must be adequately protected before blowing
and checked for damage after blowing.
 Avoid activities performed on the NRV or any other item, that might damage the NRV (including the
actuator and associated solenoid valve) or jeopardize its correct performance by mechanical means,
high temperature, foreign material, or other causes.

3/9
Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. Proprietary 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.
M arch 10,
2 02 2

 Ensure that there are no obstructions that could prevent the free movement of an NRV plug and its
counterweight arm during operation.

The Baker Hughes Company should be informed of any issues related to the incorrect performance of the
NRV system for a review of the potential causes and corrective actions.

In case of controlled extractions, it is assumed in this document that pressure relief valves, sized for 100%
turbine inlet flow are present between turbine and NRVs to mitigate safety risk due to overpressure, in the
event of closure of an extraction line or of turbine extraction control valve. Should these pressure relief valves
not be present, contact the Baker Hughes Company before testing the NRV online and for a more specific
analysis of the procedure described in paragraph B.Gui
del
i
n esf
orUn
itShutD owni
nca
seofaFa
i
ledOn
li
ne
TestorOt
herAbn
orma
lNRV Behavi
our
, before performing it, to analyze potential safety risks.

For any clarifications that may be required, the Baker Hughes Company suggests that Customers contact the
local Service Manager or Contract Performance Manager.

A. Monitoring/Testing of NRVs
The correct functioning of NRVs (steam valve, actuator, and solenoid valve where applicable) must be
monitored, and functional tests performed as indicated below and in the valve O&MM and all applicable
project documentation, whichever is more restrictive:
 In operation, perform an online valve partial stroke test (NRV partial movement, actuator functionality
& solenoid valve where applicable) monthly, according to the valve OEM instructions if available, the
test procedure included in the turbounit O&MM and this FPB. For NRVs with hydraulic actuator, solenoid
valve is not present: the test is performed by operating on the hydraulic change-over device that feeds
oil to the NRV actuator (see P&IDs and O&MM) to temporarily de-energize the actuator.
 Monthly visual inspection and leak checks are suggested, unless otherwise required by the NRV OEM
instructions (ref. O&MM).
 At every train shutdown, check the consistency of trends of train speed and turbine internal
pressure(s) remote measurements (if available) with expected behaviour and previous operating
experience Any evidence of anomalies that could be due to backflow from the steam pipes must be
immediately addressed before restart.

4/9
Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. Proprietary 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.
M arch 10,
2 02 2

 At every opportunity that the NRV can be isolated from process (example: turbine stop), checking the
valve plug for free movement (with open actuator) and verifying that it closes by gravity alone from
the fully open position is recommended.
After an extended unit shutdown or NRV maintenance, before restarting the following must be performed:
 Test maintained components as applicable.
 Verify the proper operation of NRVs (steam valve, solenoid valve and actuator) by performing
a full stroke test, plug movement test (as explained above) and any other checks required by
the O&MM.

Customers should be aware that during online partial stroke testing, when the actuator and the valve plug
partially close, because the NRV actuator is de-energized, changes in the pressure drop through the NRV may
affect to some extent the process operation for the duration of the test. To assure a smooth NRVs test process,
the User should analyze before the test the possible impact on the process and devote proper attention to
the test design, planning and execution and to operator training. In this analysis, it should be noted that the
pressure drops across the NRV (as per the technical data sheet) with the actuator closed is expected to be
within approximately 2-3% of the normal operating pressure. For installations with multiple NRVs, consider
testing the NRVs one by one, in sequence.

Interested Customers can contact the Baker Hughes Company to request the Automatic Monitoring/Testing
that could be applied (see C ont
act
sparagraph).

5/9
Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. Proprietary 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.
M arch 10,
2 02 2

B. Guidelines for Unit Shut Down in case of a Failed Online Test or Other Abnormal NRV Behaviour
Should a steam extraction NRV show abnormal behaviour during a test or other operating condition, the train
must be shut down to implement, before restarting, the required corrective actions and restore the normal
level of protection against steam backflow.
Guidelines for the unit shut down are reported here below.
Should the NRV actuator fail to close during partial stroke test, if the system includes features for this purpose,
vent the air or drain oil (as applicable) to de-energize the actuator: if after this, the actuator and NRV plug
close as expected, do not re-energize the actuator and stop the turbounit normally.

In the very unlikely case that a NRV disk and/or relevant associated actuator is found stuck in the open or
partially open position:
 If the line of failed valve is equipped with another assisted NRV in series (closer to the turbine or
immediately adjacent to the failed valve) that has just passed the test, perform a normal shut down.
 If the line of failed valve is not equipped with another assisted NRV in series (closer to turbine or
immediately adjacent to failed valve), the train must be stopped following additional guidelines to
mitigate as far as possible the potential risk of an uncontrolled overspeed caused by steam backflow
from extraction, because of the NRV malfunction (1)
.
These guidelines are differentiated by driven equipment type, as explained below.
1. Mechanical Drive Units
 Initiate a normal shutdown (2)
.
 Isolate the extraction line of failed NRV test (3)
(if it is a controlled extraction, wait for extraction
flow to be null to avoid turbine extraction pressure to increase).
 Should the unit trip or speed not decrease as expected, immediately isolate the turbine first
from extraction of failed NRV and then, if necessary, also from all other steam sources.

(1)
Thea
ct
ualr
i
skl
eveld
ependsont
hes
ubj
ectNRV s
tat
us,t
het
urb
ineex
tr
ac
ti
ont
ype,t
hepl
antl
ayouta
ndt
heun
itoper
at
i
ona
nd
ma
i
nt
enan
cehi
st
ory

(2)
D ur
i
ngt
hea
ppl
i
c a
ti
onoft
hi
spr
oc
edur
e,a
voi
doper
at
i
onst
hatmi
ghtr
esul
tineun
load
in
gofdr
i
venma
chi
ne(s
) wi
t
houtr
educ
ing

s
peed:f
ori
ns
tan
ce, openi
ngofpr
oc
essgasvent
sforc
ent
ri
fugalc
ompr
ess
ors
.

(3)
Her
ean
d i
nthef
ol
lowi
ng,i
sol
ati
ngt
hel
i
n emean
s:c
los
efr
omr
emot
eot
hers
ui
ta
bl
eva
l
ve(s
) onex
tr
ac
ti
onpi
pe,a
scl
osea
spos
si
bl
e
t
otur
bi
ne,s
ui
ta
bl
etopr
events
teamb
ack
fl
owi
nt
otur
bi
ne

6/9
Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. Proprietary 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.
M arch 10,
2 02 2

2. Power Generation Units

Opening of the generator breaker (intentionally or because of a trip) is to be avoided before the
turbine is fully unloaded. Follow the guidelines below to isolate the extraction line (3)
relevant to the
NRV failed test as soon as possible (as additional caution, also other extractions relevant to NRVs
not successfully tested, are isolated before opening generator breaker) and to depressurize it
along with the turbine unloading, before stopping the unit:
 Set limiter of High Pressure Control Valve at current opening.
 Close injections, if present.
 Set load control at current power and then enable power control.
 Set limiter of all controlled extractions control valves at current level of valve opening and then
disable extraction control (4 )
.
 Gradually decrease load set point down to minimum operating load (5)
. During load reduction
path, before unit trip:
 Isolate extraction line of failed NRV test as soon as possible (if it is a controlled extraction
wait that extraction flow is null to avoid turbine extraction pressure to increase).
 Isolate other extractions, if any, with same process.
 During above steps monitor that turbine temperature and pressures at extraction /
exhaust connections remain within normal range and operate the machine and steam
balance to prevent unit trip due to intervention of protections (High/Low
Pressure/Temperature). For controlled extractions, if necessary to keep measured
extraction temperature within high limit while reducing load, after isolating the line
gradually raise extraction control valve limiter to lower turbine pressure and
temperature at extraction.
 After completing above steps, bring limiter of HP control valve to zero to close valve and fully
remove turbine load, leading to switch of reverse power protection, unit trip and run down.
 Should a train trip occur during all steps above, immediately isolate from remote the failed NRV
line.

(4 )
Pr
ocesst
ocont
roli
nl
etan
d ex
tr
ac
ti
onhead
erspr
ess
ures.i
nad
van
ce,c
heckt
hepr
oc
essc
ont
roll
ogi
can
d s
teamb
ala
nc
e.D ur
i
ng
l
oadr
educ
ti
on,t
het
urb
ineHP c
ont
rolva
l
vec
los
urei
sex
pect
edt
oin
creas
est
eama
va
il
abi
l
it
yint
hes
teams
yst
em.
(5)
Nor
mal
l
y 10 - 15% l
oad(s
eeO& M M ) .D on
ots
tar
tan
orma
ls
hutdown
,ast
hi
smi
ghtl
eadt
oat
urb
inet
ri
p,whi
chi
sac
ondi
t
iont
obe
a
voi
ded,un
ti
ll
oadhasb
eenc
ompl
etel
y r
emoved

7/9
Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. Proprietary 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.
M arch 10,
2 02 2

A detailed shut down procedure from remote, consistent with the applicable guidelines above, must be
defined in advance by user, considering process Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) aspects and
considering specific features of each process and installation. Testing of this procedure and, for power
generation units, of reverse power protection is recommended at first opportunity.
For both mechanical drive or power generation units, perform complete tests of all NRVs (see paragraph A.
Moni
t
ori
ng/T est
i
ngofNRV s
) after corrective actions have been implemented and before restart.

C. Maintenance Activities of Extractions NRVs

Following maintenance activities shall be performed on extractions NRVs, including actuator and solenoid
valve(s) where applicable:
1) At Turbine Minor inspection:
 Visual Inspection (i.e., check for evidence of leakage, dirt, cracks etc.).
 Cleaning.
 Full Functional Checks.
 Check/Fix for Leakages.
 Components Planned Maintenance as required (Solenoid, Actuator, Seals, etc.).
 Components Maintenance on condition (Solenoid, Actuator, Seals, etc.).
 Other, if any, as required by turbounit and valve OEM and O&MM.
2) At Turbine Major inspection:
 Full NRVs Overhaul.

8/9
Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. Proprietary 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.
M arch 10,
2 02 2

Contacts
For units under warranty or covered under a Contractual Service Agreement (CSA) please refer to your BH
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.
To directly access and download BH Technical Bulletins published for your fleet or to subscribe to Technical
Bulletin e-mail notification service, please visit the Technical Enhancements & Notifications Platform:
https://www.bakerhughes.com/customer-resources

This online tool is available only to registered BH Customers.

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
agreed, and all costs associated with the implementation of the recommendations shall be paid by the
Customer.

9/9
Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.r.l. Proprietary 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.