3.4 Final Paper

Paper No: 07-IAGT-3.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF
GAS TURBINES COMMITTEE
RB211 G-T DLE / RT61 Demonstrator Experience at TCPL

Nordegg
by
S P Broomfield
of
Rolls-Royce
Energy Business
Ansty, Coventry
CV7 9JR
England
Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

Banff, Alberta, Canada – October 2007
The IAGT Committee is sponsored by the Canadian Gas Association. The IAGT Committee shall not be responsible
for statements or opinions advanced in technical papers or in Symposium or meeting discussions.
Steve Broomfield joined Roll-Royce in 1978 as a technician apprentice and studied
mechanical engineering at Coventry Polytechnic. On completion of his training he joined
the development department working on various industrial and marine gas turbine projects,
initially as a development engineer eventually becoming section leader. In 2000 he was
appointed as Integrated Team Leader on the RB211 G-T uprate project responsible for the
design, development and standardisation. In 2002 he moved to the Customer Service
Business providing technical support to Industrial RB211 operators.
Member Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Abstract
In 1997 Rolls-Royce initiated a programme to upgrade the successful 6562 package which
combined the RB211-24G gas generator and the RT62 power turbine, to increase both
power and thermal efficiency. This resulted in the RB211 G-T gas generator and the RT61
power turbine, together designated the 6761. The gas generator modifications included an
upflowed IP compressor, an Aero Trent HP compressor, a revised ‘short’ combustor DLE
system and improvements to turbine materials. The power turbine was completely
redesigned going from 2 to 3 rotor stages. The 6761 package gives a nominal 15%
increase in power and a 2% increase in thermal efficiency over the 6562.
In 2003 a demonstrator 6761 was installed at a Trans Canada Pipe Lines (TCPL) gas
pumping station in Nordegg Alberta. TCPL already operate the worlds largest fleet of
RB211 packages with over 80 RB211 based units of various types and ratings. The unit
ran over the next 3 years in normal operational duty and in November 2006 the gas
generator was removed for a routine hot end refurbishment having completed 24,233 hours
and being the lead unit of the 6761 fleet. Removal of the engine also provided an
opportunity to inspect the PT whilst still installed.
The engine was returned to the Rolls-Wood overhaul facility in Aberdeen Scotland where it
was inspected and a refurbishment workscope defined to enable the engine to complete a
further 25-30,000 hours when a full overhaul will be conducted. Overall the engine was
found to be in very good condition with little work required over that normally expected for a
G rated RB211 at the same running hours. Inspection of the PT whilst still installed in the
berth also identified no problems requiring repair work.
This paper summarises the design changes incorporated into the 6761 package, the
operational experience at Nordegg and covers in detail the condition of the engine and PT
after 24,233 hours running.
Note: Since April 2007 the RB211 and RT series power turbine range have been re-
designated. Thus the 6761 package is now marketed as the RB211-GT61.

Table of Contents
1.0 RB211 / RT61 Uprate Programme. .................................................................................. 4

2.0 RB211 G-T Features .......................................................................................................... 4
3.0 RT61 Features..................................................................................................................... 6
4.0 TCPL Nordegg Site Operational Experience .................................................................. 6
4.1 Service History Summary................................................................................................ 7
4.2 Running Profile ................................................................................................................. 9
5.0 RB211 Engine and Power Turbine Strip Condition ......................................................10
5.1 RB211 Engine Strip Condition.....................................................................................10
5.1.1 Module 1 Intake Casing ..........................................................................................11
5.1.2 Module 2 IP Compressor .......................................................................................11
5.1.3 Module 3 Intermediate Casing...............................................................................12
5.1.4 Module 4 HP Spool & Combustion Assembly .....................................................13
5.1.5 M05 IP Turbine ........................................................................................................18
5.1.6 M06 Externals ..........................................................................................................19
5.2 RT61 Power Turbine Strip Condition...........................................................................20
6.0 Conclusions .......................................................................................................................21
7.0 References.........................................................................................................................22
Nomenclature
BOV Blow Off Valves
DLE Dry Low Emissions
FOD Foreign Object Damage
HP High Pressure
IP Intermediate Pressure
NGV Nozzle Guide vane
OGV Outlet Guide Vane
PT Power Turbine
RVDT Rotary Variable Displacement Transducer
SB Service Bulletin
TBC Thermal Barrier Coating
VIGV Variable Inlet Guide Vane

1.0 RB211 / RT61 Uprate Programme.
Since its introduction in 1975 the Industrial RB211 and the RT-series power turbine have
been progressively uprated in power, thermal efficiency and temperature capability. The
original RB211-22 / RT56 PT entered service at approx 29,000 SHP and 35% efficiency
whilst the –24G introduced in 1992 was rated at 39,600 BHP and 38% efficiency. For the
gas generator this increase has been achieved primarily by the introduction of improved
compressor and turbine components from the parent aero engine.
As a result of market demands a program was initiated in 1997 to further increase power
and efficiency. This project was a coordinated program to uprate both the RB211 and also
the power turbine. The resulting RB211 G-T and RT61 PT combination is rated at
44,000bhp and 40.5% efficiency.
Aero thrust lbs Trent
900
100,000
Trent
90,000 800
Trent
Industrial
700
power MW
70,000
-524H
-524G
-524D4 50
-524C
-524B Industrial
50,000 Trent
-22B
Industrial 25
Industrial
Industrial RB211-24GT
Industrial RB211-24G
Industrial RB211-24C
RB211-24A
RB211-22
30,000
1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000
Aero & Industrial Engine Power Growth
2.0 RB211 G-T Features

The existing –24G rated engine was uprated by introducing components to allow a modest
increase in the flow and temperature capability, combined with a improved efficiency HP
compressor. In parallel to the engine uprate program was a project to further develop the
DLE combustion system. This resulted in the ‘short’ DLE combustor which was fitted as

th
standard onto the 7 G-T engine onwards. The short DLE combustor reduced the NoX
emissions capability from the previous 45vppm down to <25vppm. This was combined with
much improved combustor acoustic noise margins that could be further controlled with a
variable split secondary (VSS) fuel system. One of the objectives of the uprate program
was to retain the main package and PT interfaces. Therefore the G-T engine can be
retrofitted into the previous RT62 berth and visa-versa.
Short DLE Combustor
RVDT VIGV Revised HP Turbine casing
Control Speed Cooling
probe
Increased
Reliability
Increased
Temperatur
Increased e
Capability
Flow
Capability
012602
012602
ISD
ISD
IP compressor Aero Trent 800 Single Crystal

blading revisions HP compressor HP& IP T blades
Increased Component Efficiency
RB211 G-T DLE Major Changes from RB211 G DLE
77500 BTU/s
Design SOT (T41) =1545
P30 = 310 psia

RB211 G-T T30 = 740K TGT(T455) = 1076K
201 lb/s
Similar shaft
speeds
196 lb/s
TGT(T455) = 1050K
012602
ISD

P30 = 295 psia
RB211 G T30 = 748K
73000 BTU/s Design SOT (T41) = 1495K
RB211 G-T DLE Operating conditions relative to RB211 G DLE
3.0 RT61 Features

The power turbine was completely redesigned going from 2 to 3 stages, a new frame and
bearing support and a new exhaust diffuser. The blading was designed using the latest
aero engine technology. Improved rotor tip seals, rim seals and NGV sealing all contributed
to the overall efficiency improvement. Materials were also revised to cope with the
increased operating temperatures.
4.0 TCPL Nordegg Site Operational Experience

In 2002 TCPL elected to convert the existing 6456 (RB211C / RT56 PT) pipeline
compression station at Nordegg Alberta to take a RB211 G-T DLE and the RT61 power
turbine as a demonstrator. Although designated as a demonstrator the unit was expected

to operate in normal duty and achieve the 25,000-hour life typically achieved by G rated
RB211’s before removal for refurbishment of the combustion system and turbines.
TCPL Nordegg Compression Station and 6761 Berth
In addition to the new turbo machinery and Unit Health Monitoring (UHM) system was
installed. This collects data from numerous measurement points on the unit, which is then
processed and compared with performance models. The data is plotted as trends and
published over the internet so that it can be viewed by engineers based at remote
locations. The trends also have pre-defined alarm levels which will generate alarms in the
event of significant changes from the baseline.
The engine was first installed in April 2003 and, following a commissioning period, entered
commercial service in May 2003. It was finally removed for refurbishment in November
2006 having completed 24,233 hours and 190 starts.
4.1 Service History Summary.

During the operational period the most significant 6761-specific issues were as
follows.
The most notable engine problem was that in June 2004 the IP Turbine bearing vent
was found to be blocked with carbon. At this time the unit was out of service while a
modification upgrade was carried out. The engine was therefore removed to a local
overhaul base and the vent line cleaned. The cause of the carbon was found to be due
to contamination of the oil by Zinc from the Dollinger oil system demister element. This
is a known problem, which is resolved by fitting of a stainless steel element ref Service
Information Letter 057.
The unit was shutdown during this period to allow installation of a modification to the
engine to prevent compressor surges on trip shutdowns. Service experience had

shown that G-T ‘s are prone to surges particularly if the compressors are allowed to get
dirty. The modification converts two of the starting HP BOV’s by adding solenoids to
open them immediately if the unit trips hence increasing the surge margin. This
modification is now standard on all G-T’s. Also in June 2004 the engine tripped due to
a faulty centre bearing vibration probe. During subsequent start attempts the engine
was found to have seized although, after cooling, it freed itself. When the engine was
stripped for refurbishment the likely cause of the seizure was established as a
damaged turbine labyrinth seal.
Between July 2003 and January 2004 the unit suffered a number of failures of the main
oil pump. This is a gear pump driven by shaft from the PT and provides the primary oil
supply to the PT and compressor bearings as well as a hydraulic drive for the RB211
oil pump. A comprehensive investigation was carried out including vibration surveys of
the pump and optical measurements of the relative thermal growths of the pump and
power turbine. This investigation resulted in significant changes to the system
including selection of a different pump manufacturer, realignment of the pump with the
PT and the use of flexible hoses for the pump inlet and outlet connections. The flow
control for the hydraulic drive was also changed to provide better speed stability for the
RB211 oil pump. These modifications have been very successful with no further main
oil pump problems since October 2004 when the system was upgraded.
During this period running on the electrically driven standby pump minimized loss of
unit availability.
Overall the unit performed very well in service, and after the RB211 was reinstalled in
November 04 no further problems are recorded until final removal in Nov 06 having
completed 24,233 hours and 190 starts. Since commercial service commenced the
unit exceeded the contact availability of 94%. No combustor components were
replaced during its life in order to maintain start reliability or noise / emissions
compliance.

4.2 Running Profile
In conjunction with installation of the new turbo machinery a unit health monitoring
(UHM) system was installed. This system records data from the unit control system,
which is transmitted to RR for processing, analysis and trending. Data from UHM first
became available from Feb 2004 and from then until the engine was removed no
trends or step changes were observed that indicated any developing problems or the
occurrence of faults.
The unprocessed data available on UHM was examined to understand the normal
operating power / temperatures etc and hence the RB211 and PT mechanical
condition. The typical IP turbine exit temperatures (T455), for instance, were generally
760-770 during the winter and between 770 and the limiting 780 Deg C during the
winter. Over the range of ambient temperatures in Canada this represents powers
between 23 and 33 Mw.

The combustion system is fitted with acoustic noise probes (CP103’s) to detect the
presence of combustor noise. If noise is detected the control system will change the
secondary stage fuel distribution thus reducing noise. CP103 noise plots show D band
noise of around 0.7psi although there was a change from April 06 with D band noise
falling to approx 0.3psi. Whilst well within the running limit of 1.5psi experience from
other short combustor engines indicates that, with tuning of the primary zone temp
(TPZ), D-band noise levels of 0.3psi can be achieved. The running data shows that the
primary zone temperature (TPZ) had been set at 1909K. This is very low and generally
a higher TPZ of between 1920-1945 K can be used whilst maintaining acceptable NOx
limits and reducing D-band noise. Minimising the combustion noise may have further
reduced the wear seen on the combustor components ref section 5.1.4.2
5.0 RB211 Engine and Power Turbine Strip Condition
In November 2006 the Nordegg RB211, serial number 1890-2013, became the first G-T to
be removed for a scheduled half-life refurbishment. This was carried out at the Rolls-Wood
facility in Aberdeen. As the first RB211 G-T to achieve this milestone the opportunity was
taken to carry out a detailed inspection to identify any problem areas. As is normal at mid-
life the PT was not removed but inspected whilst installed in the berth. The following
describes the condition of the engine and power turbine.
5.1 RB211 Engine Strip Condition

The engine was received at RWG on 27 November 2006, inducted into the workshop on
Dec 5 and the bulk strip condition was viewed on Dec 12 with a representative from TCPL
present. Although a thorough inspection was required, to minimise downtime the work
scope for the engine was based around that normally carried out on 25,000 hour engines
i.e. refurbishment of the turbines and combustion system with minimal work on the
compressors. Therefore wherever possible main assemblies were not detail stripped but
were inspected in the built-up condition. On completion of the refurbishment the engine was
tested and shipped back to TCPL on 30 March 2007.
The following describes the findings for each engine module and summarises the work
carried out.
5.1.1 Module 1 Intake Casing

The M01 was inspected in the built-up condition and was found to be in normal condition
with no particular defects. The module was clean overall and the condition of the VIGV’s
relative to rotor 1 suggested they have been hand cleaned at some time in service.
It was noted that the RVDT appeared to not have been aligned with the VIGV shaft resulting
in deflection of the flexible coupling. It is not known if the RVDT has been disturbed whilst in
service or if this condition has existed since new build. The bracket was a pre mod 1503
standard and therefore should have been aligned with use of a tool as instructed in SB129.
This standard of bracket has been superseded by mod 1503, which incorporates a spigot
location to ensure correct alignment without the use of a tool.
The thrust piston seals exhibited typical wear to the abradable linings.
Due to its good condition the M01 was left assembled with only routine maintenance
carried out on the external accessories.
5.1.2 Module 2 IP Compressor

5.1.2.1 IP Compressor Casings
The IP stator case assemblies were examined in the built-up condition.

Stator 1 was dirty mainly on the convex surface with a slight build up on the
leading edge. The later stages became progressively cleaner with stages
4, 5 and 6 very clean with the coatings in good condition. The stator shroud
rings on stage 5 and 6 were slightly loose indicating deterioration of the
rubber however this is normal for the hours run. These stages were
subsequently stripped for replacement of the shroud ring damping rubber,
which is routine for all RB211’s at 25,000 hours.
The only indications of rotor tip rubs were across the split line on rotor 1 and
around most of the circumference on rotor 2, biased towards the trailing
edge. However both took the form of swept clean areas with no material
actually removed from the abradable lining. Measurements of the blade
lengths and casing diameters confirmed the tip clearances to be within new
build limits.
Rubs in the stator seals were heaviest on stage 1, progressively reducing

on the later stages with no rubs present on stages 5 and 6. Due to their
good condition no replacement of either rotor path or stator abradable
linings was found necessary.

5.1.2.2 IP Compressor Rotor
The IP compressor rotor assembly was inspected in the built-up condition.

The IP rotor stage 1 and 2 blades were dirty with a hard black contaminant.
There was a slight build-up on the leading edge of rotor 1. Stage 3-6
blades were relatively clean.
IP Compressor Rotor First and second stage blades
One rotor 2 blade was noted as missing a 2x2mm corner from the leading
edge. Examination indicated this was as the result of FOD and it was
subsequently dressed out. The stage 3,4 and 5 blade lockplates were
loose but this is normal for the hours run. No further work was carried out on
the IP rotor assembly.
5.1.3 Module 3 Intermediate Casing

The M03 was inspected in the built-up condition and was found to be in good condition
externally.
The G-T standard IPOGV assembly was in very good condition with no movement
detectable by hand in the shroud ring or the vanes when inspected in the casing. The vanes
were clean with the coating in very good condition. As is normal at 25,000 hours the
IPOGV assembly was removed for replacement of the shroud ring damping rubber.
Detailed inspection confirmed that no wear was present on the vane feet.
Removal of one of the HP speed probes revealed heavy oil contamination outboard of the
inner O-ring seal. The other speed probe was stuck in the casing presumably due to heavy
oil / carbon build-up which initially prevented it being removed from the housing. Leakage

of oil past the inner O-ring has been seen on most G-T’s stripped to date although no
operational problems have been seen as a result and this was not considered a concern.
The M03 was stripped sufficiently to enable the time expired HP thrust bearing to be
removed and replaced with a modified version giving improved life. The G-T engine
generates higher bearing thrust loads and consequently a HP bearing with improved
material was introduced to ensure the required 50,000+ hours life. The mod 1368 bearings
were not available when the early G-T engines were built and therefore the pre-mod
bearings are being replaced at the first shop visit.
5.1.4 Module 4 HP Spool & Combustion Assembly

5.1.4.1 HP Compressor
The HP compressor rotor was inspected in the built-up state and found to
be in good condition altho ugh minor FOD was present on a numerous
blades throughout the compressor. No corrosion was present and the
coating on rotor 2 was in good condition although there were minor impact
chips. It was necessary to replace 13-off stage 1, and 5-off stage 6 blades
as they were deemed to be outside the available FOD dressing limits.
The rotor path linings were in good condition with only stage 2 showing any
obvious indication of a blade rub over 270 Deg. The surface of the rotor
path linings on stages 1, 4, 5 and 6 did exhibit a slight glaze over most of
the circumference that may indicate very light contact with the rotor blades.
No glaze was visible on stage 3.
Measurement of the tip clearances indicated very small increases over new
build limits and as the linings were in good condition they were not
replaced.
The stator vane aerofoils were in good condition although FOD was
present on a number requiring 2-off stage 1 and 1-off stage 5 vanes to be
replaced. Rubs were present on the stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 platform seals over
180-360 degrees. No rub was present on the stage 5 stator seal. As the
stator seal linings were in good condition they were not replaced.
5.1.4.2 Combustion System
All of the combustion supports exhibit typical wear on the discharge nozzle
pads upto approx 0.020 – 0.030’’ in depth. The discharge nozzle upper
location bore generally exhibited polish marks only with very little material
loss. The combustor lower location bore appeared to be in ‘as new’
condition.
The discharge nozzles were in typical condition with the various surfaces
found as follows:-

All exhibit typical wear to the exit casting side cheeks of upto to 1,5mm in
depth. The TBC was in good general condition except for a hot streak
evident in the centre of the outer annulus at the exit end. A similar effect was
recently seen on a ‘G’ rated short combustor engine.
The outer rail TBC was in good condition with only # 7, 8 and 9 having lost
any of the coating. The inner rail location dogs showed significant wear of
up to 1,5mm in depth. The inner rail birds-mouth surfaces showed light
wear only with little material loss.
The location dogs exhibited significant wear but less than the mating
surface on the combustion support.
Combustor Discharge Nozzle
The combustion liners were in very good condition. The secondary rings
were in excellent condition with a few small cracks around the secondary
windows and very few areas of sulphidation. The cracking around the
secondary windows was well within the limits for continued service running
ref SB139. The primary splitter had a small amount of erosion around the
exit diameter. The primary and secondary barrels were in good condition
with no corrosion or significant TBC loss.

Combustor General View and detail of Secondary Window Area
All of the combustion liners, discharge nozzles and supports were repaired
using standard repair schemes.
There were no mechanical issues noted with the fuel injector assemblies
and these were sent to the manufacturers for ‘as received’ flow checks prior
to cleaning.
5.1.4.3 HP Turbine
The HP turbine blade interlocks were tight generally with slight movement of
only 20 blades possible by hand. There was no erosion evident of the non-
abutment faces, which still achieved as new clearances. The interlock
abutment faces all had a black shiny appearance although some had a
slightly uneven hammered appearance. However aero experience is that
this appearance is typical for this type of blade. The shroud seal fins were
in good condition with no erosion or wear visible. The tip fences exhibited
only very light contact marks with the honeycomb. The aerofoils were in
good condition with no indications of coating loss or erosion. There was
some white splatter on the leading edges, which is often as a result of
impact from TBC released from the combustion system.

HP Turbine Rotor General View and Shroud Detail
Strip of the HP turbine rotor assembly revealed heavy wear to the blade
root dampers. On some, this wear was sufficient to result in the damper
breaking in half. There were also matching frettage marks on the blade
lockplates where the damper makes contact. Wear to this extent has not
been seen on aero engines and therefore it is likely to be related to the
speeds and temperatures typically seen in industrial operation. However as
the HP turbine assembly had satisfactorily achieved its required life and, as
the dampers are sacrificial parts normally replaced whenever the turbine
rotor is dismantled, this is not regarded as a life-limiting problem. Further
investigation will be carried out to understand the wear mechanism.
Additional G-T engines, 2 of which are due to have 25K overhauls
conducted within the next 6 months, will be inspected to further assess the
damper condition.
HP Turbine Root Dampers
As repair schemes for the G-T HP blades are still under development they
were replaced with new components for rebuild. The old blades are held
awaiting overhaul although a number have been used for investigation into
cleaning of the damper surface, internal sulphidation and coating trials.

The HP rotor stub shaft was found to have a deposit of metal adhering to
the seal fins, this was found to be Metco from the bearing seal lining (ref
sect 4.1 and 5.1.5).
The HPNGV’s were in good condition with some TBC loss but no
significant erosion of the inner trailing edge platforms as often seen on DLE
engines. Other than small patches of TBC loss there were no hot spots on
the outer platform or the aerofoils. All of the HPNGV’s were subsequently
overhauled using standard repair schemes.
HP Nozzle Guide Vane leading Edge
The discharge nozzle inner rail dog slots exhibited heavy wear, matching
that on the discharge nozzles dogs. This is not unusual and was repaired
using standard repair schemes.
The HP seal segments were in good condition with slight bowing of the
backing evident and thinning of the bird’s mouth at the IPNGV interface.
There was some high temperature erosion in the centre of the backing but
no cracking was evident visually. The honeycomb was in very good
condition and the front stage, which is often eroded down level with the
backing, was only eroded down level with the filler. However despite their
good overall condition all the segments were subsequently rejected for
thinning of the rear inner birdmouth at the centre and ends down to 0.061’’-
0.066’’ against a min thickness of 0.071’’. Although some thinning and
cracking in the centre is commonly seen rejection at only 25k hours is
unusual. However there is some evidence from the development
programme that the short combustor has a slightly more outboard traverse

than that of the long combustor, which could explain the HP seal segment
condition. A modification to apply Sermaloy J to the seal segments is now
becoming available and it is likely that had it been applied the segments
would have been sufficiently protected for them to be repairable at this
point.
5.1.5 M05 IP Turbine

The IP turbine rotor was in good condition and therefore not stripped, but inspected in the
built-up state. The blade interlocks all very tight with no movement of the shrouds possible
by hand. Measurements confirmed the level of interlock wear was sufficiently small for a
further life to be achieved without repair at this stage. No contact was evident on the knife
seal land on the disc. The shaft was clean with no corrosion or oil staining present. No wear
was present on the shaft splines. Due to its condition no further work was carried out on the
IP turbine rotor.
IP Turbine Rotor Blades.
The IP seal segments within the casing assembly showed a typ ical green appearance with
patches of light surface erosion. Gaps between some of the segments were beginning to
open up. The honeycomb lining was in good condition for the hours with a few patches on
the front stage eroded down close to the backing. All the seal segments were repaired and
refitted.
The seal segment retainers and exit liners were in excellent condition with no distortion,
erosion or corrosion evident.

IP Turbine Nozzle Guide vanes and Seal Segments
The HP turbine roller bearing Metco seal was found to be almost completely removed from
the carrier. Ref also section 5.1.4.3. This is probably due to a heavy rub with the rotor
labyrinth at some point resulting in the Metco being torn out. With reference to section 4.1
note that the engine was reported as seizing in June 2004 following a trip shutdown. This is
probably the event that damaged the seal. However there did not appear to have been any
detrimental effects as a result as the area outside the seal was still clean and dry. Both HP
and IP roller bearings were felt to run smoothly which indicates that there has been no
significant carbon accumulation inside the housing.
The IPNGV’s had a grey / green colouration, but were in good condition with no apparent
deterioration of the coating. Subsequent visual inspection revealed cracks in 2 of the
IPNGV’s in the radius between the trailing edge aerofoil and outer platform. Cracks in this
area have not been seen before and therefore these two vanes were replaced with new
components and the rejected vanes returned to Montreal for engineering lab investigation.
5.1.6 M06 Externals
Both vent covers (mushrooms) were noted as missing from the IP BOV pistons. One was
found trapped in the IP BOV cage. In the other IP BOV a dent was noted in the cage
possibly from impact with the mushroom but it could not be located. As the BOV cage was
intact the mushroom must have been drawn into the engine and may have been
responsible for the FOD damage at the front of the HP compressor. Loss of the IPBOV
mushroom is commonly seen and improved fitting or complete removal is being
investigated. A longer-term solution involving a completely new design of IPBOV is also in
progress.

No other problems of significance were found in any of the external dressing items and all
were subjected to normal inspection and overhaul before refitting
5.2 RT61 Power Turbine Strip Condition
The Power turbine was inspected in the Nordegg berth. The ‘D’ module, which comprises
the inlet guide vanes, was removed to facilitate the inspection of the ‘T’ module, which
comprises the main rotor, stator and casing assembly.
The ‘D’ module was found to be in good condition with no cracking or oxidation of the
vanes present although FOD was evident in the trailing edge of one aerofoil.
Measurements of the front inner seal showed some deformation. However there had been
no contact with the matching rotating seal on the rear of the RB211 IP turbine disc and
therefore this is not of concern.
‘D’ Module removed.
The ‘T’ module was in excellent overall condition. The first stage blades were inspected
directly, the remaining rotor and stators viewed by borescope. All the rotor and stator
aerofoils were in good condition with no cracking or oxidation present.
Wear of the stage 1 rotor tip seals was good with a clear, concentric witness in the
honeycomb over the front fin and light rubs in the intermediate and rear honeycomb stages.
The second stage tip seals were inspected by borescope and this showed heavier wear
with a rolled edge evident in the rotor fin. Inspection of the third stage tip seals was not
possible as access to the exhaust volute was not available.

‘T’ Module General view and borescope view of 1st stage rotor tip and honeycomb
Seal
The exterior of the PT was in good condition although some heat staining was evident
around the rear of the exhaust hood. This is caused by gas leaks though the bolted joints
between the hood sections. These joints are difficult to access and as the leakage is
acceptable currently this will be rectified during a future major maintenance outage.
Examination of the PT bearings was not possible as both the crane capacity and access
are limited. This is primarily due to the crane being configured for the previous RT56 PT
installation. This will be rectified prior to the next major inspection at 50,000 hours.
6.0 Conclusions
Overall the engine and power turbine were in very good condition and following normal
refurbishment and servicing were cleared for a further 25,000 hours operation.
The only significant problem in the RB211 was the HP turbine blade damper frettage. The
dampers are regarded as sacrificial parts and normally replaced when the rotor is
stripped. The frettage to the blade damper surfaces is not a life-limiting problem and it is
anticipated it would be repaired as part of the normal overhaul process.
Wear to the combustion system components was similar to that exhibited for long
combustor DLE machines and the components were all within the normal repair limits.
There is little experience as yet on 25k hour short combustor G-T engines although a G
rated short combustor engine exhibited significantly less wear than 1890-2013. This may
indicate that with better optimisation of the fuel map, a further reduction in combustor noise
and therefore wear could have been achieved. The combustion liners themselves were in
very good condition with little cracking and oxidation around the secondary windows.

Functionally the combustion system had performed very well in service with no reported
starting problems or operational restrictions as a result of acoustic noise problems. As a
result of the Nordegg experience TCPL have initiated a programme to convert their
existing fleet of ‘long’ combustor RB211 DLE’s to the ‘short’ combustor.
Cracking and oxidation of the HPNGV platforms was minimal indicating that the short
combustor has been successful in reducing temperatures in this area.
Although the HPNGV inner platform were in good condition the HP seal segments were
rejected due to thinning of the inner bird’s mouth. It is likely that this could have been
avoided by the application of Sermaloy J coating to mod 1504.
The PT was in very good condition with no defects or areas of concern. Failures of the
main oil pump were encountered in the first year of operation. Following a detailed
investigation a revised pump and installation was fitted in October 2004 and there have
been no further problems since.
Over the next 4 months two further G-T engines are scheduled for overhaul having achieved
25k hours and these will provide additional evidence on the condition of G-T engines and
RT61 PT’s after 25,000 hours.
Since the TCPL Nordegg unit commenced operation the G-T fleet has grown, and now
comprises a total of 27 DLE engines in service with a further 15 on order. In addition to the
DLE units a further 26 conventional combustor 6761’s are in service or on order. Total
6761 fleet running hours are approx 250,000.
Overall the 6761 service experience has been remarkably trouble free. The Nordegg
RB211 and PT condition have shown no major lifing issues and the 6761 fleet is expected
to demonstrate the same exemplary service experience as the previous variants.
7.0 References
The author wishes to thank the following for their assistance and contributions
Will Ellsworth RR Technical Support North America
Kevin Powell Rolls Wood Aberdeen


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Paper No: 07-IAGT-3.

RB211 G-T DLE / RT61 Demonstrator Experience at TCPL

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

1.0 RB211 / RT61 Uprate Programme. .................................................................................. 4

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

Aero & Industrial Engine Power Growth

2.0 RB211 G-T Features

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

IP compressor Aero Trent 800 Single Crystal

Increased Component Efficiency

RB211 G-T DLE Major Changes from RB211 G DLE

P30 = 310 psia

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

RB211 G-T DLE Operating conditions relative to RB211 G DLE

3.0 RT61 Features

4.0 TCPL Nordegg Site Operational Experience

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

TCPL Nordegg Compression Station and 6761 Berth

4.1 Service History Summary.

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

5.0 RB211 Engine and Power Turbine Strip Condition

5.1 RB211 Engine Strip Condition

5.1.1 Module 1 Intake Casing

5.1.2 Module 2 IP Compressor

The IP stator case assemblies were examined in the built-up condition.

Rubs in the stator seals were heaviest on stage 1, progressively reducing

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

The IP compressor rotor assembly was inspected in the built-up condition.

IP Compressor Rotor First and second stage blades

5.1.3 Module 3 Intermediate Casing

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

5.1.4 Module 4 HP Spool & Combustion Assembly

5.1.4.2 Combustion System

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

Combustor Discharge Nozzle

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

HP Turbine Root Dampers

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

HP Nozzle Guide Vane leading Edge

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

5.1.5 M05 IP Turbine

IP Turbine Rotor Blades.

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

5.1.6 M06 Externals

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

5.2 RT61 Power Turbine Strip Condition

‘D’ Module removed.

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

Presented at the 17th Symposium on Industrial Application of Gas Turbines (IAGT)

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