1. High wheel space Temperature issues
2019 Frame 6B User Conference
Costa Mesa, CA

2. High wheel space Temperature issues
Contact Information
Presenter Name: Khaled Abdalmomen
Presenter Title: Maintenance Planning Engineer I
Company Name: Saudi Aramco
Plant Name: Abqaiq Plants
Address: Abqaiq city, 31311, Saudi Arabia
Phone Number:

3. High wheel space Temperature issues
Saudi Aramco is one of the largest companies in the world.
Integrated energy and chemicals company.
 The Company is engaged in:
Exploration
production
Refining
Distribution
Shipping
Marketing l

4. High wheel space Temperature issues
Abqaiq Plants is the largest oil production facility in the world.
Comprises in three major plants:
Oil
NGL
Utility

5. High wheel space Temperature issues
Abqaiq Plants:
Power Plant Details:
Three GE units of
Frame- 6581B
Date Commissioned: 2003
Duty: Power generation (Combined Cycle)
Fuel: Dry Gas

6. High wheel space Temperature issues
Frame 6B units at Abqaiq Plants

7. High wheel space Temperature issues
Started the machine after completing the MI and noticed the following:
TTWS2AO-2 above alarm level
TTWS3FO-2 above alarm levels

8. High wheel space Temperature issues
WS TCs locations:

9. High wheel space Temperature issuesTP

10. High wheel space Temperature issues

11. High wheel space Temperature issues
Findings:
As found thermocouple insertion reading diaphragm temp.
Wrong insertion

12. High wheel space Temperature issues
WS Thermocouple cap before machining

13. High wheel space Temperature issues Corrective Action:
The insertion length as per the casing stamping.
Correct Insertion

14. High wheel space Temperature issues Corrective Action:
WS thermocouple guide tube cap:
After Machining: Removed the step inside 3FO-1/2 & 2AO-1/2 slight drilling – TCs then installed smoothly to the correct insertion length.
Red color for machined area because this right angle prevents TCs from reaching the end of the cap

15. Machine Parameters After Modification
High wheel space Temperature issues
Machine Parameters After Modification
WS TC readings after the correction and at base load:

16. High wheel space Temperature issues
Lesson Learned
High wheel space temperature is a common problem on Frame 6B.
During MI and before installing the turbine casing, ensure the WS TCs are inserted correctly.
Borescope WSTCs guide tubes.
Apply heat on the TC caps and verify with Mark 6.
Great team work leads to solving a chronic issues.

17. Thank you