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EXHAUST TEMPERATURE SPREAD LOGIC UNFORCING

Meaning of some set of Logics on the control system of GT5 and how to effectively unforce them and
restore normal operation.

The Logics and their meaning are as follows:

L60SP_HA: Temperature Spread Alarm High Alarm


L60SP_LT: Temperature Spread Alarm Low Alarm Trip
L60SP_HT: Temperature Spread Alarm High Alarm Trip
L60SP_T: Temperature Spread Alarm Any Trip
L60SP_TT: Temperature Spread Alarm Totalized Trip
L60SP_ALA: Temperature Spread Alarm Adjacent Low Alarm
L60SP_ALT: Temperature Spread Alarm Adjacent Low Alarm Trip

Exhaust Temperature spread is a measure of the difference in the temperature at different areas at the
exhaust of the gas turbine. A high spread value would mean there is an existence of hot and cold spots
which could be tell-tale signs of combustion problems in the combustor.

There are many possible reasons why we could have a large spread. It could be as a result of poor fuel or
air supply. Could also be as a result of problems with the thermocouples measuring the temperature at
those points, problems with the radiation shields or something blocking them, Improper insertion depth of
the thermocouples in the radiation shields, a problem with the wiring or circuit from the exhaust
thermocouple all the way back to the Speedtronic control system.

The condition for the unit to display and alarm or trip on the Exhaust Temperature spread high, 3 conditions
have to be met.

1. The difference between the highest and lowest thermocouple readings (TTXSP1) has to exceed set
points (TTXSPL).
2. The difference between the highest and second lowest thermocouple readings (TTXSP2) has to
exceed set point (TTXSPL).
3. The highest, lowest and second lowest thermocouple readings are adjacent (next to each other).

ALL 3 conditions must be met.

On GT5, thermocouples K, J and I have the highest, lowest and second lowest thermocouple readings at
average values of 470, -84 and -84 respectively. The allowable spread or set point from the control system
is 129 degrees C.

Checking is they meet the conditions for an alarm or trip;


1. Condition 1: TTXSP1 = 470 (-84) = 554. TTXSP1 > TTXSPL. Condition met.
2. Condition 2: TTXSP2 = 470 (-84) = 554. TTXSP2 > TTXSPL. Condition met.
3. Condition 3: K, J and I are adjacent to each other. Condition met.

GT5 meets ALL 3 conditions for Exhaust Temperature Spread High Trip therefore unforcing the Logics will
lead to a trip of the unit.

Recommendation: Thermocouples J and I have failed and should be replaced so TTXSP1 and TTXSP2 would
fall below set point and clear the trip condition.

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