MD&A’s Hydrogen Seal Upgrade with Custom Fit

MD&A Webinars | Hydrogen Seal Upgrade with Custom Fit

GE® Hydrogen cooled steam and gas turbine generators can have the original unbolted seal or the more recent bolted design. On the 7FH2 and 324 generators, these unbolted seals are two-segmented babbitted steel; whereas on the large steam turbine generators they are four-segmented bronze. With the unbolted seals there is a higher probability of oil ingress into the generator as they are more susceptible to tilting from the sealing surface due to contamination of the oil or improper assembly. Furthermore, bolted seal rings have been proven to be millwright friendly and less problematic during assembly. The OEM recommendation is to upgrade the seals to a bolted style which involves replacing the housings. MD&A offers a more cost-effective option to modify the existing housing to accept bolted seals. This modification can be done to any style housing during a planned outage. For rapid turnaround, an exchange program is also available on the 7FH2 and 324 generators.

Key Takeaways:

1. Bolted seals reduce the probability of oil ingress into the generator
2. Bolted seals are proven to be millwright friendly and less problematic during assembly
3. Rapid modification and housing exchange programs available