GE Power Product Service

Blow Pipe Hose Repair (Self-Cleaning Filter

Houses Only)
Information
PSIB 20160805A Bulletin

Overview
The publication applies to all heavy duty gas turbines inlet filter houses with pulse cleaning systems. The purpose of this
document is to inform users of the periodic inspection of flexible hose connections between the blowpipes and the
pulse valve discharge pipes to check if it is damaged, burst, or disconnected from either the blowpipe or pulse valve
discharge. These conditions may result in air bypass of the filtration system (risk to gas turbine), as well as disabling the
ability for the self-cleaning system to clean the filters associated with the damage, burst, or disconnected flexible hose.

Background
The Self-Cleaning inlet filtration system (See Fig 1) typically contains conical and cylindrical high-efficiency media filter
elements that are sequentially cleaned during normal operation by pulses of compressed air triggered by pressure drop
increases across the filtration stage. The system provides high-efficiency filtration for prolonged periods without turbine
shutdown for element cleaning or replacement. An integral control system is provided with the pulse filtration system to
enable effective cleaning with minimal user interaction.

Figure 1: Self-Cleaning (Pulse) Filter System

Copyright 2016 General Electric Company. This information is proprietary and is the property of GE Power. The content of this document is provided
for general information and awareness. Always refer to your units O&M Manuals and applicable TILs for detailed information relevant to the
operation and maintenance of your equipment. This document shall not be reproduced in whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any
third party without the written approval of GE Power Services Engineering
 PSIB 20160805A
During a site inspection, it was found that many flex hoses were disconnected causing air bypass. This in turn caused
filter damages (See Fig 2.). These flex hoses connects blow pipes and the pulse valve discharge pipes.

Figure 2: Flex Hose disconnection and filter damage

Advisory
In accordance with GEK111330f, GE recommends inspecting the blow pipe flexible hoses as follows:

1. Flexible hoses on the dirty side of the filter house to be inspected on annual basis. For units, where flexible hose
is on the clean air side, it is recommended that the hoses are inspected in line with maintenance inspection
where the unit is OFF-LINE.
2. Inspect the flexible hose to ensure that there are no cracks, holes or material defects. Replace if any cracks,
holes or material defects are found.
3. Inspect the flexible hose to verify that it has not become disconnected from the blowpipe or pulse
valve discharge pipe.
4. Inspect the hose clamps (jubilee clips) that attach the flexible hose to the blowpipe and pulse valve discharge
pipe to ensure that they are properly tightened. There shall be two (2) hose clamps (jubilee clips) on each end
(see Fig 3.).
5. Inspect the flexible hose to ensure that there are at least 3-4 inches [75-100 mm] of overlap on each end of the
flexible hose where it connects to the blowpipe/pulse valve discharge pipe. If the flexible is too short, replace it.

Criteria for replacing a flexible hose:

1. Blowpipes and pulse valve discharge pipes are typically 1.5-inch diameter Nominal Pipe Size (NPS). The inner
diameter of the flexible hose shall be slightly smaller in diameter than the blowpipe/pulse valve discharge pipe
outer diameter, such that the flexible hose has a snug tight fit.
2. The length of the flexible hose shall be long enough such that there are at least 3-4 inches [75-100 mm] of
overlap on each end of the flexible hose where it connects to the blowpipe/pulse valve discharge pipe.
3. The flexible hose shall be a reinforced hose with a burst pressure of at least 150 psi [1000 kPa].
4. The flexible hose shall be of an oil, water, and salt resistant material.

Copyright 2016 General Electric Company. This information is proprietary and is the property of GE Power. The content of this document is provided
for general information and awareness. Always refer to your units O&M Manuals and applicable TILs for detailed information relevant to the
operation and maintenance of your equipment. This document shall not be reproduced in whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any
third party without the written approval of GE Power Services Engineering
2 of 3
 PSIB 20160805A
The recommend process replacement the blow pipe flexible hoses is as follows:

1. Attach the flexible hose to both the blowpipe and the pulse valve discharge pipe. Ensure that there is at least 3-
4 inches [75-100 mm] of overlap on each end of the flexible hose where it connects to the blowpipe/pulse valve
discharge pipe.
2. Use two (2) hose clamps (jubilee clips) on each end of the flexible hose to connect it to the blowpipe and the
pulse valve discharge pipe. Fully tighten each hose clamp (jubilee clips), such that the flexible hose is unable to
move. Do not overtighten such that the hose clamps (jubilee clips) cut into the flexible hose.

Figure 3: Detail of Flex hose, Blow pipe & Pulse valve discharge assembly

Please contact your local GE representative for additional information or assistance.

Copyright 2016 General Electric Company. This information is proprietary and is the property of GE Power. The content of this document is provided
for general information and awareness. Always refer to your units O&M Manuals and applicable TILs for detailed information relevant to the
operation and maintenance of your equipment. This document shall not be reproduced in whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any
third party without the written approval of GE Power Services Engineering
3 of 3