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Gas Turbines

IAD SERVICE LETTER No. 2500-I-00-01

August 9, 2000

Subject: LM2500 Gas Generator Idle Speed

Applicable Models: LM2500 - GB, -GE, -PC, -PE, -PH, -PL

BACKGROUND
The LM2500-GB, -GE, -PC, -PE, -PH, & -PL gas generator idle speed has traditionally been 4900-5000
rpm. Many applications have used a higher speed, such as that needed for power turbine (PT)
synchronous speed, or to achieve a minimum speed for the driven mechanical equipment. Thus idle
speed has varied from 5000 to 7400 rpm, depending on the application.
Changes to the gas generator sump seals and VSV schedules over the years have challenged the
sump seal pressurization system to minimize oil leakage during operation at the low idle speeds. At
times, significant trouble shooting and hardware changes have been required to avoid minor leakage at
5000 rpm. The LM2500 DLE gas generator was introduced with idle speed at 6800 rpm minimum, with
the same allowance to increase the minimum idle speed if needed for the application. The LM2500+,
both DLE and SAC models were also introduced with a minimum idle speed of 6800 rpm.

GE IAD has determined it prudent to revise the minimum idle speed recommendation from 5000 rpm to
6800 rpm for all LM2500-GB, -GE, -PC, -PE, -PH, & -PL model gas generators. This will provide
increased sump pressurization and eliminate unnecessary effort expended to avoid idle oil leaks
caused by low sump pressurization, as well as present a consistent idle recommendation for the
LM2500 Industrial Product Line.

Recommendation
For LM2500 users that are experiencing oil leakage that has not been resolved via normal
troubleshooting procedures, GE IAD recommends that users contact their Control Vendor or OEM to
request that minimum idle speed be increased from 5000 to 6800 rpm. For users not experiencing
such leakage, no change is necessary at this time, but GE IAD advises that it is prudent to increase the
idle speed at the user’s convenience in order to avoid potential future leakage problems.

Mark A. Janson
LM2500 Product Champion

_X_INFORMATION
CLASSIFICATION: INSPECTION __OTHER .
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