Introduction to the GE LM6000 Gas Turbine
The GE LM6000 is the largest and most powerful aeroderivative gas turbine in GE's LM series, delivering between 40,000 and 50,000 horsepower (30-43 MW) depending on the variant. Derived from the CF6-80C2 high-bypass turbofan engine used on Boeing 747 and Airbus A300 aircraft, the LM6000 has become the preferred choice for peaking power plants, combined heat and power (CHP) installations, and industrial cogeneration facilities worldwide.
With over 1,200 units in service globally, the LM6000 fleet generates a significant demand for spare parts and overhaul services. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the parts required for hot section inspections, combustion system maintenance, and major overhauls, drawing from our inventory of nearly 5,000 LM6000-specific part numbers.
LM6000 Engine Configuration
The LM6000 is a twin-spool engine consisting of a high-pressure (HP) section and a low-pressure (LP) section. The HP section includes a 14-stage HP compressor and a 2-stage HP turbine, while the LP section features a 5-stage LP compressor (fan stages) and a 5-stage LP turbine that produces the output power. This configuration gives the LM6000 its distinctive high efficiency — up to 42% in simple cycle operation and over 55% in combined cycle.
The engine also features a single annular combustor (SAC) or dry low emissions (DLE) combustion system, depending on the variant. DLE-equipped LM6000 units (LM6000 PD, PF, PG variants) use a pre-mixed lean combustion approach to achieve NOx emissions below 25 ppm without water or steam injection.
High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) Components
The HPT is the most thermally stressed section of the engine, with gas temperatures exceeding 1,300°C at the Stage 1 nozzle inlet. HPT components are manufactured from advanced nickel-based superalloys with thermal barrier coatings (TBC) and are the most expensive parts to replace during an overhaul.
| Part Number | Description | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1538M90P05 | Blade, HPT Stage | HPT Stage 1/2 |
| 1538M90P06 | Blade, HPT Stage | HPT Stage 1/2 |
| 1347M95G01 | Shroud, HPT Stator — Stage | HPT Stator |
HPT blades are subject to creep, oxidation, hot corrosion, and thermal fatigue. During a hot section inspection (HSI), each blade is individually inspected using fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) and dimensional measurements. Blades that exceed wear limits must be replaced or sent for repair (tip restoration, coating reapplication). A complete set of HPT Stage 1 blades for an LM6000 typically costs between $500,000 and $1,000,000 depending on the variant and condition.
Low-Pressure Turbine (LPT) Components
The 5-stage LPT extracts the remaining energy from the exhaust gases to drive the LP compressor and the output shaft. While LPT components operate at lower temperatures than HPT parts, they are still subject to significant thermal and mechanical stresses.
| Part Number | Description | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1536M21P01 | Blade, LPT Rotor — Stage 1 Alt | LPT Stage 1 |
| 1536M21P03 | Blade, LPT Rotor — Stage 1 | LPT Stage 1 |
| 1536M22P01 | Blade, LPT Rotor — Stage 2 | LPT Stage 2 |
| 1536M22P03 | Blade, LPT Rotor — Stage 2 | LPT Stage 2 |
LPT cooling manifolds are essential for maintaining blade metal temperatures within design limits. These manifolds distribute cooling air from the compressor bleed system to the LPT section.
| Part Number | Description | Side |
|---|---|---|
| 1479M44G02 | Manifold, Air, LPT Cooling, Left | Left |
| 1479M44G04 | Manifold, Air, LPT Cooling, Left (Alt) | Left |
| 1479M45G02 | Manifold, Air, LPT Cooling, Right | Right |
| 1479M45G04 | Manifold, Air, LPT Cooling, Right (Alt) | Right |
| 1327M70P01 | Bolt, Slab HD LPT Cooling Manifold | Mounting |
Combustion System Hardware
The LM6000 combustion system is one of the most maintenance-intensive sections of the engine. Whether equipped with the standard SAC combustor or the DLE system, combustion hardware requires regular inspection and replacement due to thermal cycling, flame impingement, and oxidation.
Key combustion components include the combustion liner, dome assembly, fuel nozzles, igniters, and associated seals and gaskets. The DLE combustion system adds complexity with its pre-mixer assemblies and pilot fuel circuits.
| Part Number | Description | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1703M32G03 | Liner, Assembly — Outlet Guide | Combustion outlet |
| 1703M58G01 | Liner Assembly, Stage 13 Vane | Compressor discharge |
| 1854M94G02 | Liner Assembly, Stage 13 Vane | Compressor discharge |
| 1854M96G02 | Liner Assembly, Compressor Stator, Stage 13 | Compressor stator |
Bearing System Components
The LM6000 uses five main bearings to support its twin-spool rotor system. The No. 1 and No. 2 bearings support the LP rotor, the No. 3 and No. 4 bearings support the HP rotor, and the No. 5 bearing provides rear support for the LP turbine shaft. Bearing health is monitored continuously through vibration analysis and oil debris monitoring.
| Part Number | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1288M42P01 | Housing, Bearing — No. 5R | No. 5 Bearing |
| 1304M28P02 | Ball Bearing, Self-Aligning Slotted Entry | No. 5 Bearing |
| 1327M76P03 | Bearing, Roller Cylindrical — No. 5R | No. 5 Bearing |
| 1327M77P03 | Bearing, Roller Cylindrical — No. 5R Alt | No. 5 Bearing |
| 1327M77P04 | Bearing, Roller Cylindrical — No. 5R Alt | No. 5 Bearing |
| 1288M42P04 | Shield, Oil — No. 5 Bearing | No. 5 Bearing |
The thrust balance tube (0682L928G01) is a unique LM6000 component that manages the axial thrust loads between the HP and LP rotors. Failure of this component can lead to excessive bearing loads and potential engine damage.
Seals and Gaskets
Seals and gaskets are consumable items that must be replaced during every maintenance event that involves opening a flanged joint or bearing housing. While individually inexpensive, the total cost and logistics of managing seal inventories can be significant for a fleet operator.
| Part Number | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 1154M18P02 | Gasket, Seal | General flange sealing |
| 1154M18P04 | Gasket, Seal | General flange sealing |
| 1154M18P06 | Gasket, Seal — Flange, Fuel and Oil | Fuel/oil system flanges |
| 1327M74P01 | Spacer, Seal, Bearing | No. 5 Bearing area |
Instrumentation and Thermocouples
The LM6000 uses an extensive array of thermocouples and sensors to monitor engine health. Exhaust gas temperature (EGT) thermocouples are particularly critical because the control system uses EGT spread (the difference between the hottest and coldest thermocouples) to detect combustion anomalies.
| Part Number | Description | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| 1696M81P07 | Probe, Thermocouple (Initial) | Exhaust Gas Temperature |
| 1696M81P09 | Probe, Thermocouple (Two Connector, EU) | Exhaust Gas Temperature |
| 1962M86P02 | Probe, Thermocouple (Two Connector, EU) | Exhaust Gas Temperature |
| 2435M99P01 | Spring — Speed Sensor | Rotor Speed |
Thermocouple probes are subject to degradation from thermal cycling and exhaust gas exposure. A drifting thermocouple can cause the control system to apply incorrect fuel scheduling, leading to either power loss or potential over-temperature conditions. Regular calibration checks and timely replacement are essential.
Valves and Flow Control
The LM6000 incorporates numerous check valves, bleed valves, and flow control devices throughout its fuel, air, and oil systems. These valves ensure proper fluid flow direction and pressure regulation under all operating conditions.
| Part Number | Description | System |
|---|---|---|
| 1454M87G02 | Valve, Check (Initial Configuration) | Fuel/Oil System |
| 1454M88G02 | Valve, Check (Initial Configuration) | Fuel/Oil System |
| 1642M76G01 | Valve, Check | Bleed Air System |
| 1826M47G01 | Valve, Check 11th Stage — Elbow | 11th Stage Bleed |
LM6000 Maintenance Schedule Overview
GE recommends the following maintenance intervals for the LM6000, though actual intervals depend on the operating profile, fuel type, and environmental conditions:
| Maintenance Event | Typical Interval | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Borescope Inspection | 4,000-8,000 hours | Visual inspection of combustion and HPT sections |
| Hot Section Inspection (HSI) | 25,000-30,000 hours | Combustion hardware, HPT blades and vanes, shrouds |
| Major Overhaul | 50,000-60,000 hours | Complete engine disassembly, all rotating and stationary parts |
For peaking units that accumulate hours slowly but cycle frequently, maintenance intervals may be determined by the number of starts rather than operating hours. Each normal start is typically equivalent to 10-20 operating hours in terms of component life consumption, while emergency trips can consume 50-100 equivalent hours.
Cost-Effective Sourcing Strategies
LM6000 overhaul costs can range from $3 million to $8 million depending on the scope and the condition of components found during inspection. Operators can significantly reduce these costs through strategic parts procurement:
Pre-purchase critical parts well before the planned maintenance event. Lead times for OEM parts can exceed 6 months for hot section components. By ordering early, you avoid premium pricing for expedited delivery.
Consider serviceable surplus parts for non-safety-critical components. Bearings, seals, manifolds, and instrumentation from decommissioned engines can provide significant cost savings when properly inspected and certified.
Use cross-reference databases to identify interchangeable parts. Many LM6000 components share part numbers with the LM2500 and LMS100 platforms, expanding your sourcing options. Our database includes over 600 parts that are cross-referenced between the LM2500 and LM6000.
BDB Turbine Parts maintains an inventory of nearly 5,000 LM6000-specific part numbers, plus hundreds of cross-platform components. Browse our LM6000 parts catalog or contact our team for availability and competitive pricing.
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