Hot section repairs
VBR Turbine Partners specializes in LM2500 hot section overhauls for LM2500 turbines. Unlike others, VBR does hot section overhauls ‘on condition.’ To save you money, we will evaluate the reusability of your turbine components.
- We inspect blades and vanes in-house or partner with specialized repair shops for a full evaluation. This ensures reusable components meet the highest standards, saving you costs while maintaining OEM integrity.
- We can refurbish original GE parts, use Chromalloy LifeX components (OEM-approved) or cooperate with Liburdi and Chromalloy to reinstate GE blades and vanes to a zero-hour condition.
VBR combines innovation and precision
The VBR team includes several former GE and KLM depot engineers, who bring extensive experience to every repair. From the initial assessment until final delivery, you will be informed every step of the way. All repairs come with a full warranty.
Our approach, which combines innovation and precision, optimizes your turbine’s performance. For the last five years, VBR has performed full hot section overhauls at our advanced repair facility in Elst, The Netherlands.
What you can expect
VBR’s comprehensive process includes the following:
Disassembly - inspection
We’ll do a complete hot section teardown including HPT rotor, blades and vanes.
In our findings report, we will recommend parts to repair and replace.
Plus, inspection and compliance with applicable service bulletins.
Repair - refurbishment
Using in-house equipment and expertise, we will repair or replace key components.
We partner with GE-licensed shops for fuel nozzle servicing and HPT rotor balancing and grinding.
As an option, we offer dry ice blasting for high-pressure compressor blades and vanes for better performance and efficiency.
Reassembly - testing
After we ship the combustor to a vendor for repair or overhaul, we reinstall the combustor. If needed, we offer additional bearing replacements.
After reinstallation, we do a baseline measurement to calculate performance gains.
Additional services
Hot section exchange program
For LM2500 SAC engines, we can schedule a hot section exchange.
Service Bulletin compliance
We incorporate all relevant service bulletins to ensure your turbine operates with the latest updates.
Contact us
The VBR team includes several former GE and KLM depot engineers, who bring extensive experience to every hot section repair. Tell us what you need. We will help you keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently.
Top 3 questions about hot section repairs
These are the top 3 questions our customers ask about hot section repairs for LM2500 gas turbines. If you have other questions, feel free to reach out via the buttons below:
01What is the typical turnaround time for a hot section overhaul?
VBR understands time is critical. That’s why we offer a hot-section rotable exchange. Depending on your facility and local conditions, we can perform a hot section replacement on-site.
If you send your hot section to our shop in Elst and want your original hot section returned, turnaround time depends on the required repairs and findings. Typically, a full hot section overhaul can be completed within 16 weeks depending on the engine configuration.
02What parts are typically replaced and repaired during a hot section overhaul?
That depends on operating hours, heat and sand exposure. Engines with high T5.4 temperatures or those which operate as start-stop engines have higher replacement percentages due to heat cycles.
Replace dampers
We recommend replacing the dampers, which are installed between the blades. After some time, they may come loose and damage the hot section.
Repair hese parts are repaired, replacement is too costly
- HPT stage 1 and stage 2 nozzle segments
- HPT stage 1 and stage 2 shrouds and interstage seals
- HPT rotor blades stage 1 and stage 2
These parts are replaced or overhauled
- Outer seals for Bearing 5R
These are often replaced due to thermal stress exposure or specific service bulletins.
- Fuel nozzles and associated components
Fuel nozzles are sent to a vendor for overhaul. After overhaul, they are reinstalled according to a flow chart to obtain the best heat spread.
03How often do you need a hot section overhaul on the LM2500?
GE recommends a hot section overhaul every 25,000 operating hours. This varies based on local environmental and operational factors. In many cases, we’ve seen engines that run beyond 30,000 hours before an overhaul. To be sure, do a borescope inspection.
VBR Consultancy Services can provide a tailored recommendation based on a borescope inspection and an operational assessment.
