We have experienced the same problem with G.

E ms9001 E (frame 9) turbine where the problem once was due to the starting means filter restricting pressure build up for the
torque converter.

the other was the generator jacking oil filters found dirty. again restricting sufficient pressure for jacking the the generator bearing 1 and 2.

There were some coinsurance, we have changed total torque converter, due to malfunctioning of the equipment.
Only one or two times in the entire history, we had problem with 20TU solenoid, which dumps the oil from torque converter. The solenoid is provided with a limit switch also.

Other than the starting means filter, we experienced the problem with Torque converter, which is not giving sufficient torque to break away with the reference angle from the
controller. The main MCC of the torque converter have option to raise the angle manually, we could solve the problem adjusting manually to get rid of shaft failure to break way
issue.

Torque converters do wear out and do require refurbishment. If the site uses the cranking motor for forced cooldown and/or off-line water washing this, too, can accelerate the
wear in the torque converter.

Usually, the Torque Adjustor guide vanes are opened and closed by pulsing the Torque Adjustor Drive motor contactors (one for Open and one for Close) with relay outputs from
the Speedtronic. The Torque Adjustor Drive mechanism has adjustable limit switches which are used to set the ends of travel for Min Torque and Max Torque, and sometimes for
"Purge" torque (usually slightly below Max Torque). So, the Speedtronic relay outputs and the Torque Adjustor Drive mechanism limit switches are connected to the motor starter
control circuit. There are also over-torque limit switches in the Torque Adjustor Drive mechanism to protect the mechanism from being driven into mechanical stops which would
dama failure to break the shaft away from zero speed usually means a worn torque converter or improperly adjusted Torque Adjustor mechanism limit switches.age the
mechanism.

We overruled the Torque Converter problem by following facts.

1- When turbine is rolled with the help of manual jacking, the starting motor is able to role the
turbine as initial torque was broken by manual jack. Now when the starting motor cut out and
turning motor engages, it roll the turbine at around 120 RPM. At this rpm, the torque converter
angle is 44 degrees which was the case before too.
2- As the starting motor starts and increase its RPM to 3000, the pressure at the test gauge point
of torque converter reaches upto 19 bars and then drops to 16 bars as the torque converter angle
increases.
3- We usually start the turbine with torque converter angle at 16 degree and after the current on
starting motor is normalized (after 15 seconds) we put the torque converter angle on auto and it
increases up to 66 degrees. However in one of the start we tried to start the turbine with torque
converter angle at 44 degree. In that particular start, instead of starting motor tripping on above
alarm, it tripped with indication of motor overload. This means that the angle link system is
working fine.
4- We have tested and tried to change the angle from local as well. It is working fine and with
changing angle on local, its indication change on MCC also.
5- In one of the start, when the torque converter angle reaches up to 66 degree on auto, we put it
on manual and took it up to 74 degrees but no gain.
6- Since we have to put unit back into service, instead of using GE arrangement of jacking, we
made our own jacking arrangement in a way that which can break the initial torque and at the
same time it can be removed during first 2-3 revolutions of turbine. We were able to do so and
after keeping the machine on turning for 6 hours, we moved on to the firing of Gas Turbine. Gas
Turbine went to cranking speed, stayed there for 15 minutes during purge cycle, came back to
firing speed, fired successfully and starting motor took the machine up to 60% RPM
successfully. Now during all this torque converter was functional and we did not see any of the
abnormal behavior by torque converter
1- If the starting Motor is running?
Yes it is as we can see starting motor going to its rated RPM and its current variation
accordingly. In-fact the trip we are getting is "Starting means turbine shaft fail to break
turbine away" which only appears if starting motor is running for 50 seconds and no
RPMs are detected for Turbine.
2- If the motor for torque convert angle adjustment is working.
We have tried to put the torque convertor on manual and have operated that motor. It is
working fine and the fact that starting motor amperes change based on the angle shows
that the vanes angles are actually changing.
3- The pressure stays 0 for first 5 seconds when the starting motor amperes are maximum
and then the pressure gradually moves from 0 to around 19 bars. At this point we put the
torque convertor angle to auto and it angle changes from 16 to 66 degrees. At that point the
pressure drops from 19 bars to 16 bars and stays there until the starting motor trips.
Another thing is that when we use the hydraulic jack at coupling to break the starting
torque, and then give the starting command, it is able to take the turbine to 110 RPMs and
then at turning, turning motor amperes are normal and this torque convertor pressure is around 7 bars