Compressor Blades, Stators & Casings
- GT13E2 compressor efficiency depends on the condition of blades, stator vanes, and casings.
- ZURN Power supplies new and refurbished compressor components to restore pressure ratio and airflow.
- Our parts are designed to withstand fouling, erosion, and high-cycle fatigue in industrial environments.
Aerodynamic Efficiency & Durability
- Compressor blades are manufactured with profiles matching OEM aerodynamic designs.
- Protective coatings are available to reduce erosion and corrosion in harsh operating conditions.
- Material selection follows Alstom specifications for strength, fatigue resistance, and environmental durability.
Replacement & Upgrade Options
- We supply individual compressor blades, complete stage sets, and stator segments.
- Upgrade options include improved coatings and geometry optimizations where applicable.
- Fast turnaround is available for critical outage schedules.
Request a Quote
- Send the compressor stage, part number, or damaged sample for rapid identification.
- Our team will confirm material grade, coating options, and delivery schedule.
- Email sales@zurnpower.com for GT13E2 compressor part pricing.
GT13E2 Compressor Architecture
The GT13E2 features a 21-stage axial compressor with variable inlet guide vanes (IGVs) and multiple variable stator vane (VSV) stages. The compressor delivers a pressure ratio of approximately 16.7:1, compressing ambient air to around 16 bar before it enters the combustion chamber. Compressor efficiency directly impacts turbine output and heat rate, making blade integrity critical for performance retention.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Compressor type | 21-stage axial flow |
| Pressure ratio | 16.7:1 (nominal) |
| Mass flow rate | ~530 kg/s at ISO conditions |
| Variable stages | IGV + 3 VSV stages (stages 1-3) |
| Tip speed (Stage 1) | ~380 m/s at rated speed |
| Compressor blade count | ~1,800 blades (all stages) |
| Primary materials | 17-4PH stainless, Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718 |
Compressor Blade Materials by Stage
Compressor blades operate at progressively higher temperatures and pressures from Stage 1 to Stage 21. Material selection follows this gradient:
| Stage Group | Material | Operating Temp | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stages 1-5 | Ti-6Al-4V | Up to 300 C | High strength-to-weight, FOD resistant |
| Stages 6-12 | 17-4PH stainless | 300-450 C | Good fatigue life, cost-effective |
| Stages 13-17 | A-286 stainless | 450-550 C | Elevated temperature strength |
| Stages 18-21 | Inconel 718 | 550-650 C | Creep resistance, oxidation resistant |
ZURN Power manufactures compressor blades to OEM-equivalent aerodynamic profiles, verified by optical projection comparison and CMM surface mapping. Blade root fir-tree geometry is machined to AGMA Class 12 tolerances with EDM (electrical discharge machining) for precision dovetail fitting.
Common Compressor Failure Modes
- FOD (Foreign Object Damage): Ingested debris damages leading edges of Stage 1-3 blades. Minor nicks can be blended; major damage requires blade replacement. Borescope inspection recommended every 8,000 hours.
- Leading edge erosion: Particulate ingestion (dust, sand) gradually erodes leading edge profiles, reducing stage efficiency and increasing surge margin risk. Coastline and desert sites see accelerated erosion.
- Tip clearance increase: Blade tip rub against casing abradable coating widens tip gap, causing stage efficiency loss of 0.5-2% per affected stage. Casing coating refurbishment restores original clearance.
- Stress corrosion cracking: Ti-6Al-4V blades in humid environments may develop SCC at root fillets. NDT (eddy current) inspection at every major overhaul.
- VSV linkage wear: Variable stator vane bushings and linkages wear over time, causing VSV angle deviation and compressor instability. Replace bushings at 24,000-hour intervals.
Compressor Blade Refurbishment Process
Refurbishable compressor blades undergo a multi-step restoration process to extend service life at 30-50% of new-blade cost:
- Incoming inspection: Visual + eddy current + fluorescent penetrant NDT; dimensional check of airfoil, root, and tip
- Cleaning: Chemical stripping of existing coating; ultrasonic cleaning to remove all deposits
- Leading edge restoration: Micro-welding of minor nicks; precision grinding to restore original airfoil profile
- Tip refurbishment: Re-tipping or tip grinding to restore correct length and clearance
- Coating reapplication: PVD or diffusion coating per original specification
- Final balancing: Moment-weight sorting for rotor assembly balance
- Documentation: Full inspection report with before/after measurements and NDT results
Quality Assurance & Certifications
All compressor blades are manufactured and refurbished under ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D. Material certifications per AMS 4928 (Ti-6Al-4V), AMS 5604 (17-4PH), and AMS 5662 (Inconel 718) are provided. Key quality controls:
- Airfoil profile verification: Optical comparator and CMM against OEM drawings
- Root geometry: Go/no-go gauges + CMM measurement of fir-tree serrations
- Surface finish: Ra 0.8 um on airfoil, Ra 1.6 um on root
- Coating thickness: Eddy current measurement per specification
- Balance grading: Moment-weight measurement within 0.5 g-mm of target
For compressor inquiries, provide the GT13E2 serial number, affected stage(s), and part numbers from your Alstom/Ansaldo compressor parts manual. We maintain stock of high-rotation stages (1-5) for rapid dispatch.