Buying replacement parts for an industrial gas turbine

Replacement parts for an industrial gas turbine fall into three groups: hot-section and rotating parts, which are normally handled through an overhaul or exchange program; package and accessory parts, where qualified equivalents are often a good option; and consumables such as filters, seals and gaskets. Knowing which group a part belongs to tells you where to buy it, how long it will take and what documents to ask for.

Most gas turbines in Western Canadian oil and gas drive pipeline and gas-storage compressors or generator sets. They run for long periods between overhauls, so when a part is needed it is usually urgent, and the package around the turbine often has more failures than the turbine itself.

The three groups of parts

1. Hot-section and rotating parts

Combustor liners, fuel injectors, turbine nozzles and blades, discs and the rotor. These parts are life-limited, inspected against hours and starts, and normally replaced during an overhaul, often by swapping the whole gas producer or power turbine for an overhauled exchange unit. Buying them one by one is rarely the best route.

2. Package and accessory parts

Fuel gas valves and actuators, igniters, lube oil pumps and coolers, starters, bearings and seals in the driven equipment, instruments, thermocouples, vibration probes, enclosure fans and fire and gas detection. This is where most unplanned shutdowns start, and where qualified equivalents or remanufactured parts can save weeks.

3. Consumables

Inlet air filters, lube oil filters, fuel gas filters, gaskets and O-rings. Keep these on site: they are cheap compared with a day of downtime.

OEM part, exchange unit or qualified equivalent?

A qualified equivalent should be documented: material certificates, dimensional report and the reference it matches. See OEM genuine vs qualified equivalent parts for the questions to ask any supplier.

What to send with a quote request

• Package serial number and turbine model (a nameplate photo is ideal)
• The part number from your parts list or the old part, if you have it
• Photos of the part in place and of any tag or stamping on it
• Control system type and version, for anything electrical or in the fuel system
• Running hours and starts, if the part is life-limited
• Ship-to location and the date you need it

Send the nameplate photo and part details on the quote form. Each line of our quote states whether the part is OEM genuine, remanufactured or a qualified equivalent, with its lead time. More on lead times for compressor and engine parts.

CHR is an independent supplier and is not an authorized dealer of the manufacturers named.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use non-OEM parts on a gas turbine?

For package, accessory and consumable parts, often yes, if the equivalent is documented and matches the original in dimensions, materials, ratings and signals. For hot-section and rotating parts, follow the overhaul shop’s recommendation and check your insurance and any service agreement first.

Is an exchange unit faster than overhauling my own?

Usually. An exchange gas producer or power turbine can be installed in days, and your removed unit is overhauled afterwards. It costs more up front but cuts downtime.

Can you repair parts instead of replacing them?

Many accessories, valves and actuators can be repaired or remanufactured. We arrange workshop repair, overhaul and on-site diagnostics through partner shops.