Specialty: Jaw Clutch Replacement with SSS Clutch

Replacement of jaw clutches on older General Electric gas turbines has become more commonplace in recent years. Some turbine owners are choosing an option offered by a company called SSS Clutch, rather than replacing their original jaw clutch with a similar product. Figures 1 and 2 below show typical (original) jaw clutches for two models of GE gas turbines: MS6001B and MS5001LA.

Fig. 1: Jaw Clutch for MS6001B Gas Turbine

Fig. 2: Jaw Clutch for MS5001LA Gas Turbine

The SSS clutch offers more flexibility in the starting cycle of the gas turbine. Aside from reliability issues for this improved design clutch, the SSS allows for a restart of the gas turbine (after an inadvertent “trip out” or other shutdown) before the gas turbine rotor comes to rest. At approximately 500 rpm, the SSS clutch can be reengaged, precluding a 15-minute roll-down to virtual rest that the original clutch could be safely reengaged.

The manufacturer does not offer field engineering services for the removal of the original clutch and the installation of the SSS clutch. Nor do they offer the services to modify the software for the restart at 500 rpm. Pond and Lucier, LLC does offer these services.

Fig. 3: Installation of SSS Clutch

Fig.4: SSS Clutch installed on MS6001B gas turbine

Contact Pond and Lucier, LLC if you are considering replacing your jaw clutch. We have done it many times. The experience will be worth it!