GE Frame 5 and Frame 6 Gas Turbine Parts: Heavy-Duty Industrial Turbine Component Guide

Introduction to GE Frame 5 and Frame 6 Gas Turbines

The GE Frame 5 (MS5001/MS5002) and Frame 6B (MS6001B) are among the most widely installed heavy-duty industrial gas turbines in the world. With thousands of units operating across power generation, oil and gas, petrochemical, and industrial applications, these workhorses have been in production since the 1960s (Frame 5) and 1970s (Frame 6B). Despite their age, many Frame 5 and Frame 6B units continue to operate reliably with proper maintenance and parts support.

The Frame 5 produces approximately 26-33 MW while the Frame 6B delivers 40-43 MW, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial and utility applications. Their robust design, proven reliability, and extensive parts availability make them attractive options for operators who prioritize long-term value over the latest technology.

Frame 5 and Frame 6B Architecture Comparison

While both turbines share GE's proven heavy-duty design philosophy, there are significant differences in their architecture that affect parts requirements:

Feature	Frame 5 (MS5001/MS5002)	Frame 6B (MS6001B)
Power Output	26-33 MW	40-43 MW
Compressor Stages	17 axial stages	17 axial stages
Combustion System	10 can-annular combustors	10 can-annular combustors
Turbine Stages	2 stages (MS5001) / 1+1 (MS5002)	3 stages
Firing Temperature	~980°C (MS5001)	~1,100°C
Pressure Ratio	10:1	12.2:1
Exhaust Temperature	~510°C	~545°C

The MS5002 variant is a two-shaft design where the power turbine is mechanically independent from the gas generator, making it particularly suitable for mechanical drive applications in the oil and gas industry (compressor drives, pump drives).

Combustion System Components

Both the Frame 5 and Frame 6B use a can-annular combustion system with 10 individual combustion chambers arranged in a circular pattern around the engine. Each combustion chamber contains a combustion liner, a transition piece, fuel nozzles, crossfire tubes, and associated hardware.

Combustion Liners

Combustion liners are cylindrical shells that contain the flame within each combustion can. They feature rows of cooling holes and dilution holes that manage the temperature distribution and ensure complete combustion. Frame 5 and Frame 6B liners are typically manufactured from Hastelloy X or Nimonic 263.

Liner replacement is one of the most common maintenance activities during a hot gas path inspection. Signs that indicate liner replacement is needed include visible cracking around dilution holes, excessive oxidation or scaling on the hot-side surface, and distortion that affects the fit within the combustion casing.

Transition Pieces

Transition pieces connect the circular outlet of each combustion can to the annular inlet of the first-stage nozzle ring. They must maintain precise dimensional tolerances while operating at temperatures exceeding 900°C. The Frame 6B transition piece is particularly challenging to manufacture due to its complex three-dimensional shape and the tight tolerances required for proper sealing at the nozzle interface.

Crossfire Tubes

Crossfire tubes connect adjacent combustion chambers and allow flame propagation from the two igniter-equipped chambers to the remaining eight chambers during engine startup. They also equalize pressure between chambers during normal operation. Crossfire tubes are relatively inexpensive components but their failure can prevent engine startup or cause uneven combustion.

Hot Gas Path Components

The hot gas path of Frame 5 and Frame 6B turbines includes the first-stage nozzles, turbine buckets (all stages), shroud segments, and the exhaust frame and diffuser.

First-Stage Buckets

First-stage buckets are the highest-value rotating components in the turbine. For the Frame 6B, a complete set of 92 first-stage buckets represents a significant investment. These buckets are manufactured from directionally solidified (DS) or equiaxed nickel-based superalloys with thermal barrier coatings and internal cooling passages.

Bucket life is typically measured in equivalent operating hours (EOH), which accounts for both running hours and the additional life consumption from starts and trips. A typical Frame 6B first-stage bucket has a design life of 24,000-48,000 EOH depending on the firing temperature and operating profile.

Second and Third-Stage Components

Second-stage (and third-stage for the Frame 6B) buckets and nozzles operate at progressively lower temperatures but still require regular inspection and eventual replacement. These components are generally less expensive than first-stage parts and have longer service lives, but they should not be neglected during maintenance planning.

Bearings, Seals, and Structural Components

Frame 5 and Frame 6B turbines use journal bearings (not rolling element bearings like aeroderivative engines) to support the rotor. These bearings are more tolerant of contamination and misalignment but require a reliable supply of clean, properly cooled lubricating oil.

Component Category	Key Items	Replacement Frequency
Journal Bearings	Bearing shells, thrust pads, bearing seals	Major overhaul (every 48,000-72,000 EOH)
Labyrinth Seals	Compressor seals, turbine seals, bearing seals	Every HGP inspection
Packing Rings	Interstage packing, end packing	Every HGP inspection
Diaphragms	Turbine diaphragms (nozzle carriers)	Major overhaul

Control System: Speedtronic

Most Frame 5 and Frame 6B turbines are controlled by GE's Speedtronic control system. The installed base includes several generations of Speedtronic controls:

Control System	Era	Technology	Parts Availability
Mark I / Mark II	1960s-1970s	Analog electronics	Very limited — upgrade recommended
Mark IV	1980s	Early digital	Limited — many components obsolete
Mark V	1990s	Digital with TMR	Good — active aftermarket support
Mark VI / Mark VIe	2000s-present	Modern digital	Excellent — current production

BDB Turbine Parts maintains an inventory of over 500 Speedtronic control system components, including relay modules, I/O cards, and processor boards. Common Speedtronic parts in our inventory include:

Part Number	Description	System
04030904T02R10	Relay Module	Speedtronic
04030904T02R20	Relay Module	Speedtronic
04030976T02R10	Relay Module	Speedtronic
04030976T02R20	Relay Module	Speedtronic

Fuel System Components

Frame 5 and Frame 6B turbines can operate on natural gas, liquid fuel (distillate oil), or both (dual-fuel configuration). The fuel system includes fuel nozzles, fuel manifolds, check valves, flow dividers, and associated piping and instrumentation.

For dual-fuel installations, the fuel system complexity is significantly higher, with separate gas and liquid fuel circuits, fuel transfer valves, and purge systems. Maintaining both fuel systems requires a larger spare parts inventory and more specialized maintenance expertise.

Maintenance Intervals for Frame Turbines

Inspection Type	Frame 5 Interval	Frame 6B Interval	Scope
Combustion Inspection (CI)	8,000 EOH	8,000 EOH	Combustion liners, transition pieces, fuel nozzles, crossfire tubes
Hot Gas Path Inspection (HGPI)	24,000 EOH	24,000 EOH	CI scope + first-stage nozzles and buckets, shrouds
Major Inspection (MI)	48,000 EOH	48,000 EOH	HGPI scope + compressor, bearings, all turbine stages, rotor

These intervals assume base-load operation on natural gas. Factors that reduce maintenance intervals include liquid fuel operation (multiply hours by 1.5), frequent starts (each start = 20 EOH, each trip = 100 EOH), and peak firing temperature operation.

Sourcing Frame 5 and Frame 6B Parts

One of the advantages of the Frame 5 and Frame 6B platforms is the extensive aftermarket parts ecosystem that has developed over decades of operation. Multiple manufacturers produce replacement combustion hardware, hot gas path components, and control system parts that meet or exceed OEM specifications.

However, sourcing parts for older Frame 5 units can be challenging because some components have been discontinued by the OEM. In these cases, operators may need to work with specialized brokers who maintain inventories of surplus parts from decommissioned units, or with machine shops that can reverse-engineer and manufacture replacement components.

BDB Turbine Parts serves as a single point of contact for Frame 5 and Frame 6B operators worldwide. Whether you need combustion liners for a routine inspection or are looking for hard-to-find control system components for an older installation, our team can help. Contact us for availability and pricing, or browse our full catalog of over 19,000 gas turbine parts.