How is seepage defined in terms of leakage in gas turbine systems?

Seepage in gas turbine systems refers to minor leaking conditions that fall within a specific range of fluid loss. The definition provided in the context of the question indicates that seepage is characterized by a very small quantity of fluid – specifically, between 1 to 5 drops in a 5-minute timeframe. This is crucial for technicians to understand, as it helps in identifying the allowable limits of leakage that can be tolerated in the system without causing significant operational issues or safety concerns.

Knowing that seepage represents such a minimal amount of leakage helps technicians assess the condition of the turbine and determine whether further investigation or corrective action is necessary. In contrast, higher levels of leakage, such as those included in the other options, would indicate a more serious problem that may warrant immediate attention or repair. Therefore, correctly identifying seepage as 1 to 5 drops in 5 minutes assists in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of gas turbine systems.