The installation to be discussed in this paper was one of the first gas generator, power turbine, centrifugal compressor design combinations to be put in ground (as opposed to airplane) power applications. As a consequence the control systems, waste heat boiler installation and other parts of the facility proved to be other than adequate for continuous duty industrial plant use and as such, has gone through a subsequent development period to overcome the many problems that were encountered. This should be kept in mind as one reads the article. The present-day industrial gas generator units incorporate simplified and reliable control systems and other successful features as a result of this earlier experimental and prototype installation. Revisions to the Phillips Petroleum Company Dumas Helium Plant Pratt Whitney GG3C gas generator and related equipment have greatly increased onstream capabilities. Replacement of unreliable controls and electrical relays has decreased unwarranted shutdowns from 80 hr in 1963 to 8 hr in 1967. Improvements in lubricating oil have increased the time between oil changes from 300 to 3000 hr. Design changes in bearings, exhaust hood, and the lubricating oil system have increased the gas generator’s reliability. The Cooper-Bessemer RT-48 free power turbine has operated maintenance-free since startup. Cooper-Bessemer’s latest design has solved the reaction turbine hood stress cracking problem. Use of this type facility in helium plant service offers advantages, but lack of flexibility has caused a considerable amount of product loss at Dumas Helium Plant.
Upgrading the Old Turbinee