Evolution of Gas Turbine Intake Air Filtration in a 420 MW Cogeneration Plant

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Ingistov ◽  
Michael Milos ◽  
Rakesh K. Bhargava
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Cogeneration Plant ◽  
Air Filtration ◽  
Air Filter ◽  
Filter System ◽  
Turbine Performance ◽  
Filtration System ◽  
Operational Data

A suitable inlet air filter system is required for a gas turbine, depending on installation site and its environmental conditions, to minimize contaminants entering the compressor section in order to maintain gas turbine performance. This paper describes evolution of inlet air filter systems utilized at the 420 MW Watson Cogeneration Plant consisting of four GE 7EA gas turbines since commissioning of the plant in November 1987. Changes to the inlet air filtration system became necessary due to system limitations, a desire to reduce operational and maintenance costs, and enhance overall plant performance. Based on approximately 2 years of operational data with the latest filtration system combined with other operational experiences of more than 25 years, it is shown that implementation of the high efficiency particulate air filter system provides reduced number of crank washes, gas turbine performance improvement and significant economic benefits compared to the traditional synthetic media type filters. Reasons for improved gas turbine performance and associated economic benefits, observed via actual operational data, with use of the latest filter system are discussed in this paper.

Gas Turbine Operation Offshore: Increased Operating Interval and Higher Engine Performance Through Optimized Intake Air Filter System

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stian Madsen ◽  
Lars E. Bakken
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
North Sea ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Engine Performance ◽  
Operational Experience ◽  
Air Filter ◽  
Filter System ◽  
Turbine Performance

Optimized operation of gas turbines is discussed for six LM2500PE engines at a Statoil North Sea offshore field. Three engines are generator drivers whilst three engines are compressor drivers. Two of the compressor drive engines are running at peak load (T5.4 control), hence the production rate is limited by the available power from these engines. All of the six engines discussed run continuously without redundancy, gas turbine uptime is therefore critical for the field’s production and economy. The performance and operational experience with upgraded inlet air filter systems and online water wash at high water-to-air ratio, as well as successful operation at longer intervals and higher average engine performance are described. For North Sea operation, a key property of the filter system is the ability to handle high humidity and high salt-content through the harsh environment in these waters. The upgraded filter systems analyzed in this paper is a 2-stage system (vane separator stage upstream of the high-efficiency-filter stage), which is a simplified design versus the old traditional 3-stage systems (louvre upstream and vane separator downstream of the filter stage). These 2-stage systems rely on an efficient upstream vane separator to remove the vast majority of water from the airflow before it reaches the high-efficiency filters. The high-efficiency filters are especially designed to withstand moisture. Deposit analysis from the downstream side of the filters has been performed. Extensive testing of both new and used filter elements, of different filter grade and operated at different intervals, has been performed on a filter test rig facility onshore. All six engines have historically been operated with 4-month intervals between maintenance stops. Online wash is performed daily between the maintenance stops at full load (i.e. normal operating load for the subject engine). As a result of successful development and pilot testing of new filters and optimized filter change intervals, as well as successful online water wash, the engine operating intervals are now extended to 6 months with very low deterioration rate. Understanding the gas turbine performance deterioration is of vital importance. Trending of its deviation from the engine baseline facilitates load-independent monitoring of the gas turbine’s condition. Instrument resolution and repeatability are key factors in order to get reasonable results from the performance analysis. Improvement of the package instrumentation has been implemented on three of the analyzed engines, for better performance monitoring. As a result of these analyses, a set of monitoring parameters is suggested for effective diagnostics of compressor degradation. Avenues for further research and development are proposed in order to further increase the understanding of the deterioration mechanisms and the gas turbine performance and response.

Gas Turbine Fouling Offshore: Correction Methodology Compressor Efficiency

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stian Madsen ◽  
Lars E. Bakken
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Peak Load ◽  
Operational Experience ◽  
Air Filtration ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Turbine Performance ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Filtration System ◽  
Compressor Efficiency

Gas turbine performance has been analyzed for a fleet of GE LM2500 engines at two Statoil offshore fields in the North Sea. Both generator drive engines and compressor driver engines have been analyzed, covering both the LM2500 base and plus configurations, as well as the SAC and DLE combustor configurations. Several of the compressor drive engines are running at peak load (T5.4 control), and the production rate is thus limited to the available power from these engines. The majority of the engines discussed run continuously without redundancy, implying that gas turbine uptime is critical for the field’s production and economy. Previous studies and operational experience have emphasized that the two key factors to minimize compressor fouling are the optimum designs of the inlet air filtration system and the water wash system. An optimized inlet air filtration system, in combination with daily online water wash (at high water-to-air ratio), are the key factors to achieve successful operation at longer intervals between offline washes and higher average engine performance. Operational experience has documented that the main gas turbine recoverable deterioration is linked to the compressor section. The main performance parameter when monitoring compressor fouling is the gas turbine compressor efficiency. Previous studies have indicated that inlet depression (air mass flow at compressor inlet) is a better parameter when monitoring compressor fouling, whereas instrumentation for inlet depression is very seldom implemented on offshore gas turbine applications. The main challenge when analyzing compressor efficiency (uncorrected) is the large variation in efficiency during the periods between offline washes, mainly due to operation at various engine loads and ambient conditions. Understanding the gas turbine performance deterioration is of vital importance. Trending of the deviation from the engine baseline facilitates load-independent monitoring of the gas turbine’s condition. Instrument resolution and repeatability are key factors for attaining reliable results in the performance analysis. A correction methodology for compressor efficiency has been developed, which improves the long term trend data for effective diagnostics of compressor degradation. Avenues for further research and development are proposed in order to further increase the understanding of the deterioration mechanisms, as well as gas turbine performance and response.

Effect of air filtration system on gas turbine performance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Balzamov ◽  
Veronika Bronskaya ◽  
Olga Soloveva ◽  
Gulnaz Khabibullina ◽  
Alsu Lubnina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Air Filtration ◽  
Turbine Performance ◽  
Filtration System

Salt in the Marine Environment and the Creation of a Standard Input for Gas Turbine Air Intake Filtration Systems

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter T. McGuigan
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Pressure Drop ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Marine Boundary Layer ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Air Filtration ◽  
Filtration System ◽  
Recent Developments

Contaminants are ever-present in the air. Contaminated air entering a Gas Turbine will damage internal components and bring about a reduction in overall efficiency. The amount of contaminant entering a Gas Turbine, therefore, needs to be minimised. This paper describes recent developments in the understanding of one such contaminant, salt. It describes how salt is produced, how it varies climatically and how it varies from location to location and is presented here in the context of the author’s particular field of competence — air filtration system design. Salt ingestion by a Gas Turbine intake can cause corrosion and, given time, can accumulate on the compressor blades and reduce the aerodynamic efficiency. The removal of salt in the air is therefore of primary concern to all those involved in the design and operation of Gas Turbines. Salt removal systems are manufactured in various guises. The concept, however, remains the same — salt capture upstream of the Compressor stage. The drawback to this method of salt removal is that it results in a decrease in air pressure entering the Compressor and will consequently bring about a decrease in the overall system performance. As the requirement to remove more and more salt contaminant increases, the pressure drop across the method of filtration required to achieve this, increases. The responsibility of the Filtration Engineer is therefore to fully understand the requirements of the Gas Turbine, to understand the balance between pressure drop, salt removal and salt size and, consequently, to design an appropriate filtration system — one fit for purpose. Gas Turbines in the marine environment are generally found at heights less than 50m above sea level. It is this environment (the Marine Boundary Layer) which historically has been difficult to fully quantify. Herein lies the problem for those involved — if the environment is not fully understood how can the proper exploitation of the technologies be achieved? Recent developments, however, have led to a better understanding of salt in the Marine Boundary Layer. This paper describes these recent developments.

2-Stage Air Filtration for Gas Turbine Naval Applications

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianluca de Arcangelis
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Water Repellency ◽  
Air Filtration ◽  
Compressor Blades ◽  
Reduced Pressure ◽  
Filtration System ◽  
Offshore Oil

Abstract Traditional air filtration systems for Gas Turbine Naval applications consist of 3 stages: 1st vane separator + pocket filter + 2nd vane separator. The 2nd vane separator is required to drain out droplets formed by the traditional pocket filter during its coalescing function. Further to technological advancements in the water repellency of filter media, as well as leak-free techniques, it is now possible to implement a pocket filter that avoids leaching water droplets downstream. This enables the elimination of the 3rd stage vane separator in the air filtration system. The result is a suitable 2-stage air filtration system. The elimination of the 3rd stage vane separator provides the obvious following advantages: • Reduced pressure drop • Reduced weight • Reduced foot-print • Reduced cost Latest technological advancements in water repellency and high efficiency melt-blown media also allow the attainment of higher performance such as: • Increased efficiency against water droplet and salt in wet state • Increased efficiency against dry salt and dust This results in higher cleanliness of the Gas Turbines with benefits in terms of compressor fouling, compressor blades corrosion and turbine blades hot erosion. Higher performance also results in simplified maintenance as technicians need only focus on the replacement of the elements as opposed to the cleaning and overhauling of the intake duct. The paper goes through the engineering challenges of evolving from a 3-stage to 2-stage filtration system. The paper provides data from testing at independent laboratories with results that back the claims. Furthermore, reference is made to Offshore Oil & Gas installations and testing that have proven successful with independently measured data.

Strategy for Selecting Optimised Technologies for Gas Turbine Air Inlet Filtration Systems

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen D. Hiner
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Fuel Quality ◽  
Air Filtration ◽  
Air Inlet ◽  
Filtration System ◽  
The World ◽  
Maintenance Requirements ◽  
Specific Challenge ◽  
Over Time

With continuous advances in gas turbine technology, wider breadth of fuel quality burnt and ever growing expectations of; longer life, higher efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements, the filtration of the air entering the gas turbine (GT) has never been more important to meeting its operational requirements. Gas turbines are used throughout the world in an ever increasing diversity of application and environment. This presents a number of challenges to the air filtration system, that require unique solutions for each subset of environment specific challenge, gas turbine platform technology and fuel quality being burnt. This paper discusses the importance of air filtration to a modern GT and how this has changed over time and it’s shifting operational requirements. It explores the challenges facing the air filtration system presented by the different; environments, GT technologies and fuel quality. The paper details what approaches and filtration technologies are currently used to address these challenges, with strengths and weaknesses explained as appropriate, to finally present a strategy for specifying an optimized filtration system to meet the challenges of the modern GT.

World’s First LM5000 to LM6000 Cogeneration Plant Repowering

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. McCarrick ◽  
Robert K. Rosencrance
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Heat Rate ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Production Model ◽  
Cogeneration Plant ◽  
Gas Temperature ◽  
Energy Facility ◽  
Current Production ◽  
Exhaust Gas Temperature

With the introduction of GE’s latest and most efficient gas turbine, the LM6000 in 1992, and the end of production of GE’s LM5000 gas turbine in 1997, the concept of repowering aging LM5000 gas turbine powered cogeneration plants with LM6000 gas turbines was an idea that most LM5000 owners and operators dreamed about. The LM6000 is an ideal replacement for the LM5000 as they both have nearly the same mass flow and exhaust gas temperature (critical for Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) compatibility), are about the same physical weight and dimensions, and can be operated in the same power range. Also, as the LM6000 is a current production model, it has more readily available spare gas turbines and turbine parts, has a much improved heat rate, lower emissions level, and has an option (SPRINT), for added power. In December 1999, the UAE Oildale Energy Facility became the first plant to operate with a newly installed LM6000 in its former LM5000 package. (This March the second LM5000 to LM6000 repowering was completed for Calpine Corporation at their Greenleaf #1 Cogeneration Plant in Yuba City, CA.) Energy Services, Inc., GE’s authorized LM6000 repowering OEM, designed, engineered and project managed the repowering. This paper will present the reasons UAE decided to repower; discuss the technical challenges encountered with, and modifications made to, the GEC ELM-150 cogeneration plant to accommodate the LM6000; review the schedule; and provide the economic benefits of the improved heat rate and reliability of the LM6000.

On Gas Turbine Performance With Pulse Jet for Air Filters Cleaning

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Brusca ◽  
R. Lanzafame
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Engine Performance ◽  
Air Filters ◽  
Air Filter ◽  
Industrial Environment ◽  
Cleaning Procedure ◽  
Turbine Performance ◽  
Pulse Jet

The present paper deals with the performance analysis of gas turbines with online pulse jet system for air filter cleaning. In order to evaluate the engine performance before, during and after the cleaning procedure, a mathematical model of GE MS6001FA gas turbine has been implemented using GateCycle software. The model was calibrated and tested using real engine monitoring data. A comparison of the engine behavior from the model and experimental data shows that the results can be calculated with errors below 2% for the input conditions simulated in the present study. The GateCycle model was used to evaluate engine performance before, during and after engine pulse jet activation. On the basis of the results it is possible to state that air filter cleaning slightly increase engine performance in normal industrial environment.

Marine Gas Turbine Performance Model for More Electric Ships

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
George M. Koutsothanasis ◽  
Anestis I. Kalfas ◽  
Georgios Doulgeris
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
Diesel Engines ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Prime Mover ◽  
Creep Life ◽  
Hull Fouling ◽  
Turbine Performance

This paper presents the benefits of the more electric vessels powered by hybrid engines and investigates the suitability of a particular prime-mover for a specific ship type using a simulation environment which can approach the actual operating conditions. The performance of a mega yacht (70m), powered by two 4.5MW recuperated gas turbines is examined in different voyage scenarios. The analysis is accomplished for a variety of weather and hull fouling conditions using a marine gas turbine performance software which is constituted by six modules based on analytical methods. In the present study, the marine simulation model is used to predict the fuel consumption and emission levels for various conditions of sea state, ambient and sea temperatures and hull fouling profiles. In addition, using the aforementioned parameters, the variation of engine and propeller efficiency can be estimated. Finally, the software is coupled to a creep life prediction tool, able to calculate the consumption of creep life of the high pressure turbine blading for the predefined missions. The results of the performance analysis show that a mega yacht powered by gas turbines can have comparable fuel consumption with the same vessel powered by high speed Diesel engines in the range of 10MW. In such Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) environment the gas turbine provides a comprehensive candidate as a prime mover, mainly due to its compactness being highly valued in such application and its eco-friendly operation. The simulation of different voyage cases shows that cleaning the hull of the vessel, the fuel consumption reduces up to 16%. The benefit of the clean hull becomes even greater when adverse weather condition is considered. Additionally, the specific mega yacht when powered by two 4.2MW Diesel engines has a cruising speed of 15 knots with an average fuel consumption of 10.5 [tonne/day]. The same ship powered by two 4.5MW gas turbines has a cruising speed of 22 knots which means that a journey can be completed 31.8% faster, which reduces impressively the total steaming time. However the gas turbine powered yacht consumes 9 [tonne/day] more fuel. Considering the above, Gas Turbine looks to be the only solution which fulfills the next generation sophisticated high powered ship engine requirements.

scholarly journals Comparison of Coriolis and Turbine Type Flow Meters for Fuel Measurement in Gas Turbine Testing

1993 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. MacLeod ◽  
W. Grabe
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Mass Flow ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Gas Turbine Engine ◽  
Turbine Engine ◽  
Turbine Flowmeter ◽  
Turbine Performance ◽  
Coriolis Flowmeter ◽  
Project Objectives

The Machinery and Engine Technology (MET) Program of the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) has established a program for the evaluation of sensors to measure gas turbine engine performance accurately. The precise measurement of fuel flow is an essential part of steady-state gas turbine performance assessment. Prompted by an international engine testing and information exchange program, and a mandate to improve all aspects of gas turbine performance evaluation, the MET Laboratory has critically examined two types of fuel flowmeters, Coriolis and turbine. The two flowmeter types are different in that the Coriolis flowmeter measures mass flow directly, while the turbine flowmeter measures volumetric flow, which must be converted to mass flow for conventional performance analysis. The direct measurement of mass flow, using a Coriolis flowmeter, has many advantages in field testing of gas turbines, because it reduces the risk of errors resulting from the conversion process. Turbine flowmeters, on the other hand, have been regarded as an industry standard because they are compact, rugged, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. This paper describes the project objectives, the experimental installation, and the results of the comparison of the Coriolis and turbine type flowmeters in steady-state performance testing. Discussed are variations between the two types of flowmeters due to fuel characteristics, fuel handling equipment, acoustic and vibration interference and installation effects. Also included in this paper are estimations of measurement uncertainties for both types of flowmeters. Results indicate that the agreement between Coriolis and turbine type flowmeters is good over the entire steady-state operating range of a typical gas turbine engine. In some cases the repeatability of the Coriolis flowmeter is better than the manufacturers specification. Even a significant variation in fuel density (10%), and viscosity (300%), did not appear to compromise the ability of the Coriolis flowmeter to match the performance of the turbine flowmeter.

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