Stall Control

Compressor stall has had an increasing effect through the years upon gas turbine controls. The general problem was reasonably well known in the first decade of jet engine history after the “Whittle Engine”. The scheduling approach to the control of compressor stall established during this time has become rooted throughout the industry. On the other hand, an idealized approach based on sensing incipient stall remains an intriguing challenge.

Use of Experimentally Determined Acoustic Impedance in Analysis of Propulsion System Stability

As indicated in Fig. 1, the concept of acoustic impedance has been used for many years in a variety of engineering problems including development of loud speakers and public address systems. It is shown (Fig. 2) that this concept can be borrowed from acoustics, generalized to include the effect of flow rate and real fluid effects such as boundary layers and shock boundary layer interactions, and applied as in Fig. 3 in the rational analysis of propulsion system transient properties.

Sonic Control of Dynamic Compressor Instability

The object of the experiment discussed in this paper was to determine (to a preliminary degree) the extent to which the operating range could be extended and the surging characteristics varied by the combination of acoustic suppressors with an air compressor, such as by connection to the discharge duct system of the air compressor.

Considerations for Gas Turbines and Their Initial Operating Experiences at El Convento

When original negotiations are made for the presentation of a report regarding “initial operating data” or “operating results,” it is hoped that all factors will contribute toward useful information to enlighten and assist others in the same operating category. Oftentimes this is not completely accomplished in the alloted time. This paper is presented to set forth the initial operating experiences and results of two highly controlled gas-turbine units for power generation. The individual turbine arrangement, fuel systems, control systems, start-up and operating problems and a comparison of test and design data are stated. The future outlook for gas turbines in the Electricidad de Caracas system is discussed.

Parallel Operation of Turbo-Compressors in a Common System

Nuclear reactors which are designed for power production have their heat removed by some cooling fluid which may be a liquid or a gas. Since the apparent success of the British power reactors there has been a growth of interest in gas-cooled reactors in this country.

Development Experience With Prototype Gas Turbines

In 1956 Standard-Vacuum Oil Company built fluid catalytic-cracking plants in two Asian refineries, using four identical 3000-hp gas-fired turbines to drive main air blowers and gas compressors. A newly designed, unproven gas turbine was purchased for this application. This paper describes the major field problems encountered and modifications necessary to put the unit into commercial operation. Severe blade damage due to sulfur in fuel gas, the fouling of combustor air baffles, thrust bearing failure, axial-compressor fouling, and the effects of high ambient temperatures were experienced and corrected by the co-operative effort of manufacturer’s and owner’s overseas field personnel.

Operational Experience With a 15-MW Gas Turbine Generator in an Iron and Steel Works

The author states the basic philosophy for the installation of gas turbines burning blast-furnace gas in the power-generating systems of an iron and steel works. A description is given of the two gas-turbine generators at the Huttenwerk Rheinhausen, A.G. and their operating experience.

Description of a 9000 HP Single Shaft Gas Turbine

Low first cost and little need for maintenance assure the industrial gas turbine an important place for many applications where the lower thermal efficiency as compared with other prime movers is not a decisive factor. The simplicity of the gas turbine finds its best expression in the compact integrated single shaft design featuring a single compressor-turbine rotor supported in two bearings, the whole including the combustion system being contained in a common casing structure. The recognized need for simplicity together with reliability has been the main consideration in the design of the unit presented in the following description. At present, an intensive test program is under way and it is expected that the new Clark gas turbine will soon be ready for installation.

Operation and Maintenance of Remotely Controlled Gas-Turbine Units

Trans-Arabian Pipe Line Company and the Arabian American Oil Company have installed a group of portable auxiliary pumping units at intermediate locations on the crude-oil pipeline across Arabia to the Mediterranean. The units are powered by 5000-hp General Electric gas turbines burning crude oil for fuel and are controlled by radio from upstream pump stations. Operating experience between 1957 and September 1959 indicates that the design promise of 80 per cent operating factor was conservative. Intensive effort has been applied to overcome mechanical faults, crude-oil combustion problems, and control instability. Major problems are discussed in detail with a description of the methods and facilities used to reduce the effect on operating reliability and maintenance expense. The paper briefly discusses development work now in progress which is expected to smooth out seasonal capacity fluctuations and possibly result in a substantial increase over design rating. Since much of the development work is still in progress, it is the intent of this paper to review the operation of the subject pumping units to date. It is intended that a paper to follow this one at a future date will report in more detail the operating experience as a result of the work now being done.

Compressor Stall, Surge and System Response Symposium Preface and Table of Contents

On March 7, 1960 in Houston, Texas at the Joint Conference of the Gas Turbine Power and Hydraulic Divisions of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a symposium was held on the topic of compressor stall, surge and system response. The purpose of the symposium was to afford an opportunity for exchange of information among workers in the areas of research, design, development and application of axial and centrifugal compressors. Emphasis was laid on overall rather than detailed aspects of the problem, considered from both theoretical and applied viewpoints.