Gas Turbine Fuels-System Design, Combustion, And Operability

Abstract

Fuel supply is one of the most critical factors governing the reliability and operability of a gas turbine. The supply of fuel that does not meet gas turbine combustion requirements can result in serious operability and maintenance problems and in extreme cases, rapid load shedding or trip of a gas turbine. It is important that gas turbine and process specialists work together in an integrated fashion appreciating both turbine combustion issues and practical aspects relating to fuel system treatment and design. To this end, interdisciplinary communications between process groups, machinery engineers, and fuel system designers as to all aspects of fuel production, delivery and conditioning is critical to successfully obtaining a fuel stream that meets original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. This paper comprehensively covers gas, liquid and new alternative fuels for gas turbines and explains the interrelationships of fuel system design, fuel properties, and gas turbine operability in terms of dry low NOx/dry low emission (DLN/DLE) combustion. The treatments covers mechanical drive gas turbines, and small engines commonly used in the oil and gas markets, and large advanced gas turbines used in power generation and combined cycle applications. The area of gas fuel systems and liquid fuel systems will be covered in detail from a combustion perspective. Case studies related to failures due to fuel related problems are provided to indicate the importance of fuel treatment and quality control.