CST17 - Case Study of Harsh Environment Impact on Gas Turbines Pre-Mature Failures in Malaysia Offshore Waters and Novel Approach in Resolving the Prolong Issues

Abstract

A growing trend towards gas turbine applications in Harsh Environment which requires more challenging fuel and air qualities which has impacted the equipment reliability and long term durability. Major issues related with the Harsh Environment is the pre-mature gas turbine component failures due to Hot Corrosion. The paper will describe the definition of harsh environment, hot corrosion and PETRONAS journey in resolving the prolong issues which has been occurring for the past 10 years. From the first failure on September 2008, there are a total of 12 confirmed hot corrosion incidences which resulted to consequential losses including unplanned production deferment and unbudgeted maintenance expenditures. In the past, the affected users approach Gas Turbine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) individually, less focused on long term solution, lesson never learnt and similar failures repeated at other users within Malaysia waters. Collaboration were made and the issues was brought to the company top management to seek for contractual support and commitment due to relation with the OEM GFA and LTSA. With the achievement, it is expected to change the way users approach in resolving technical issues. Previously it was always about sharing the success but silent on the technical problems.