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What is a gas turbine and how does it work?
03.22.19
ROCHEM Fyrewash Ltd
5-6 Sun Valley Business Park
Winnall Close, Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 0LB
ROCHEM Fyrewash Inc
23707 West Hardy Road
Spring
Texas
77373
03.22.19
A is a critical component within a power plant. It converts fuel into mechanical energy which in turn drives a generator, producing electricity.
At a basic level, there are three parts that make up a gas turbine: the compressor, the combustion area and the turbine.
This is a cone-shaped cylinder that has internal blades attached in rows. Air enters the compressor and is forced through, rising in pressure as it does so.
The source of the air can be problematic. For example, if the gas turbine is near the sea, the air will carry salts which can become deposited on the inside of the turbine.
If the surroundings are industrial or urban, pollution and exhaust fumes can cause fouling. Fortunately, detergent can be used to remedy the problem of fouling.
The pressurised air from the compressor enters the combustion area. Here, fuel injectors spray fuel which mixes with the air, is lit and combusts. Different kinds of fuels can be used and examples include natural gas, propane, jet fuel and kerosene.
The potential problem at this stage is that the high-pressure air could extinguish the ignition flame. To get around this, a ‘flame holder’ or ‘can’ is installed which maintains a continuous flame.
The hot gases pass through the turbine at high speed. is made up of stationary and rotating blades which are turned extremely quickly as the hot gas expands.
The turbine has two functions:
A gas turbine really is a simple, yet highly effective, system.
In order to improve and maintain as efficient a system as possible, it’s imperative that the flow of air/gas is not interrupted.
However, some level of is unavoidable. From salts and sand to oil and grease, impurities are present in the system whether it’s via the air itself or from the internal lube system.
These foulants interrupt airflow and consequently impact efficiency. The knock-on effect of that is increased fuel costs to run the inefficient system.
Fortunately, there is a straightforward solution. To improve performance, use a specialised gas turbine cleaning detergent to remove the fouling. , which is made up of tried and tested gas turbine cleaning chemicals, can be used on or off line depending on the clean required.
about installing an on line delivery system in order to maintain performance without the need to shut down the system.
Post written by Martin Howarth
An extensive knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering together with hands on experience with gas turbines provides a bedrock for his work at Rochem.