We are becoming increasingly aware of our responsibilities to reduce our output of greenhouse gases. Traditionally, gas turbines are run on natural gas.
However, this fuel releases gases including CO2, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and others when burned, depending on its exact composition.
Hydrogen, however, is proving to be an excellent substitute for at least a percentage of the natural gas that is used in turbines.
A renewable energy source
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. For that reason, it might sound easy to source but that is not necessarily the case.
Hydrogen gas is extremely light and most natural hydrogen gas escapes the Earth’s atmosphere into space. Therefore, in order to collect enough hydrogen to be useful as a fuel, we must produce it.
Hydrogen gas is already produced as a waste product at steel mills, refineries and petrochemical plants. This gas can be collected and recycled as a power source in gas turbines. Hydrogen gas can also be produced via electrolysis using electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
Collecting hydrogen via electrolysis is a popular school chemistry experiment. In electrolysis, electricity is passed through water and separates the oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen can then be collected; do you remember testing for hydrogen using a lit splint and listening for a ‘squeaky pop’?
The principle for producing hydrogen as an energy source via electrolysis is the same as that school experiment but on a much larger scale.
Using hydrogen gas
The real benefit of using hydrogen gas is that, when burned in oxygen, it creates zero greenhouse gases and water as the only waste product. It sounds like the perfect green solution.
In a gas turbine, natural gas can be blended with hydrogen gas and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. This makes the process more environmentally friendly.
The blending method is already being used and research continues to allow higher and higher ratios of hydrogen gas to natural gas in turbines.
Further reducing carbon emissions
If efficiency is your goal, there are further steps you can take when it comes to your gas powered turbine.
While considering what gas goes into the turbine, it is important to understand unwanted foulants will inevitably end up in there as well. These microscopic airborne particles of salt, sand, pollution and other contaminants become baked onto compressor blades. In turn, this interrupts airflow which reduces efficiency.
It is important to remove these foulants in order to restore an efficient system which will work as profitably and environmentally soundly as possible.
Rochem Fyrewash Cleaning Chemicals
Rochem’s range of Fyrewash detergents are specifically designed for gas turbine compressors. Used on or off-line, the right Fyrewash will dislodge, dissolve and remove foulants before flushing them away.
Also, remember to have a look at our environmentally friendly detergents if you are looking to do the very best you can when it comes to being ‘green’.
Get in touch
We are specialists in the hardware and detergents used for cleaning gas turbine compressors. Our products are trusted around the world and help customers achieve their ‘green’ goals.
If you would like advice or more information, get in touch. Our friendly team are on hand to answer all your questions.