How you can improve your gas turbine performance

 

Nobody’s in business intending to lose money. So, if you discover that your gas turbine is inefficient, you’ll want to do something about it. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to turn things around, improve your turbine’s performance and increase its output.

 

In a nutshell: the higher the temperature, the lower the efficiency. That’s because gas turbines use air, with denser air resulting in greater productivity.  

 

The density of air is affected by temperature. The higher the temperature, the less dense the air and lower the mass flow. As turbine power output is proportional to air mass flow, it’s beneficial to keep the air temperature lower for a more productive machine. 

 

Solution: One option is to install evaporative cooling equipment into the inlet ducting. As air passes through, moisture is absorbed and the air loses heat through evaporation. This results in cooler, denser air travelling through the compressor.

 

 

 

The properties of your fuel gas that will affect performance include flammability, heat content, auto ignition delay time, auto ignition temperature, and stoichiometric flame temperature.

 

Solution: Different turbine makes and models thrive on different fuels. Consult your OEM for guidance when choosing the best gas for your turbine. 

 

Keeping your turbine in good running order is a great way to maintain an efficient, productive system, rewarding you with greater output. Yes, you may have to spend a little time and money on this, but it’s worth it in the long run in terms of the performance and lifespan of your turbine.    

 

Solution: Create a maintenance schedule and stick to it. Consult your OEM for guidance.

 

Hand-in-hand with maintenance: regularly cleaning your compressor is a simple, cost-effective way to improve gas turbine performance. 

 

Due to the way gas turbine compressors work, the build-up of foulants on the blades is inevitable. As time goes on, the deposits result in interrupted airflow, higher temperatures and lower turbine output. Regularly cleaning your compressor is a proven, reliable way to boost turbine productivity. 

 

Solution: Install nozzles to inject specialist cleaning chemicals directly into the gas turbine compressor. Cleaning can then be carried out during normal operation without impacting productivity. The same equipment and chemicals can be used during off-line cleans as part of your maintenance schedule. 

 

If you’re ready to improve your gas turbine performance and have any questions about how we are here to help. We are industry leaders in gas turbine compressor cleaning equipment and chemicals, exclusively specialising in this area for over 40 years. Our knowledgeable team are on hand to answer all your questions.

 

Allow us to help you cost-effectively improve the reliability and output of your gas turbine. Get in touch, today.