Turbine Seal Leakage

Existing Application Retrofit

The Challenge:

An existing LM6000 turbine installation located in Minnesota had an operational problem on a SSS-Clutch and clutch oil system.  The system utilized a gravity oil return to the tank and was experiencing positive pressure build-up within the EG Enclosure. The results were oil mist emissions from the vent port and seal leakage.  Between seal leakage and oil mist emissions the customer was experiencing a relatively high rate of oil consumption rate.  Additionally, the oil mist created environmental issues.  More importantly, the oil consumption seemed to be causing a reduction in transposed power and vibration problems in the turbine.

The Equipment:

Turbine Model: GE LM6000 Turbine
Oil Flow Rate: 200 Liters per Minute
Oil Temperature: 90-140 degree F
Oil Pressure: 20-25 PSI
Oil Viscosity: ISO-VG32
Tank Size: 6' X 4' X 4' H

The fill port on the lubrication skid was a 2-inch ANSI bolt pattern, raised face flange.  The seal manufacturer recommends at least 1.5 to 2.0-inches of Mercury vacuum inside clutch housing to prevent seal leakage issues.

The Solution:

Install a blower assisted exhaust system on the vent port of the lubrication skid to eliminate oil mist and to create a vacuum in the reservoir to eliminate seal leakage  The Solberg Manufacturing, Inc. BAE series was selected to handle the job.

The turbine OEM and the customer liked the turn-key design of the system, which allowed for a quick and easy retro-fit.  They also found the service level and on-site support provided by Solberg to be a benefit.

The Solberg BAE:

Blower Assisted Exhaust designs consist of the vacuum rated chamber; a blower system that is used to create the required vacuum level; and a coalescing filter.  The optional design on the automated vacuum regulator system allows the customer to monitor and adjust the vacuum level within the tank from a remote PC.  The element is rated 99.97% efficient at the 0.3- micron particle size to protect the environment and is designed for a service interval of 1-year, which makes the installation maintenance free.

The Installation:

Solberg technical support and engineering were on site to help supervise the installation and the wiring for the system.  Preliminary tests were run to ensure that all of the interfaces were working properly.  Periodic reviews are conducted, allowing the customer to ask questions and receive help with regular service on the system – such as element change out.

Natural Gas Booster

Inline Scrubber Application

The Challenge:

An existing Ariel JGH/2 turbine installation located in Pennsylvania had an operational problem on a gas turbine booster application.  The compressor system was designed to allow for the feeding of compressed natural gas at a constant discharge pressure into the turbine.  The volume of flow in the application is based on the requirements of the turbine which is dictated by the power demand on the system.  The scrubber that in place in the application was unable to provide the required dehydration of the moist air stream.  As a result, the compression rate and required system pressure was difficult to maintain.

The Equipment:

Turbine Model: JGH/2 Ariel
Flow Rate: 300 Cubic Feet per Min.
Temperature: 100 degree F
Flow Pressure: 125 PSI
Gas Stream: Saturated Methane

The inlet port and piping on the compressor was a 6-inch ANSI bolt pattern, raised face flange. The manufacturer recommends a pressure of 250-PSIG on the tank construction to allow for the necessary safety factor in design.

The Solution:

Replace the existing, undersized filter housing with a pressure filter of ASME code design with a design based on the flow rate and layout of the existing system. A Solberg Manufacturing, Inc. PCSS series was selected to handle the job.

The turbine OEM and the end-user enjoyed the fact that the system worked with their existing piping arrangement and could be installed with minimal system changes.  They also found the application assistance with properly sizing the element and the air flow rate to be a benefit.

The Solberg ASME Vessel:

PCSS series designs consist of pressure rated chamber and a coalescing filter.  Leg supports and gauging are often built into the system as optional features which aide in both the installation and service of the equipment.  The element is rated 99.97% efficient at the 0.3- micron particle size to remove the saturated gas and is designed for a service interval of 1-year, which makes the installation maintenance free.

The Installation:

Solberg technical support and engineering were in constant communication with the customer during installation to ensure that questions were answered and challenges resolved.  Periodic reviews are conducted with both the packager and the end-user to ensure that all of their needs have been met.