Gas turbines are a big part of the industrial world and they play a critical role in powering plants and factories. However, like anything else, if they’re not kept running smoothly, they can quickly become unreliable and unable to produce the power that’s needed. In this article, we’ll take a look at some tips for keeping your gas turbine running smoothly so that it can continue to provide power for years to come.
Maintenance of an industrial gas turbine
Maintenance of an industrial gas turbine typically includes regular inspections, maintenance and replacement of parts, and adjustments to the engine parameters.
Regular inspections of an industrial gas turbine should include (but are not limited to) checking for wear on moving parts, oil levels, air leaks, and proper cooling system operation. Parts that may need to be replaced or adjusted include the compressor wheel hub bearings, fan blades, stator coils, and bearings in the power supply system. Engine parameters that may need to be adjusted include blade pitch angles and speeds, ratios between stages (compressor-supercharger-turbine), fuel flow rates through the engine, and air/fuel mixture ratios.
Guidelines for turbine maintenance
There are a few guidelines that can help keep your industrial gas turbine running smoothly.
- Regular maintenance is key to keeping your turbine running at its best. Check all components for wear and tear, and make any necessary repairs or modifications as needed.
- Keep fuel clean and free from contaminants. Use the correct fuel grade and type for the application, and keep stored fuels properly conditioned and protected from moisture, heat, and oxygen.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for proper installation, operation, and maintenance of accessories and systems. Improper installation can lead to failures or reduced performance of your turbine.
- Be sure to have an emergency plan in place in case of turbine failure or problem operation. This will include procedures for shutting down the machine safely, restarting it if possible, communicating with operators on site, and ensuring critical safety gear is available.
Inspection and Maintenance Checklists
Inspection and Maintenance Checklists
- Inspect key components for wear and damage.
- Check fluid levels, the integrity of seals, and the performance of bearings, valves, and other mechanical parts.
- Perform a “walk-around” inspection to identify any potential problems with the unit’s overall operation or safety.
- Regularly check turbine blades for nicks or tears that could lead to blade failure.
- Inspect the gas system for leaks, blockages, or excessive build-up of debris or scale on equipment parts such as heat exchangers or condensers.
- Check the electrical supply to the unit for adequacy, proper wiring, and proper connection of breakers (if applicable).
- Test all equipment functionality by operating the unit in a variety of normal operating modes and at various loads (if applicable).
Troubleshooting Tips
If your industrial gas turbine is not running smoothly, there are a few troubleshooting tips you can try. Here are five:
- Check the air filters. It’s possible that something is blocking the airflow through the filters and causing the engine to run poorly. Inspect the filters for any sign of damage or obstruction, and replace them if necessary.
- Clean the engine bearings. This may sound basic, but dirty bearings can cause serious problems with engine performance. Use a cleaner designed specifically for industrial engines, and make sure to work it into all of the nooks and crannies around the bearings.
- Clear out debris in the fuel system. If clogged fuel lines or sediment are preventing the engine from getting enough oxygen, they will cause problems similar to those caused by dirty bearings. Clear out all obstructions in the fuel line system using a clean solution and a hose attachment, and float new fuel into the system before starting up the machine again.
- Test for defective components. If one part of your engine seems to be causing trouble, try testing it first before replacing anything else. Sometimes something as simple as a bad solenoid valve can cause widespread issues with an entire engine module, so it’s important to isolate which component is causing problems before investing too much time or money in repairs.
- Consult with a professional engineer or technician if some of these tips don’t seem to be working. A qualified professional can take a closer look at your engine and provide you with a more detailed diagnosis, helping to ensure that the problem is fixed properly.
