System and method for liquid fuel flushing for dual fuel turbines

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and a method for liquid fuel flushing of a dual fuel turbine. A liquid fuel purge circuit (100) for a turbine engine (10) having a liquid fuel flow (145) is provided. The liquid fuel purge circuit (100) includes a liquid fuel boost skid (110) in communication with the turbine engine (10) and a liquid fuel purge skid (120) in communication with the turbine engine (10). The liquid fuel boost skid (110) and the liquid fuel purge skid (120) include a recirculation loop (355) for the liquid fuel stream (145).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application and the resultant patent relate generally to turbine engines and, more particularly, to systems and methods for simultaneous liquid fuel flushing while operating on gaseous fuel of a dual-fuel aeroderivative turbine engine or the like. Background Art

[0002] One of the main advantages of gas turbine engines is the ability to run on a variety of fuels. This is particularly advantageous in areas of the world that suffer from normal or seasonal shortages of various fuels or have an abundance of a variety of different fuel types. Therefore, many power plant owners operate gas turbine engines that are capable of burning a variety of fuel combinations. For example, some gas turbine engines burn gaseous fuels such as natural gas, LNG, LPG (propane and butane) as a primary fuel and liquid fuels such as diesel, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, distillates, etc. as backup fuels. Preferably, the gas turbine engine is able to automatically switch between different fuel types without interruption.

[0003] Equipment in the liquid fuel circuit must usually be thoroughly flushed before first use and / or after a long shutdown. Such procedures are often required to ensure compliance with international standards for liquid fuel cleanliness. However, these procedures are often time-consuming and may require a long shutdown of the gas turbine engine, resulting in associated production losses. Summary of the invention

[0004] Thus, the present application and the resultant patent provide a liquid fuel flushing circuit for a turbine engine having a liquid fuel flow. The liquid fuel flushing circuit may include a liquid fuel pressurizing skid in communication with the turbine engine and a liquid fuel flushing skid in communication with the turbine engine. The liquid fuel pressurizing skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid include a recirculation circuit for the liquid fuel flow to pass therethrough.

[0005] The present application and the resulting patent also provide a method for flushing liquid fuel in a turbine engine. The method may include the steps of placing a liquid fuel manifold and a liquid fuel flushing skid of the turbine engine in a recirculation loop, counting particles in the liquid fuel flowing through the liquid fuel flushing skid, passing the liquid fuel through a filtration system in the liquid fuel flushing skid, and recirculating the liquid fuel through the liquid fuel manifold and the liquid fuel flushing skid of the turbine engine.

[0006] The present application and the resulting patent also provide a liquid fuel flushing circuit for a turbine engine. The liquid fuel flushing circuit includes a liquid fuel boosting skid in communication with the turbine engine and a liquid fuel flushing skid in communication with the turbine engine. The liquid fuel flushing skid includes a particle counter and a filtration system. The liquid fuel boosting skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid include a recirculation circuit.

[0007] These and other features and improvements of the present application and the resultant patent will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a gas turbine engine including a compressor, a combustor, a turbine, and an external load.

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a liquid fuel flushing circuit as may be described herein, including a portion of a gas turbine engine, a liquid fuel pressurization skid, and a liquid fuel flushing skid.

[0010] Figure 3A yes Figure 2 A perspective view of an example of a liquid fuel flushing skid.

[0011] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Exploded view of the liquid fuel flushing skid's mesh filter system.

[0012] Figure 4 is a partial schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a liquid fuel flush circuit as may be described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a gas turbine engine 10 as described herein is shown. The gas turbine engine 10 may contain a compressor 15. The compressor 15 compresses an incoming air flow 20. The compressor 15 delivers the compressed air flow 20 to a plurality of combustor cans 25. The combustor cans 25 mix the compressed air flow 20 with a pressurized fuel flow 30 and ignite the mixture, thereby producing a hot combustion gas flow 35. Although only a single combustor can 25 is shown, the gas turbine engine 10 may include any number of combustor cans 25 positioned in a circumferential array or the like. Alternatively, the combustor 25 may be an annular combustor. The combustion gas flow 35 is then delivered to a turbine 40. The combustion gas flow 35 drives the turbine 40 to produce mechanical work. The mechanical work produced in the turbine 40 drives the compressor 15 through a rotor shaft 45. The turbine 40 and the rotor shaft 45 may also drive an external load 50 such as a generator.

[0014] As described above, the gas turbine engine 10 can use natural gas, various types of synthetic gas, hydrogen fuel, liquid fuel and / or other types of fuels and blends thereof. The gas turbine engine 10 can be any of a variety of different gas turbine engines provided by General Electric Company of Schenectady, New York, including but not limited to heavy-duty gas turbine engines such as the 7 series or 9 series and LM 2500, TM2500, LM6000, LMS100 and LM9000 aeroderivative gas turbine engines, etc. The gas turbine engine 10 can be part of a single cycle or combined cycle power generation system or other types of power generation systems. The gas turbine engine 10 can have different configurations and can use other types of components. Other types of gas turbine engines can also be used herein. Multiple gas turbine engines, other types of turbines, and other types of power generation equipment can also be used together herein.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 as may be described herein. The liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 may include components of a gas turbine engine 10 for delivering a fuel flow 30 to a combustor 25, a liquid fuel pressurization skid 110, and a liquid fuel flushing skid 120. Other components and other configurations may also be used herein.

[0016] The liquid fuel pressurizing skid 110 delivers the fuel flow 30 to the components of the gas turbine engine 10 at the appropriate temperature and pressure. The liquid fuel pressurizing skid 110 includes a main liquid fuel pipe 130, which is connected to a liquid fuel supply 140 in which a liquid fuel flow 145 is contained. The liquid fuel pressurizing skid 110 may include a plurality of components in communication with the main liquid fuel pipe 130. For example, the liquid fuel pressurizing skid 110 may include a heater 150, one or more differential pressure sensors 160, one or more temperature sensors 170, and a pump 180. The components of the liquid fuel pressurizing skid 110 may be of conventional design. The liquid fuel pressurizing skid 110 may include a plurality of solenoid valves 190 and a flow control valve 200. The solenoid valve 190 may be a conventional on / off device. The flow control valve 200 may be in communication with the main liquid fuel pipe 130 via a flow control valve conduit 210, etc. Other components and other configurations may also be used herein.

[0017] The liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 may also include a liquid fuel manifold 220 with multiple components of the gas turbine engine 10. The liquid fuel manifold 220 may be positioned within a turbine compartment 230 that encloses the gas turbine engine 10 in whole or in part. The liquid fuel manifold 220 may include a plurality of metering valves 240. The metering valves 240 may be of conventional design. The metering valves 240 may be in communication with the main liquid fuel pipe 130 via a metering valve conduit 250 or the like. Each metering valve 240 may be in communication with a three-way bypass valve 260. The three-way bypass valve 260 may be of conventional design. Each three-way bypass valve 260 may be in communication with the engine connection 270 in one direction via an engine line 275 and in another direction via a bypass line 280. Other components and other configurations may also be used herein.

[0018] The liquid fuel flushing skid 120 may be in communication with the liquid fuel manifold 220 and the liquid fuel pressurizing skid 110. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the liquid fuel flushing skid 120 may (or may not) include a particle counter 290. The particle counter 290 may be of conventional design and may count solid particles in the liquid fuel flow 145. The liquid fuel flushing skid 120 may include a mesh filter system 300. The mesh filter system 300 may use mesh filters 310 of different sizes depending on the desired particle size. Other types of filter systems may also be used herein. The mesh filter 310 of the mesh filter system 300 may have a horizontal position to facilitate removal and cleaning without spilling debris. In the case where the gas turbine engine 10 is running using gas fuel, a flange seal 315 may be included for safety reasons when the liquid fuel flushing process is in progress. The isolation valve 320 may be positioned on either side of the mesh filter system 300. Similarly, a filter system pressure sensor 325 may be used to determine the pressure differential across the mesh filter system 300. Other components and other configurations may also be used herein.

[0019] Liquid fuel flush skid 120 may communicate with liquid fuel boost skid 110 via recirculation line 330. Liquid fuel 145 may return to main liquid fuel line 130 or may be diverted to drain 340 or other source. Flow control valve conduit 210 may also communicate with recirculation line 330.

[0020] The operation of the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 may be controlled by a controller 350. Generally, the controller 350 is a conventional processor-based system. The controller 350 may include memory, input / output (I / O) interfaces, external I / O devices / resources, and external storage systems. Typically, the controller 350 executes computer program code, which may be stored in the memory and / or storage system. The controller 350 is merely an example of various possible combinations of hardware and software that may be used herein.

[0021] In use, the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 may be fully operational when the gas turbine engine 10 is operating on gaseous fuel. The liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 may have several flushing stages that use different closed recirculation loops 355 to flush specific portions of the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 in order to meet international standards regarding fuel cleanliness.

[0022] In one stage, the main purpose is to clean the main liquid fuel pipe 130. The metering valve pipe 250 in the turbine compartment 230 can be disconnected between the main liquid fuel pipe 130 and the metering valve 240, thereby isolating the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 from the gas turbine engine 10. Similarly, the flow control valve pipe 210 can be disconnected from the flow control valve 200 and the recirculation line 330. The metering valve pipe 250 and the flow control valve pipe 210 can be manually cleaned according to appropriate standards. Therefore, the liquid fuel flow 145 is recirculated from the main liquid fuel pipe 130 to the liquid fuel flushing skid 120 and returned to the main liquid fuel pipe 130 via the recirculation line 330.

[0023] The controller 350 can determine the current flushing stage after the operator input, the appropriate size of the mesh filter 310, and the appropriate running time. In this case, the size of the mesh filter 310 of the mesh filter system 300 is set for the appropriate particle size, and the particle counter 290 counts the solid particles flowing through it. The controller 350 can run different flushing stages based on the operator input. The time that each stage can run is determined by the operator and can be introduced through a human / machine interface, which depicts the system layout based on the flushing stage and the current state of the system (temperature, pressure, and valve state). After a predetermined amount of time, the mesh filter 310 can be removed and visually inspected. If debris is found, the mesh filter 310 can be cleaned and reinstalled. The pressure on the mesh filter system 300 can also be monitored by the filter system pressure sensor 325 to ensure that the pressure difference is within a safe range. The recirculation program can then be restarted. This process can continue until almost no debris is found on the mesh filter 310 and / or the particle count determined by the particle counter 290 reaches an acceptable level under international standards.

[0024] Further stages may focus on cleaning the metering valve 240 and the three-way bypass valve 260. The second stage may not be started until the previous stage has been completed and verified. The metering valve pipeline 250 and the flow control valve pipeline 210 may be reinstalled. The three-way bypass valve 260 may be switched to connect to the bypass line 280 and / or the engine line 275 may be removed to allow the gas turbine engine 10 to operate safely using gas fuel while the controller 350 continues to monitor the overall operation of the flushing process. If any parameter falls outside the safe parameter range, the controller 350 may stop the process. Therefore, the liquid fuel 145 flows through the main liquid fuel pipe 130 and flows into the liquid fuel manifold 220 in the turbine compartment 230. The liquid fuel 145 flows through the metering valve 240, the three-way bypass valve 260, and flows into the bypass line 280. The liquid fuel 145 may then flow through the liquid fuel flushing skid 120 and return to the main liquid fuel pipe 130 via the recirculation line 330.

[0025] The controller 350 can determine the current flushing stage, the appropriate size of the mesh filter 310, and the appropriate run time. In this case, the mesh filter 310 of the mesh filter system 300 is sized for the appropriate particle size, and the particle counter 290 counts the solid particles flowing therethrough. After a predetermined amount of time, the mesh filter 310 can be removed and visually inspected. If debris is found, the mesh filter 310 can be cleaned and reinstalled. The pressure on the mesh filter system 300 can also be monitored by the filter system pressure sensor 325 to ensure that the pressure differential is within a safe range. The recirculation process can then be restarted.

[0026] Figure 4 Another exemplary stage is shown. In this stage, the engine line 275 may be cleaned. Furthermore, in this stage, the gas turbine engine 10 is not running and the skid 120 is not flushed with liquid fuel. The engine line 275 may be disconnected from the engine connection 270 and extended to the external waste tank 360. The liquid fuel 145 flowing into the external waste tank 360 may be observed for the presence of debris. Laboratory analysis may also be performed to reconfirm compliance with international cleaning standards.

[0027] Thus, the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100, in conjunction with the output of the controller 350, provides a semi-automatic procedure for liquid fuel flushing to meet international liquid fuel cleanliness standards. Importantly, the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 can be operated while the gas turbine engine 10 is operating on gaseous fuels in order to reduce downtime typically associated with installation and commissioning time and other types of flushing procedures. This continuous operation is highly beneficial to plant operators. Additionally, the use of the particle counter 290 and mesh filter system 300 in the liquid fuel flushing skid 120 reduces the human error factor, increases feedback provided to the operator, reduces hazardous areas, and increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall flushing process.

[0028] Specifically, the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 thus provides a combination of a system and method to perform cleaning of a liquid fuel circuit for an aeroderivative gas turbine having dual fuel capability. The method is included in a semi-automatic procedure that can be performed while the gas turbine is operating on gas fuel without shutting down the engine.

[0029] It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the present application and the resulting patent. Numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0030] Further aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0031] 1. A liquid fuel flushing circuit for a turbine engine having a liquid fuel flow, the liquid fuel flushing circuit comprising: a liquid fuel boosting skid in communication with the turbine engine; and a liquid fuel flushing skid in communication with the turbine engine; wherein the liquid fuel boosting skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid comprise a recirculation circuit for the liquid fuel flow.

[0032] 2. A liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid fuel flushing skid comprises a particle counter.

[0033] 3. A liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid fuel flushing skid comprises a filtration system.

[0034] 4. A liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the filtration system comprises a mesh filter.

[0035] 5. Liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the filter system accommodates a plurality of mesh filters of different mesh sizes.

[0036] 6. A liquid fuel flush circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid fuel flush skid comprises one or more pressure sensors positioned around the filtration system.

[0037] 7. A liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid fuel pressurization skid comprises a heater and a pump.

[0038] 8. A liquid fuel flush circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid fuel pressurization skid comprises a flow control valve with a removable flow control valve conduit.

[0039] 9. A liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a liquid fuel manifold in communication with the liquid fuel pressurizing skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid.

[0040] 10. A liquid fuel flush circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid fuel manifold comprises a metering valve with a removable metering valve conduit.

[0041] 11. A liquid fuel flush circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid fuel manifold comprises a three-way bypass valve in communication with the metering valve.

[0042] 12. Liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the three-way bypass valve is in communication with an engine connection and a bypass line.

[0043] 13. Liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the three-way bypass valve communicates with the engine connection via an engine line.

[0044] 14. A liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the three-way bypass valve communicates with an external waste tank via an engine line.

[0045] 15. A method for flushing liquid fuel in a turbine engine, the method comprising: placing a liquid fuel manifold and a liquid fuel flushing skid of the turbine engine in a recirculation loop; counting particles in the liquid fuel flowing through the liquid fuel flushing skid; passing the liquid fuel through a filtration system in the liquid fuel flushing skid; and recirculating the liquid fuel through the liquid fuel manifold and the liquid fuel flushing skid of the turbine engine.

[0046] 16. A liquid fuel flushing circuit for a turbine engine, the liquid fuel flushing circuit comprising: a liquid fuel boost skid in communication with the turbine engine; and a liquid fuel flushing skid in communication with the turbine engine; the liquid fuel flushing skid comprising a particle counter and a filtration system; and wherein the liquid fuel boost skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid comprise a recirculation circuit.

[0047] 17. A liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the filtration system comprises a mesh filter.

[0048] 18. Liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the filter system accommodates a plurality of mesh filters of different mesh sizes.

[0049] 19. The liquid fuel flush circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid fuel flush skid comprises one or more pressure sensors positioned around the filtration system.

[0050] 20. A liquid fuel flush circuit according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a liquid fuel manifold in communication with the liquid fuel pressurizing skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid.

Claims

1. A liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) for a turbine engine (10) having a liquid fuel flow (145), the liquid fuel flushing circuit comprising: a liquid fuel pressurizing skid (110), the liquid fuel pressurizing skid being in communication with the turbine engine (10); and a liquid fuel flushing skid (120), the liquid fuel flushing skid being in communication with the turbine engine (10); The liquid fuel boost skid (110) and the liquid fuel flush skid (120) include a recirculation loop (355) for the liquid fuel flow (145).

2. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 1, wherein the liquid fuel flushing skid (120) includes a particle counter (290).

3. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 1, wherein the liquid fuel flushing skid (120) includes a filtration system (300).

4. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 3, wherein the filtration system (300) comprises a mesh filter (310).

5. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 3, wherein the filtration system (300) accommodates a plurality of mesh filters (310) of different mesh sizes.

6. The liquid fuel flush circuit (100) of claim 3, wherein the liquid fuel flush skid (120) includes one or more pressure sensors (325) positioned about the filter system (300).

7. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 1, wherein the liquid fuel pressurization skid (110) comprises a heater (150) and a pump (180).

8. The liquid fuel flush circuit of claim 1 wherein said liquid fuel pressurization skid includes a flow control valve having a removable flow control valve conduit.

9. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid fuel manifold (220) in communication with the liquid fuel pressurizing skid (110) and the liquid fuel flushing skid (120).

10. The liquid fuel flush circuit (100) of claim 9, wherein the liquid fuel manifold (220) includes a metering valve (240) having a removable metering valve conduit (250).

11. The liquid fuel flush circuit (100) of claim 10, wherein the liquid fuel manifold (220) includes a three-way bypass valve (260) in communication with the metering valve (240).

12. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 11, wherein the three-way bypass valve (260) is in communication with an engine connection (270) and a bypass line (280).

13. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 12, wherein the three-way bypass valve (260) communicates with the engine connection (270) via an engine line (275).

14. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 12, wherein the three-way bypass valve (260) is in communication with an external waste tank (360) via an engine line (275).

15. A method of flushing liquid fuel (145) in a turbine engine (10), the method comprising: placing a liquid fuel manifold (220) and a liquid fuel flushing skid (120) of the turbine engine (10) in a recirculation loop (355); counting particles in the liquid fuel (145) flowing through the liquid fuel flushing skid (120); flowing the liquid fuel (145) through a filter system (300) in the liquid fuel flushing skid (120); and The liquid fuel (145) is recirculated through the liquid fuel manifold (220) and the liquid fuel wash skid (120) of the turbine engine (10).

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