System and method for liquid fuel flushing for dual fuel turbine

Abstract

To provide a liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) for a turbine engine (10) with a flow of liquid fuel (145).SOLUTION: A liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) includes a liquid fuel boost skid (110) in communication with a turbine engine (10) and a liquid fuel flushing skid (120) in communication with the turbine engine (10). The liquid fuel boost skid (110) and the liquid fuel flushing skid (120) include a recirculation loop (355) for a flow of liquid fuel (145). In the liquid fuel flushing circuit (100), liquid fuel flushing can be executed during operation using gas fuel without stopping an engine by a dual fuel type gas turbine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application and the patents resulting therefrom generally relate to turbine engines, and more particularly to systems and methods for simultaneously performing liquid fuel flushing while operating on gaseous fuel, such as a dual-fuel aircraft conversion turbine engine.

Background Art

[0002] One of the main advantages of gas turbine engines is their ability to operate on a variety of fuels. This is particularly advantageous in regions of the world that are subject to general or seasonal shortages of various fuels, or where multiple different types of fuel are abundant. As a result, many power plant owners operate gas turbine engines that can combust multiple fuel combinations. For example, some gas turbine engines combust gaseous fuels such as natural gas, LNG, LPG (propane and butane) as primary fuels and liquid fuels such as diesel, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and residual oil as backup fuels. Preferably, the gas turbine engine can automatically transition between fuel types without interruption.

[0003] Equipment within the liquid fuel circuit typically needs to be flushed thoroughly before initial use and / or after a long-term shutdown. Such procedures are generally required to ensure compliance with international standards regarding the cleanliness of liquid fuels. However, these procedures are generally time-consuming and may result in production losses due to the need for long-term shutdowns of the gas turbine engine.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, the present application and the patent resulting therefrom provide a liquid fuel flushing circuit for a turbine engine having a flow of liquid fuel. The liquid fuel flushing circuit includes 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 boost skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid include a recirculation loop for the flow of liquid fuel.

[0005] The present application and the patent resulting therefrom further provide a method for flushing liquid fuel within a turbine engine. The method can include the steps of disposing the liquid fuel manifold and the 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, flowing the liquid fuel through a filtration system within 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 patent resulting therefrom further provide a liquid fuel flushing circuit for a turbine engine. The liquid fuel flushing circuit includes 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 includes a particulate meter and a filtration system. The liquid fuel boost skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid include a recirculation loop.

[0007] The above and other features and improvements of the present application and the patent resulting therefrom will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with several drawings and the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, reference is made to the drawings, and throughout the drawings, like reference numerals represent like members. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a gas turbine engine 10 described in the present application. The gas turbine engine 10 includes a compressor 15. The compressor 15 compresses the flow of incoming air 20. The compressor 15 sends the compressed air 20 flow to a predetermined number of combustor cans 25. The combustor cans 25 mix the compressed flow of air 20 and the pressurized flow of fuel 30, ignite the mixture to produce a flow of high-temperature combustion gas 35. Although only one combustor can 25 is shown, the gas turbine engine 10 can include any number of combustor cans 25 arranged in a circumferential arrangement or the like. Alternatively, the combustor 25 may be an annular combustor. The flow of combustion gas 35 is then sent to the turbine 40. The flow of combustion gas 35 drives the turbine 40 to produce mechanical work. The mechanical work generated by the turbine 40 drives the compressor 15 via the rotor shaft 45. The turbine 40 and the rotor shaft 45 can also drive an external load 50 such as a generator.

[0010] As described above, the gas turbine engine 10 can use natural gas, various types of synthesis gas, hydrogen fuel, liquid fuel and / or other types of fuel and their blends. The gas turbine engine 10 can be any of a variety of commercially available gas turbine engines from General Electric (Schenectady, New York, USA), and non-limiting examples include 7-series or 9-series heavy-duty gas turbine engines, as well as aircraft-derivative gas turbine engines such as LM2500, TM2500, LM6000, LMS100 and LM9000. The gas turbine engine 10 may be part of a simple cycle or combined cycle power generation system or other type of power generation system. The gas turbine engine 10 may have different configurations and may use other types of components. Other types of gas turbine engines may also be used. Multiple gas turbine engines, other types of turbines and other types of power generation equipment may also be used together.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 described in the present application. The liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 includes components of the gas turbine engine 10 used to send the flow of fuel 30 to the combustor 25, a liquid fuel boost skid 110 and a liquid fuel flushing skid 120. In the present application, other components and other configurations may also be used.

[0012] The liquid fuel boost skid 110 supplies the flow of fuel 30 to the components of the gas turbine engine 10 at an appropriate temperature and pressure. The liquid fuel boost skid 110 includes a main liquid fuel pipe 130 that communicates with a liquid fuel supply device 140, through which liquid fuel 145 flows. The liquid fuel boost skid 110 may include a number of components that communicate with the main liquid fuel pipe 130. For example, the liquid fuel boost skid 110 may include heaters 150, one or more differential pressure sensors 160, one or more temperature sensors 170, and a pump 180. The components of the liquid fuel boost skid 110 may be of a conventional design. The liquid fuel boost skid 110 may include a predetermined number of solenoid valves 190 and flow control valves 200. The solenoid valve 190 may be a conventional on / off device. The flow control valve 200 may communicate with the main liquid fuel pipe 130 via a flow control valve pipe 210 or the like. In the present application, other components and other configurations may also be used.

[0013] The liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 may include a liquid fuel manifold 220 together with a number of components of the gas turbine engine 10. The liquid fuel manifold 220 may be disposed within a turbine compartment 230 that surrounds all or part of the gas turbine engine 10. The liquid fuel manifold 220 may include a number of throttle valves 240. The throttle valve 240 may be of a conventional design. The throttle valve 240 may communicate with the main liquid fuel pipe 130 via a throttle valve pipe 250 or the like. Each throttle valve 240 may communicate with a three-way bypass valve 260. The three-way bypass valve 260 may be of a conventional design. Each three-way bypass valve 260 may communicate with an engine connection 270 via an engine line 275 in one direction and with a bypass line 280 in the other direction. In the present application, other components and other configurations may also be used.

[0014] The liquid fuel flushing skid 120 can communicate with the liquid fuel manifold 220 and the liquid fuel boost skid 110. As also shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the liquid fuel flushing skid 120 may (or may not) include a particulate meter (particle counter) 290. The particulate meter 290 may be of a conventional design and can count solid particles in the flow of the liquid fuel 145. The liquid fuel flushing skid 120 may include a mesh filtration system 300. The mesh filtration system 300 may use mesh filters 310 of different sizes according to the desired particle size. In the present application, other types of filtration systems may also be used. The mesh filter 310 of the mesh filtration system 300 may have a horizontal position for removal and cleaning without spilling residues. A flange seal 315 may be incorporated for safety during the liquid fuel flushing process while the gas turbine engine 10 operating on gas fuel is in progress. Isolation valves 320 may be arranged on both sides of the mesh filtration system 300. Similarly, a filtration system pressure sensor 325 may be used to determine the pressure difference in the mesh filtration system 300. In the present application, other components and other configurations may also be used.

[0015] The liquid fuel flushing skid 120 can communicate with the liquid fuel boost skid 110 via a recirculation line 330. The liquid fuel 145 may return to the main liquid fuel pipe 130 or may change direction to a drain 340 or other source. The flow control valve pipe 210 may also communicate with the recirculation line 330.

[0016] The operation of the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 may be controlled by the controller 350. Generally speaking, the controller 350 is a conventional processor-based system. The controller 350 may include a memory, an input / output (I / O) interface, external I / O devices / resources, and an external storage system. Generally, the controller 350 executes computer program code that can 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 can be used in the present application.

[0017] In use, the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 can be fully operated while the gas turbine engine 10 is operating on gas fuel. The liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 can have several flushing stages that use a separate closed recirculation loop 355 to flush specific parts of the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 in order to meet international standards regarding fuel cleanliness.

[0018] In one stage, the main purpose is to clean the main liquid fuel pipe 130. The throttle valve pipe 250 in the turbine compartment 230 may be disconnected between the main liquid fuel pipe 130 and the throttle valve 240, and the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 can be isolated from the gas turbine engine 10. Similarly, the flow control valve pipe 210 may be disconnected from the flow control valve 200 and the recirculation line 330. The throttle valve pipe 250 and the flow control valve pipe 210 can be manually cleaned to an appropriate standard. Thus, the flow of the liquid fuel 145 recirculates from the main liquid fuel pipe 130 to the liquid fuel flushing skid 120 and returns to the main liquid fuel pipe 130 via the recirculation line 330.

[0019] The controller 350 can determine the current flushing stage after operator input, the appropriate size and appropriate execution time of the mesh filter 310. Thus, the mesh filter 310 of the mesh filtration system 300 is sized to an appropriate particle size, and the particulate matter meter 290 counts the solid particles flowing therethrough. The controller 350 can execute various flushing stages based on operator input. The execution time of each stage is determined by the operator and can be introduced via the human / machine interface, which indicates the system configuration based on the flushing stage and the current status of the system (temperature, pressure, and valve status). After a predetermined time has elapsed, the mesh filter 310 may be removed and visually inspected. If residue is found, the mesh filter 310 may be cleaned and reinstalled. The pressure in the mesh filtration system 300 may be monitored by the filtration system pressure sensor 325 to confirm that the pressure difference is within the safety limit. Thereafter, the recirculation procedure may be restarted. This process may continue until no or almost no residue is found on the mesh filter 310 and / or until the number of particles determined by the particulate matter meter 290 reaches the allowable level according to international standards.

[0020] The additional stage can be centered around the cleaning of the throttle valve 240 and the three-way bypass valve 260. The second stage cannot be started until the previous stage is completed and verified. Note that the throttle valve pipe 250 and the flow control valve pipe 210 can be reinstalled. While constantly monitoring the overall operation of the flushing process with the controller 350, the three-way bypass valve 260 can be switched to connect to the bypass line 280 and / or the engine line 275 can be removed so that the gas turbine engine 10 can be safely operated with gas fuel. The controller 350 can stop the process when the parameters deviate from the safe range of the parameters. In this way, the liquid fuel 145 flows through the main liquid fuel pipe 130 to the liquid fuel manifold 220 in the turbine compartment 230. The liquid fuel 145 flows through the throttle valve 240 and the three-way bypass valve 260 to the bypass line 280. The liquid fuel 145 then passes through the liquid fuel flushing skid 120 and returns to the main liquid fuel pipe 130 via the recirculation line 330.

[0021] The controller 350 can determine the current flushing stage, the appropriate size and appropriate execution time of the mesh filter 310. In this way, the mesh filter 310 of the mesh filtration system 300 is sized to an appropriate particle size, and the particulate meter 290 counts the solid particles flowing through it. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the mesh filter 310 can be removed and visually inspected. If residues are found, the mesh filter 310 can be cleaned and reinstalled. The pressure in the mesh filtration system 300 can be monitored with the filtration system pressure sensor 325 to confirm that the pressure difference is within the safety limit. Thereafter, the recirculation procedure can be restarted.

[0022] Figure 4 shows another exemplary step. At this step, the engine line 275 may be cleaned. Further, at this step, the gas turbine engine 10 is not operating, and the liquid fuel flushing skid 120 is not being used. The engine line 275 can be disconnected from the engine connection 270 and connected to an external waste tank 360. For the liquid fuel 145 flowing into the external waste tank 360, it may be observed whether there is any residue mixed in. Also, laboratory analysis may be performed to reconfirm compliance with international cleanliness standards.

[0023] The liquid fuel flushing circuit 100, in combination 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 operate when the gas turbine engine 10 is operating on gas fuel, thus reducing the time until the flushing procedure is set up and operational and other types of associated downtime. This continuous operation is a great advantage for the plant operator. Further, the use of the particulate meter 290 and the mesh filtration system 300 in the liquid fuel flushing skid 120 reduces human error factors, increases the feedback provided to the operator, reduces the danger area, and increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall flushing process.

[0024] Specifically, the liquid fuel flushing circuit 100 provides a combination of a system and method for cleaning the liquid fuel circuit of an aircraft - convertible type gas turbine having dual - fuel capabilities. This method includes a semi - automatic sequence that can be executed while the gas turbine is operating on gas fuel without stopping the engine.

[0025] The above is only related to specific embodiments of the present application and its resulting patents. Those skilled in the art can make numerous changes and modifications without departing from the technical idea, technical scope of the present disclosure defined by the following claims, and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0026] Additional aspects of the present invention are set forth in the following embodiment sections. [Embodiment Section 1] A liquid fuel flushing circuit for a turbine engine having a flow of liquid fuel, 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 boost skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid including a recirculation loop for the flow of liquid fuel. [Embodiment Section 2] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to Embodiment Section 1, wherein the liquid fuel flushing skid comprises a particulate meter. [Embodiment Section 3] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to Embodiment Section 1 or Embodiment Section 2, wherein the liquid fuel flushing skid includes a filtration system. [Embodiment Section 4] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to Embodiment Section 3, wherein the filtration system comprises a mesh filter. [Embodiment Section 5] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to Embodiment Section 3 or Embodiment Section 4, wherein the filtration system houses mesh filters of a plurality of different mesh sizes. [Embodiment Section 6] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any one of Embodiment Sections 3 to 5, wherein the liquid fuel flushing skid includes one or more pressure sensors disposed around the filtration system. [Embodiment Section 7] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any one of Embodiment Sections 1 to 6, wherein the liquid fuel boost skid includes a heater and a pump. [Embodiment Section 8] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any one of Embodiment Sections 1 to 7, wherein the liquid fuel boost skid comprises a flow control valve together with a removable flow control valve tube. [Embodiment Section 9] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any one of Embodiment Items 1 to 8, further including a liquid fuel manifold communicating with the liquid fuel boost skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid. [Embodiment Item 10] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to Embodiment Item 9, wherein the liquid fuel manifold includes a throttle valve together with a removable throttle valve pipe. [Embodiment Item 11] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to Embodiment Item 10, wherein the liquid fuel manifold includes a three-way bypass valve communicating with the throttle valve. [Embodiment Item 12] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to Embodiment Item 11, wherein the three-way bypass valve communicates with the engine connection part and the bypass line. [Embodiment Item 13] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to Embodiment Item 12, wherein the three-way bypass valve communicates with the engine connection part via the engine line. [Embodiment Item 14] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to Embodiment Item 12 or Embodiment Item 13, wherein the three-way bypass valve communicates with an external waste tank via the engine line. [Embodiment Item 15] A method for flushing liquid fuel in a turbine engine, including the steps of arranging the liquid fuel manifold and the 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, flowing 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. [Embodiment Item 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 including a particulate meter and a filtration system, wherein the liquid fuel boost skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid include a recirculation loop. [Embodiment Item 17] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to Embodiment Item 16, wherein the filtration system comprises a mesh filter. [Embodiment Item 18] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to Embodiment Item 16 or Embodiment Item 17, wherein the filtration system houses mesh filters of a plurality of different mesh sizes. [Embodiment Item 19] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any one of Embodiment Items 16 to 18, wherein the liquid fuel flushing skid includes one or more pressure sensors disposed around the filtration system. [Embodiment Item 20] The liquid fuel flushing circuit according to any one of Embodiment Items to 19, further comprising a liquid fuel manifold in communication with the liquid fuel boost skid and the liquid fuel flushing skid.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0027] 10 Turbine engine 100 Liquid fuel flushing circuit 110 Liquid fuel boost skid 120 Liquid fuel flushing skid 145 Liquid fuel 150 Heater 180 Pump 200 Flow control valve 210 Flow control valve pipe 240 Throttle valve 250 Throttle valve pipe 260 Three-way bypass valve 270 Engine connection part 275 Engine line 280 Bypass line 290 Particle measuring instrument 300 Filtration system 310 Mesh filter 325 Pressure sensor 355 Recirculation loop

Claims

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

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

3. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 1, wherein the liquid fuel flushing skid (120) comprises 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) contains a plurality of mesh filters (310) having different mesh sizes.

6. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 3, wherein the liquid fuel flushing skid (120) comprises one or more pressure sensors (325) disposed about the filtration system (300).

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

8. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 1, wherein the liquid fuel boost skid (110) comprises a flow control valve (200) with a removable flow control valve tube (210).

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

10. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 9, wherein the liquid fuel manifold (220) comprises a throttle valve (240) with a removable throttle pipe (250).

11. The liquid fuel flushing circuit (100) of claim 10, wherein the liquid fuel manifold (220) comprises a three-way bypass valve (260) in communication with the throttle 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) is in communication 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) communicates with an external waste tank (360) via an engine line (275).

15. A method of flushing liquid fuel (145) in a turbine engine (10), comprising the steps of: positioning 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 filtration system (300) in the liquid fuel flushing skid (120); recirculating liquid fuel (145) through the liquid fuel manifold (220) and the liquid fuel flushing skid (120) of the turbine engine (10); A method comprising:

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