System and method for processing fuel for gas turbine engines

Abstract

To provide an efficient system to filter and treat fuel for a power generation system.SOLUTION: A system and a method for treating and filtering liquid fuel in a container module are provided. This approach involves flowing the liquid fuel from a raw fuel tank and a clean fuel tank along a treatment flow path of a tank drain treatment system in order to remove water, particulates and biological contaminants from the liquid fuel. The liquid fuel also flows along a supply flow path to a gas turbine engine. In particular, the supply flow path includes separators and filters, which are distinct from those within the tank drank treatment system, and forwarding pumps. By treating the liquid fuel via an integrated system, the container module's fuel treatment system provides ease in installation, minimizes the amount of space used, and reduces cost.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for processing and filtering fuel for a power generation system, such as a power generation system having a generator driven by a gas turbine engine.

Background Art

[0002] Fuel processing systems are often used to remove fuel contamination in fuel. Fuel delivery and system cleanliness management through appropriate filtration are beneficial for maintaining efficient engine operation. A power generation system may include separate fuel processing systems for various fuel treatments. Unfortunately, separate fuel processing systems can increase costs, require additional space, require additional connections between separate fuel processing systems, and may require additional time and labor for installation. A power generation system can be used in an emergency and / or as a temporary power source for the power grid. Therefore, the additional connections, time, and labor associated with installation are particularly disadvantageous when power is needed. Accordingly, there is a need for a fuel processing system that simplifies the installation process while providing various types of fuel processing to ensure the reliable operation of a power generation system.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The invention claimed herein is defined in the claims. The effects and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent upon consideration of the following disclosure, whether or not they are explicitly recited. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed in the various claims and the embodiments outlined below can be combined with each other. Further, it will be understood by those skilled in the art, although it is clear and obvious from the present disclosure, that further embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure and the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] Specific embodiments are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather to provide an overview of possible forms of the subject art. In fact, the present invention can encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments described below.

[0005] In a first embodiment, the system includes a fuel processing system configured to process fuel in at least one tank. The fuel processing system includes a housing and a tank drain processing system located within the housing, the tank drain processing system configured to remove water, particulate matter, and biological contaminants from the fuel along a processing channel. The fuel processing system also includes a first transfer pump located within the housing, the first transfer pump configured to pump fuel along a supply channel to a gas turbine engine.

[0006] In a second embodiment, the method includes the step of flowing fuel from at least one tank along a treatment channel of a tank drain treatment system to remove water, particulate matter, and biological contaminants from the fuel, the tank drain treatment system being located within a housing of the fuel treatment system. The method also includes the step of flowing fuel along a supply channel to a gas turbine engine, the supply channel including a first transfer pump located within the housing of the fuel treatment system.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this system and method will be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings, in which the same reference numerals throughout the drawings represent the same parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a fuel processing system within a container module, including a turbine trailer, a generator trailer, and a control house for the power generation system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a tank drain treatment system. [Figure 3] This is a schematic top view of one embodiment of a container module and control house. [Figure 4] This is a schematic front view of one embodiment of a container module and control house. [Figure 5] This is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a fluid connection panel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes one or more specific embodiments of the System and Method for Fuel Systems. Not all features of the actual embodiments are described herein in order to provide a concise description of these embodiments. It should be understood that in the development of actual implementations, such as engineering or design projects, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the specific objectives of the developers, such as addressing system-related and business-related constraints, and these constraints may differ from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that while such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, they will still be considered by those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure as merely routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing efforts.

[0010] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles “a, an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be comprehensive and mean that there may be further elements other than those listed.

[0011] Regardless of how carefully the system is designed or how carefully manual interventions are implemented to prevent contaminants from entering the fuel system, water, particulate matter, biological contaminants, and other contaminants can still contaminate the fuel system. As will be described in more detail below, the embodiments described herein provide an efficient system for filtering and treating fuel for power generation systems. The fuel system can provide treated fuel oil to be burned in a gas turbine system, where gas turbine generators are often used to generate electricity for the power grid. As a result, a system that effectively filters contaminants and treats the fuel is beneficial in maintaining the efficiency of gas turbine generators.

[0012] A power generation system may utilize multiple separate fuel handling systems with different types of fuel handling (e.g., distributed and / or independent fuel handling systems in different zones). The power generation system may be mobile (e.g., one or more trailers with wheels, one or more electric vehicles, or a combination thereof) or stationary. Unfortunately, separate fuel handling systems can increase costs and complexity during installation and operation. For example, installing separate fuel handling systems may require additional time and labor costs to position the systems on-site, connect them, and configure them to interact with each other and / or a central control system.

[0013] Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments provide an integrated fuel treatment system having multiple fuel treatment subsystems (e.g., water removal, particulate matter removal, and biological contaminant removal) within a common housing or container, such as a mobile container. For example, the subsystems of the integrated fuel treatment system can be located in a single container module (e.g., one zone) rather than multiple separate containers or zones, thus minimizing the number of interconnections and reducing the cost and effort of the fuel treatment system installation process. Having a container module for the fuel treatment system not only facilitates installation but also provides efficiency in terms of system mobility.

[0014] The container module's fuel treatment system treats and filters fuel from the raw fuel tank and the clean fuel tank. The container module includes a tank drain treatment system, a demineralized water supply source, one or more transfer pumps, one or more separators, and one or more filters. The tank drain treatment system purifies fuel from the raw fuel tank and the clean fuel tank by removing water, particulate matter, and biological contaminants such as bacteria from the fuel. Specifically, the tank drain system includes a subsystem containing a filter for removing particulate matter, a separator for removing water, and ultraviolet (UV) light for removing biological contaminants. The demineralized water supply source is used to periodically clean one or more separators (every 3 hours, every 24 hours, or at any appropriate time interval). In addition to the components of the tank drain system, the container module further includes one or more additional separators and filters for removing moisture and particulate matter. One or more transfer pumps are configured to pump the fuel through these additional separators and filters before the fuel is delivered to the gas turbine trailer.

[0015] With the foregoing in mind, the following drawings relate to an integrated system in a container module for efficiently filtering and processing fuel, which can be provided to a gas turbine engine. Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a power generation system 150, which includes a container module 90 having a fuel processing system 91 and a control house 40, a turbine trailer 84, and a generator trailer 86. In a particular embodiment, the container module 90 may be an ISO container with a height of 40 feet (or any appropriate height). An ISO container can be defined as an international intermodal container manufactured according to specifications outlined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). An ISO container can be used across various modes of transport (i.e., ships, trains, trucks) without unloading and reloading the cargo inside it. The container module 90 may be loaded onto a trailer to facilitate transport. In another embodiment, the container module 90 may have wheels of its own to facilitate movement.

[0016] The container module 90 includes a fuel treatment system 91 which includes several types of fuel treatment subsystems. For example, the fuel treatment system 91 includes a tank drain treatment (TDT) system 2 for removing moisture, particulate matter, and biological contaminants from the fuel received from the raw fuel tank 4 and the clean fuel tank 22. The raw fuel tank 4 may contain liquid fuel derived from fossil fuels, hydrogen fuel, ethanol, or biodiesel. The clean fuel tank may contain liquid fuel from the raw fuel tank 4 filtered through a water removal system (e.g., one or more separators 8). The fuel tanks may be of various sizes and shapes (rectangular, cylindrical, or any suitable shape). The fuel tanks are designed to store enough fuel to operate the gas turbine engine 57 over a threshold time. The fuel tanks are generally kept closed to prevent contamination, but may be ventilated to allow air to enter periodically (every 3 hours, every 10 hours, or at any suitable time interval).

[0017] Each of the fuel tanks 4 and 22 may have an opening (not shown) for filling with fuel and a drain for discharging the fuel (i.e., a drain 6 in the raw fuel tank 4 and a drain 24 in the clean fuel tank 22). In one embodiment, while liquid fuel from the clean fuel tank 22 is pumped to the gas turbine engine 57, the tank drain treatment system 2 simultaneously removes water, particulate matter, and biological contaminants from the fuel in the raw fuel tank 4 and the clean fuel tank 22. The liquid fuel may be discharged from the raw fuel tank 4 through drain 6, or it may flow into the tank drain treatment system 2 as indicated by arrow 92. Similarly, the liquid fuel may be discharged from the clean fuel tank 22 through drain 24, or it may flow into the tank drain treatment system 2 as indicated by arrow 92. As an example, the tank drain treatment system 2 receives liquid fuel from the bottom of each tank 4 and 22.

[0018] The tank drain treatment system 2 includes one or more filters, one or more separators, one or more pumps, and one or more ultraviolet (UV) light modules (shown as 212 in Figure 2). One or more pumps allow liquid fuel from the bottom of the raw fuel tank 4 and the clean fuel tank 22 to flow to one or more filters of the tank drain treatment system 2. One or more filters remove particulate matter from the liquid fuel received from the fuel tanks 4 and 22. After leaving one or more filters of the tank drain treatment system 2, the liquid fuel moves to one or more separators that remove water from the liquid fuel. The UV light modules then remove biological contaminants such as bacteria from the liquid fuel. In certain embodiments, the fuel can flow through the filters, separators, and UV light modules in parallel and / or in series in any order. A more detailed description of the tank drain treatment system 2 is provided below. After the fuel has been treated in the tank drain treatment system 2, the system sends the treated fuel to the raw fuel tank 4.

[0019] The raw fuel tank 4 pumps fuel to the separator 8 via the pump 18, as shown by arrow 96. For example, one or more pumps can be placed in the raw fuel tank 4, line 96, within the separator 8, and / or upstream from the separator 8 (e.g., pump 18) to pump fuel through the separator 8. The separator 8 is intended to reduce moisture and remove medium-sized particulate matter by separating two fluids from each other or by separating fluids from solids based on their different densities. Water rapidly oxidizes iron metals such as steel, and oxidation may be observed within the components of the system. Therefore, the separator 8 is useful in removing moisture before it causes harm such as damaging the metal components of the system.

[0020] The separator 8 may separate the solid phase or solid-liquid phase using centrifugal force as well as gravity. For example, the separator 8 may be a disc-stack type centrifuge, and as a result, the disc-stack structure ensures that lighter particles follow heavier particles rather than liquid, thus improving separation. However, the separator 210 (Figure 2) can include various types of separators. The demineralized water supply source 12 purifies or washes the separator 8 with demineralized water. The demineralized water supply source 12 includes a container 16 for storing the supplied demineralized water and a pump 14 for pressurizing the demineralized water to the separator 8. Examples of pumps 14 and 18 include tri-screw pumps, twin-screw pumps, or centrifugal pumps.

[0021] The water released from the separator 8 may be directed to the wastewater tank 10, as indicated by arrow 100. On the other hand, liquid fuel with substantially less water content may be directed from the separator 8 to the raw fuel tank 4 and / or the clean fuel tank 22. As shown in the figure, a portion of the liquid fuel from the separator 8 is sent to the clean fuel tank 22, as indicated by arrow 104, and the remainder of the liquid fuel is sent to the transfer pumps 26 and 28, as indicated by arrow 106. In certain embodiments, the liquid fuel from the separator 8 may be sent to each of the transfer pumps 26 and 28 separately and simultaneously (e.g., in parallel arrangement), or the liquid fuel may be sent to the transfer pumps 26 and 28 in series arrangement (e.g., pump 26 followed by pump 28).

[0022] Transfer pumps 26 and 28 may pump the liquid fuel to additional filters and separators to remove finer particulate matter and residual water. In certain embodiments, as indicated by arrow 108, transfer pumps 26 and 28 can pump the liquid fuel to a particulate removal system (e.g., one or more filters 30, 32, and 34), such as a first-stage filter 30. The first-stage filter 30 may have a first size range of filtration (e.g., 4 to 7 microns) for removing contaminants (e.g., particulate matter) from the liquid fuel. From the first-stage filter 30, the liquid fuel flows to a second-stage filter 32 along the flow path indicated by arrow 112, and the second-stage filter may have a second size range of filtration (e.g., 1 to 3 microns) for removing contaminants (e.g., particulate matter) from the liquid fuel.

[0023] In certain embodiments, if the first-stage filter 30 and the second-stage filter 32 become inoperative due to debris clogging, component breakage, or other problems, the transfer pumps 26 and 28 can pump liquid fuel to the bypass filter 34, as indicated by arrow 110. The transfer pumps 26 and 28 may differ in type and pumping capacity, and examples of pumps 26 and 28 can include a three-axis pump, a two-axis pump, or a centrifugal pump. The bypass filter 34 can have a third size range (e.g., 1 - 3 microns) of filtration for removing contaminants (e.g., particulate matter) from the liquid fuel.

[0024] After passing through the first-stage filter 30 and the second-stage filter 32 or after passing through the bypass filter 34, the liquid fuel flows to a water removal system (e.g., one or more separators 36), as indicated by arrow 116. The separator 36 can separate solid or solid-liquid phases from the liquid fuel. For example, the separator 36 may be a coalescer, which can agglomerate lighter or smaller particles into larger particles that can be gravitationally discharged, thus improving separation. However, the separator 36 can also be of various sizes and shapes. The separator 36 can serve to remove residual moisture from the liquid fuel.

[0025] The separator 36 is fluidly coupled to valves 50 and 52 disposed along supply lines 120 and 122 respectively that define supply flow paths. Valve 50 controls how much of the liquid fuel from the separator 36 is returned to the clean fuel tank 22 via supply line 120, while valve 52 controls how much of the liquid fuel from the separator 36 is sent via supply line twelve two to the turbine trailer 84 for combustion within the gas turbine engine 57.

[0026] The turbine trailer 84 includes an air intake system 56, a gas turbine engine 57, and a turbine exhaust collector. The combustion air intake system 56 includes one or more air filters configured to remove particulate matter and / or moisture from the intake air before sending it to the compressor 58 of the gas turbine engine 57. The compressor 58 includes one or more compressor stages (e.g., 1 to 30 stages having compressor blades) that compress air for use in the combustion and cooling of the gas turbine engine 57. The compressor 58 directs a portion of the compressed air to one or more fuel nozzles 62 of one or more combustors 64. The fuel nozzles 62 draw in fuel and mix it with the compressed air, distributing the air-fuel mixture to one or more combustors 64 in a ratio suitable for combustion.

[0027] In certain embodiments, each combustor 64 includes a plurality of fuel nozzles 62. The air-fuel mixture burns in the combustion chamber within each combustor 64, thereby producing high-temperature pressurized exhaust gas. Each combustor 64 directs the exhaust gas through the turbine 70 to the turbine exhaust collector. The turbine 70 includes one or more turbine stages (e.g., 1 to 30 stages having turbine blades) driven by the exhaust gas. The turbine exhaust collector can direct the exhaust gas to the exhaust stack, which passes the exhaust gas from the gas turbine engine 57.

[0028] As the exhaust gas passes through the turbine 70, the gas acts a force on the turbine blades 68, causing the shaft 66 to rotate along the axis of the gas turbine engine 57. As shown in the figure, the shaft 66 can be connected to various components of the gas turbine engine 57, including a compressor 58. The compressor 58 also includes blades 60 coupled to the shaft 66. As the shaft 66 rotates, the blades 60 in the compressor 58 also rotate, thereby compressing air from the air intake system 56 and sending the compressed air to the fuel nozzles 62 and / or combustor 64. The shaft 66 can also be connected to a load, such as a generator 82 that can be driven by the gas turbine engine 57 in a power plant. In particular, the shaft 66 may be connected to the generator 82 via a coupling 80, and the generator 82 may be part of a generator trailer 86.

[0029] The turbine trailer 84 and generator trailer 86 of the power generation system 150 may include multiple wheels 88 to facilitate transport on various roads so that the turbine trailer 84 and generator 86 can be driven to locations where power is needed. The container module 90, turbine trailer 84, and generator trailer 86 also include multiple sensors 54 (represented by "S") that can transmit signals to a control house 40 integrated within the container module 90. The control house 40 includes a controller 42 that regulates the fuel flow in and between the container module 90, tanks 4 and 22, and the turbine trailer 84.

[0030] For example, the controller 42 may be communicatively coupled to each of the illustrated components, including but not limited to pumps 14, 18, 26, and 28, valves 50 and 52, TDT2, separators 8 and 36, etc. In certain embodiments, the controller 42 in the control house 40 is configured to monitor the levels of contaminants (e.g., water, particulate matter, and biological contaminants) in the fuel tanks 4 and 22 and at various locations throughout the fuel treatment system 91, and to control the fuel treatment system 91 to improve the performance of each type of fuel treatment (e.g., filtration by filters, separation by separators, biological removal by UV light, etc.) and reduce contaminant levels below threshold levels. In certain embodiments, if the contaminant level in the liquid fuel is higher than or exceeds an upper threshold, the controller 42 may be configured to adjust the fuel treatment system 91 to operate at a flow rate suitable for operating for a longer period of time and / or speeding up the process of reducing contaminant levels below a lower threshold.

[0031] In some embodiments, the control house 40 with the controller 42 is dedicated solely to the fuel processing system 91 and does not control the gas turbine engine 57. However, certain embodiments of the control house 40 with the controller 42 can be configured to control the gas turbine engine 57, including combustion, fuel / air ratio, emission levels, power output, etc. In such embodiments, the gas turbine engine 57 does not need to use a separate control house on a different trailer.

[0032] The controller 42 may include one or more processors 44 (e.g., microprocessors) capable of executing software programs for controlling the power generation system 150. Furthermore, the processors 44 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more dedicated microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or a combination thereof. For example, the processors 44 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors. The controller 42 may include a memory device 46 capable of storing information such as control software, lookup tables, and configuration data. The memory device 46 may include tangible, non-transient, machine-readable media such as volatile memory (e.g., random-access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard drives, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof). The memory device 46 can store a variety of information suitable for a variety of purposes. For example, the memory device 46 can store machine-readable instructions and / or processor-executable instructions 48 (e.g., firmware or software) for processor execution.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the multiple sensors 54 may be any of various sensor types useful for providing the controller 42 with various operational data. For example, the sensors 54 can monitor the flow, pressure, and temperature of the compressor 58, the speed and temperature of the turbine 70, the vibration of the compressor 58 and the turbine 70, as well as the exhaust gas flow, exhaust gas temperature, pressure, and emission (e.g., CO2, NOx) levels, the characteristics of the fuel batch (e.g., carbon content, Wobbe index, cetane number, octane number, etc.), the temperature of the fuel batch, the temperature, pressure, clearance (e.g., between the rotating and stationary parts of the compressor 58, between the rotating and stationary parts of the turbine 70, and / or the distance between other stationary and rotating components), flame temperature or intensity, vibration, combustion dynamics (e.g., fluctuations in pressure, flame intensity, etc.), generator data from the generator 82, output power from the turbine 70, etc. The sensors 54 may also include temperature sensors such as thermocouples and thermistors located in the turbine trailer 84. Sensor 54 may also include flow sensors such as flow meters (e.g., differential pressure flow meters, velocity flow meters, mass flow meters, positive displacement flow meters, open channel flow meters) and liquid level sensors such as continuous level transmitters, ultrasonic transducers, and laser level transmitters, which are located in the container module 90 and the turbine trailer 84. Furthermore, sensor 54 may include pressure sensors such as piezoresistive pressure sensors, differential pressure sensors, and optical pressure sensors, which are located in the container module 90 and the turbine trailer 84.

[0034] Fuel characteristics may be sensed and / or provided to the controller 42, for example, via human operator interfaces in the container module 90 and the turbine trailer 84. Fuel characteristics may include moisture content, carbon content, chemical composition, biological contaminant content, specific gravity, ambient temperature, energy content, specific "numbers" (e.g., Wobbe index, cetane number, octane number, etc.), or combinations thereof.

[0035] For example, to monitor the liquid fuel characteristics within the container module 90, sensors 54 can be located within the raw fuel tank 4 and the clean fuel tank 22, and / or in any line carrying fuel throughout the fuel processing system 91. These sensors 54 help monitor the fuel characteristics before and after various processing steps in the fuel processing system 91, thereby helping the controller 42 adjust the flow of liquid fuel through the tank drain processing system 2, separators 8 and 36, filters 30, 32, and 34, etc. For example, sensors 54 can be placed near pumps 18, 26, and 28 to adjust the direction of flow based on monitoring fuel characteristics such as water content and chemical composition. In certain embodiments, sensors 54 can be located upstream or downstream of separators (e.g., 8 and 36) and filters (e.g., 30 and 32) to determine the particulate content and water content of the liquid fuel. The sensor 54, located between the desalinated water supply source 12 and the separator 8, helps monitor the characteristics of the desalinated water and adjust the timing and amount at which the desalinated water is pumped to the separator 8.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the controller 42 can be communicatively coupled to the sensor 54, a human-machine interface (HMI) operator interface, and one or more actuators suitable for controlling components of the generator trailer 86. The actuators may include valves, switches, positioners, pumps, etc., suitable for controlling various components of the generator trailer 86. The controller 42 can receive data from the sensor 54 and can be used to control the compressor 58, combustor 64, turbine 68, generator 82, etc.

[0037] With the foregoing in mind, Figure 2 is a detailed diagram of the fuel treatment process or circuit 200 within the tank drain treatment system 2. As described above, the tank drain treatment system 2 removes particulate matter, water, and biological contaminants from the fuel. Note that the components within the tank drain treatment system 2 in Figure 2 (e.g., pumps, separators, and filters) differ from the external components of the tank drain treatment system shown in Figure 1. The fuel treatment circuit 200 is configured to pump liquid fuel from the tank drains 202 of the fuel tank (e.g., drain 6 of the raw fuel tank 4 and / or drain 24 of the clean fuel tank 22) to the tank drain treatment system 2 via one or more pumps 204, as indicated by arrow 222. The pumps 204 can include various pump sizes and / or types, such as tri-screw pumps, twin-screw pumps, or centrifugal pumps. The pumps 204 can pump the liquid fuel to a level switch component 206, as indicated by arrow 224. The level switch component 206 may include a water detector or sensor that determines the amount of water in the liquid fuel. If the level switch component 206 detects only water in the liquid fuel recovered from the bottom of the raw fuel tank 4 or the clean fuel tank 22, the water may be directed to the water drain 220 as indicated by arrow 228. However, if the level switch component 206 detects fuel contaminants in the liquid fuel, the liquid fuel may be directed to a particulate removal system (e.g., one or more filters such as a first-stage filter 208) as indicated by arrow 226. The first-stage filter 208 may have a first size range of filtration (e.g., 4 to 7 microns) for removing contaminants (e.g., particulate matter) from the liquid fuel. After the first-stage filter 208, the liquid fuel flows to a water removal system (e.g., one or more separators 210) as indicated by arrow 230.

[0038] Similar to separator 36, separator 210 can separate a solid phase or a solid-liquid phase from a liquid fuel. For example, separator 210 may be a coalescer, which aggregates lighter or smaller particles that can be discharged by gravity, thus improving separation. However, separator 210 can include various types of separators. Separator 210 can serve to remove any residual water from the liquid fuel. After water and particulate matter have been substantially or completely removed from the liquid fuel, the liquid fuel from separator 210 may be sent to a biological treatment system (e.g., an ultraviolet (UV) light system 212) as indicated by arrow 234. The water separated from the liquid fuel via separator 210 is led to a water drain 220 as indicated by arrow 232.

[0039] The UV light system 212 includes one or more ultraviolet lights 216. The UV light system 212 removes biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and cysts, and inhibits inorganic growth through germicidal ultraviolet wavelengths produced via the UV lights 216. By a threshold amount of energy, such as UV radiation at a wavelength of 254 nanometers or any other suitable wavelength, the DNA of pathogenic microorganisms is destroyed so that the microorganisms become inactive and unable to regenerate. The UV system 212 treats liquid fuels with respect to Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, Salmonella, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Hepatitis B, Cholera, Algae, Fungi, other bacteria, other viruses, and any combination thereof. The controller 42 can adjust the duration of exposure of the liquid fuel to the UV lights 216 (e.g., every minute, every hour, or at any suitable time interval) and the duration of exposure (10 minutes, 1 hour, or at any suitable time interval). For example, the controller 42 can control the valve 214 to adjust the flow rate of the liquid fuel and therefore the exposure time the liquid fuel is treated by each UV light 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 214 is positioned upstream and downstream of the UV light 216, thereby allowing the valve 214 to more precisely control the fuel passing through the UV treatment area (e.g., volume, flow rate, residence time, etc.) to help ensure that the liquid fuel is substantially or completely free of biological contaminants. The valve 214 also adjusts the flow of liquid fuel to the raw fuel tank 4, as indicated by arrow 236 (or arrow 94 in Figure 1).

[0040] To monitor the liquid fuel characteristics within the tank drain treatment system 2, sensors 54 (represented by "S") can be distributed throughout the tank drain treatment system 2. For example, sensors 54 may be located at or near the bottom of tanks 4 and 22, or near the liquid fuel (e.g., drain 6 of raw fuel tank 4 or drain 24 of clean fuel tank 22), to monitor contaminants (e.g., water, particulate matter, and / or biological contaminants). Feedback from sensors 54 (e.g., percentage or level of contaminants) can then be used by the controller 42 to control the timing, duration, and flow rate of the liquid fuel flow to the tank drain treatment system 2 via pump 204. Sensors 54 may also be located near the filter 208, separator 210, and within the UV light system 212 to determine the content of particulate matter, water, and biological contaminants in the liquid fuel. Furthermore, or alternatively, by placing sensors 54 near pump 204 and level switch 206, liquid fuel characteristics (such as water content and chemical composition) can be monitored, and the flow direction adjusted based on the monitored fuel characteristics. The controller 42 is communicatively coupled to the sensor 54 and can receive data from the sensor, and can control the tank drain treatment system 2 to help reduce the levels of contaminants (e.g., water, particulate matter, and biological contaminants) in the liquid fuel to below a threshold level.

[0041] The structure of the container module 90 is described here, along with the function of the fuel handling system 91 in the container module 90 described above. Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the container module 90 having the fuel handling system 91 and the control house 40. The container module 90 includes a housing or enclosure 280 (e.g., a metal enclosure) having a plurality of walls 282, a ceiling or roof 284, and a bottom support structure or floor 286 (see Figure 4). The walls 282 also include a plurality of access openings 288 (or access areas) having removable panels or doors 290. In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 280 is elongated along a longitudinal axis 292 between opposing first and second distal ends 294 and 296, and the enclosure 280 also includes opposing walls 282 (e.g., opposing side or side walls 298 and 300) extending axially between the first and second distal ends 294 and 296. The tank drain treatment system 2 is located inside the enclosure 280 adjacent to the first distal end 294, and the control house 40 is located inside the enclosure 280 adjacent to the second distal end 296. The second distal end 296 has a connection panel 302 (e.g., a fluid connection panel) coupled to the control house 40 and various components of the fuel treatment system 91 within the enclosure 280. The connection panel 302 may include electrical and fluid connections for connecting the container module 90 to the tanks 4 and 22, the gas turbine engine 57, and any other related equipment. The connection to the connection panel 302 will be described in more detail below.

[0042] At the first distal end 294, one of the access openings 288 of the enclosure 280 has a removable panel or door 290 (e.g., hinged doors 310 and 312 coupled to the enclosure 280 via hinges 311 and 313) and a staircase 304. An operator or service technician can access the tank drain treatment system 2 using the staircase 304, the access opening 288, and the doors 310 and 312 for various reasons, including user monitoring and control, maintenance, and repair. In some embodiments, an operator or service technician may also access other components of the fuel treatment system 91 through the first distal end 294. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the second distal end 296 may include a configuration similar to the first distal end 294 (e.g., a staircase 304, access opening 288, and doors 310 and 312) to allow access to the control house 40.

[0043] One or both of the side walls 298 and 300 of the enclosure 280 may also include one or more access openings 288 and doors 290. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 298 has one or more access openings 288 and doors 290 (e.g., a first multi-section door 314 and a second multi-section door 316). For example, in the first side wall 298, the access opening 288 may cover the entire length or substantially the entire length (e.g., 80, 85, 90, or 95% of the total length) of the enclosure 280 between the first and second distal ends 294 and 296. The first multi-section door 314 includes first and second door sections 318 and 320 coupled to each other via hinges 322, the first door section 318 being coupled to the enclosure 280 via hinges 324. Similarly, the second multi-section door 316 includes first and second door sections 326 and 328 connected to each other via hinges 330, with the first door section 326 connected to the enclosure 280 via hinges 332. Each of the first and second multi-section doors 314 and 316 is shown in two different positions, indicated by dashed lines for the first position and solid lines for the second position.

[0044] The first and second multi-section doors 314 and 316 are configured to rotate and open to allow access to the inside of the enclosure 280, more specifically, to the tank drain processing system 2 (or at least a part thereof), separators 8 and 36, pumps 26 and 28, filters 30, 32, and 34, and the control house 40. An access opening 288 along the side wall 298 also includes a staircase 306 which may be positioned adjacent to the control house 40. The first and second multi-section doors 314 and 316 may differ in size and number of door sections and may open and close simultaneously or independently of each other. In some embodiments, the side wall 298 may include one or more sliding doors 290 instead of or in addition to one or both of the first and second multi-section doors 314 and 316. The roof 284 of the enclosure 280 may also include one or more vents, such as a central vent 334.

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic front view 350 of the container module 90 along the first side wall 298 with the first and second multi-section doors 314 and 316 in the open position (removed for clarity), further illustrating the arrangement of components of the fuel handling system 91 and control house 40 inside the enclosure 280. A staircase 304, which functions as an entrance or exit, is located at the first distal end 294 of the container module 90, near the tank drain handling system 2. Another staircase 306, which functions as another entrance or exit, is located along the first side wall 298 adjacent to the control house 40 at the second distal end 296. In Figure 4, dashed horizontal lines extending from the transfer pumps 26 and 28 to or toward the control house 40 represent the railing 352 directly adjacent to the passage 354 inside the enclosure 280 (e.g., approximately parallel to the railing 352), as also shown in Figure 1. The passage 354 extends longitudinally along the enclosure 280, adjacent to the transfer pumps 26 and 28, filters 30, 32, and 34, separator 36, and control house 40. Thus, using the stairs 306 and the passage 354, an operator or service technician can enter the enclosure 280 and easily access each of these components (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 40) for inspection, adjustment or control, and maintenance. The operator or service technician can also access the tank drain treatment system 2, separator 8, and / or demineralized water supply source 12 via the passage 354 and / or access opening 288.

[0046] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the connection panel 302, showing the configuration 400 of fluid ports 422, 424, 426, 428, and 430 coupled to one or more conduits leading to a suitable system or component of the fuel processing system 91 within the container module 90. The fluid ports 422, 424, 426, 428, and 430 are configured to be detachably coupled to an external component (i.e., outside the container module 90), as shown in Figure 1. For example, the fluid ports 422, 424, 426, 428, and 430 may include threaded connectors, quarter-turn connectors, push-pull connectors, quick-disconnect connectors, or any suitable connector having one or more seals.

[0047] Fluid port 422 can be connected to a conduit configured to deliver liquid fuel to the raw fuel tank 4, as indicated by arrow 412. The raw fuel tank 4 is configured to deliver liquid fuel to a separator inlet 406 connected to a separator 8 (see Figure 1) via a conduit, as indicated by arrow 402. Fluid port 424 can be connected to a conduit to deliver liquid fuel (e.g., fuel spill) from the fuel processing system 91 to the clean fuel tank 22, as indicated by arrow 414. Fluid port 426 can be connected to a conduit to deliver liquid fuel (e.g., clean fuel) from the fuel processing system 91 to the clean fuel tank 22, as indicated by arrow 416. The clean fuel tank 22 is configured to deliver liquid fuel (e.g., clean fuel) through a conduit to a fuel pump inlet 408 (e.g., transfer pumps 26 and 28 in Figure 1), as indicated by arrow 404. Fluid port 428 is configured to deliver liquid fuel (e.g., fuel spill) through a conduit to drain outlet 432, as indicated by arrow 418. Furthermore, fluid port 430 is configured to connect to a conduit to deliver liquid fuel (e.g., clean fuel) to a combustor (e.g., fuel nozzle 62 of a gas turbine engine 57 coupled to a generator 82), as indicated by arrow 420. The fluid connection panel 302 is not limited to the fluid ports described herein, but rather fluid ports 422, 424, 426, 428, and 430 serve as examples of connections between the control house 40, container module 90, tanks 4 and 22, and the gas turbine engine 57.

[0048] The technical effects of this disclosure include a fuel treatment system 91 that is arranged as a whole within a container module 90 to facilitate transport and connection to a mobile power generation system. The fuel treatment system 91 in the container module 90 treats and filters fuel from the raw fuel tank 4 and the clean fuel tank 22. The container module 90 includes a tank drain treatment system 2, a desalination water supply source 12, one or more pumps 18, 26, and 28, one or more separators 8 and 36, and one or more filters 30, 32, and 34. The tank drain treatment system 2 purifies fuel from the raw fuel tank 4 and the clean fuel tank 22 by removing water from the fuel via a separator 210, particulate matter via a filter 208, and biological contaminants (such as bacteria) via a UV light system 212. In addition to the components of the tank drain system 2, the container module 90 includes additional separators (e.g., separator 8, separator 36) and filters (e.g., first-stage filter 30, second-stage filter 32, bypass filter 34) for removing moisture and particulate matter. Transfer pumps 26 and 28 pump the fuel through these additional separators 8 and 36 and filters 30, 32, and 34 before the fuel is sent to the turbine trailer 84 to power the generator 82 in the generator trailer 86. The container module 90 for the fuel processing system 91, which integrates various subsystems, facilitates installation, minimizes the amount of space used, and reduces the overall cost and effort in developing and running the fuel processing system.

[0049] This specification uses examples to disclose the present invention in best mode and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including the manufacture and use of any apparatus or system and the execution of any incorporated method. The scope of the invention as claimed herein is defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 2. Tank Drain Treatment System 4. Raw material fuel tank 6 Drain 8 Separators 10. Sewage tank 12. Sources of desalinated water 14 pumps 16 Container 18 pumps 22 Clean Fuel Tanks 24 drains 26 Transfer pump 28 Transfer pump 30 First stage filter 32. Second stage filter 34 Bypass Filter 36 Separators 40 Control House 42 controllers 44 processors 46 memory devices 48 processor-executable instructions 50 valves 52 valves 54 sensors 56 Combustion air intake system 57 Gas turbine engine 58 Compressor 60 blades 62 Fuel Nozzle 64 Combustor 66 shaft 68 Turbine, Turbine Blades 70 Turbine 80 Coupling 82 Generators 84 Turbine Trailer 86 Generator trailer, generator 88 wheels 90 Container Modules 91 Fuel Processing System 92 Arrow 94 Arrow 96 Arrows, Lines 100 arrows 104 Arrow 106 Arrow 108 Arrows 110 Arrow 112 Arrow 116 Arrow 120 supply lines 122 supply lines 150 power generation systems 200 Fuel processing circuits, fuel processing processes 202 Tank drain 204 Pump 206 Level switches, level switch components 208 First stage filter 210 Separator 212 Ultraviolet (UV) Light System 214 Valves 216 UV light 220 Water Drain 222 Arrow 224 Arrow 226 Arrow 228 Arrow 230 Arrow 232 Arrows 236 Arrows 280 Enclosures, Housings 282 Opposing wall 284 Ceiling, roof 286 Bottom support structure or floor 288 Access openings 290 Panel or door, sliding door 292 Longitudinal axis 294 First distal end 296 Second distal end 298 First side wall 300 side wall 302 Fluid Connection Panel 304 Stairs 306 Stairs 310 Hinged Door 311 Hinge 312 Hinged Doors 313 Hinge 314 First multi-section door 316 Second multi-section door 318 First door section 320 Second door section 322 Hinge 324 Hinge 326 First door section 328 Second door section 330 Hinge 332 Hinge 334 Central vent 350 Schematic Front View 352 Handrail 354 Passage 400 configuration 402 Arrow 404 Arrow 406 Separator Entrance 408 Fuel pump inlet 412 Arrow 414 Arrow 416 Arrow 418 Arrow 420 Arrow 422 Fluid Ports 424 Fluid Ports 426 Fluid Ports 428 fluid ports 430 fluid ports 432 Drain Outlet

Claims

1. A system comprising a fuel processing system (91) configured to process fuel in at least one tank (4, 22), wherein the fuel processing system (91) Housing (280) and A tank drain treatment system (2) is disposed within the housing (280) and configured to remove water, particulate matter and biological contaminants from the fuel along a treatment channel, A first transfer pump (26) is located within the housing (280) and configured to pressurize the fuel along the supply passages (120, 122) to the gas turbine engine (57). A system comprising, wherein at least one tank (4, 22) comprises a raw fuel tank (4) and a clean fuel tank (22), each of the raw fuel tank (4) and the clean fuel tank (22) having a drain (6, 24), the tank drain processing system (2) being configured to receive the fuel from the respective drains (6, 24) of the raw fuel tank (4) and the clean fuel tank (22), and the tank drain processing system (2) being configured to return the fuel to the raw fuel tank (4).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the treatment channel of the tank drain treatment system (2) comprises a biological treatment system having at least one ultraviolet light (212), a particulate matter removal system having at least one filter (208), and a water removal system having at least one separator (210).

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fuel processing system (91) comprises a separator (8) configured to separate water from the fuel along a flow path from the raw fuel tank (4) to the clean fuel tank (22).

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the fuel from the separator (8) is sent to the clean fuel tank (22), and the remainder of the fuel is sent to the first transfer pump (26).

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the fuel processing system (91) comprises a particulate removal system having at least one filter (30, 32, 34) and a water removal system having at least one separator (36) along the supply flow path (120, 122).

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the supply channels (120, 122) include a first supply line (120) that directs the fuel from the at least one separator (36) of the water removal system back to the clean fuel tank (22), and a second supply line (122) that directs the fuel from the at least one separator (36) of the water removal system to the gas turbine engine (57).

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fuel processing system (91) comprises a controller (42) located within the housing (280), the controller (42) is configured to monitor the water, particulate matter, and biological contaminants in the fuel via one or more sensors (54), and the controller (42) is configured to control the operation of the tank drain processing system (2) and the first transfer pump (26) based on feedback from the one or more sensors (54).

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing (280) comprises a first access area (288) having one or more first doors (290) and a second access area (288) having one or more second doors (290), the first access area (288) providing access to the tank drain processing system (2), and the second access area (288) providing access to a passage and the first transfer pump (26).

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing (280) is an international intermodal container manufactured in accordance with specifications outlined by the International Organization for Standardization.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a gas turbine engine (57) located on a first trailer (84) and a generator (82) located on a second trailer (86), wherein the generator (82) is driven by the gas turbine engine (57).

11. A step of flowing fuel from at least one tank (4, 22) along a treatment channel of a tank drain treatment system (2) to remove water, particulate matter and biological contaminants from the fuel, wherein the tank drain treatment system (2) is located within a housing (280) of a fuel treatment system (91), and the at least one tank (4, 22) comprises a raw fuel tank (4) and a clean fuel tank (22), and each of the raw fuel tank (4) and the clean fuel tank (22) has a drain (6, 24), A step of flowing the fuel along a supply channel (120, 122) to a gas turbine engine (57), wherein the supply channel (120, 122) includes a first transfer pump (26) located within the housing (280) of the fuel processing system (91) A method comprising flowing the fuel from at least one tank (4, 22) along the treatment path of the tank drain treatment system (2), which includes receiving the fuel from the respective drains (6, 24) of the raw fuel tank (4) and the clean fuel tank (22) and returning the fuel to the raw fuel tank (4).

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of flowing the fuel along a flow path from a raw fuel tank (4) to a clean fuel tank (22), wherein the flow path includes a separator (8) configured to separate water from the fuel.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the step of flowing the fuel along the supply passages (120, 122) to the gas turbine engine (57) includes the step of flowing the fuel through a particulate removal system having at least one filter (208) and a water removal system having at least one separator (36), the particulate removal system and the water removal system being coupled to the housing (280) of the fuel processing system (91).

14. The steps include monitoring the water, particulate matter, and biological contaminants in the fuel via one or more sensors (54), A step of controlling the operation of the tank drain processing system (2) and the first transfer pump (26) based on feedback from one or more sensors (54): The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising:

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