Liquid Fuel Recirculation Flushing for Dual-Fuel Turbines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid fuel flushing procedures for gas turbine engines are time-consuming and require extended shutdowns, leading to production loss, especially when transitioning between fuel types.

Innovation Solution

A liquid fuel flushing circuit and method that includes a recirculation loop with a particle counter and filtering system, allowing flushing while the engine operates on gas fuel, reducing downtime by integrating a semi-automated process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional liquid fuel flushing procedures are used, then liquid fuel cleanliness standards are met, but extended engine shutdown is required causing production loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid fuel cleanlinessVSAvoidengine shutdown duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs liquid fuel flushing in advance during gas fuel operation, preparing the liquid fuel circuit before liquid fuel is needed. The particle counter monitors cleanliness in real-time, allowing the engine to remain operational while the flushing process completes necessary cleaning actions beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flushing system operates continuously during gas fuel mode, circulating liquid fuel through the circuit and monitoring particle levels without interrupting engine operation. This continuous process maintains cleanliness standards while avoiding shutdowns, keeping the productive function ongoing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Productivity

If liquid fuel flushing is performed while operating on gas fuel, then production loss is minimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine operational continuityVSAvoidflushing system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid fuel circuit components serve dual functions: they transport liquid fuel during normal operation and simultaneously serve as the flushing medium and pathway during gas fuel operation. The particle counter and filtration system are integrated into the existing circuit, allowing the same infrastructure to perform both fuel delivery and cleanliness maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own liquid fuel circuit infrastructure to perform the flushing function, rather than requiring completely separate external equipment. The circulating liquid fuel itself acts as the flushing agent, and the existing pumps, lines, and filters are utilized for both operational and cleaning purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual flushing procedures are used, then flexibility is maintained, but human error increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing process flexibilityVSAvoidcleanliness standard consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The particle counter provides real-time feedback on liquid fuel cleanliness by continuously monitoring particle levels in the circulating fuel. This automated measurement system compares actual conditions against predefined standards and can trigger alerts or control responses, ensuring consistent adherence to cleanliness requirements without relying on manual inspection judgment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual visual inspection and judgment-based flushing control are replaced with automated electronic particle counting and sensor-based monitoring. The mechanical/manual process of assessing fuel cleanliness is substituted with electronic detection systems that provide objective, quantifiable measurements and automated control responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively meets international cleanliness standards with reduced human error and increased efficiency, minimizing downtime and maintaining engine operation during flushing.

Implementation Method 1

counting particles in the liquid fuel flowing through the liquid fuel flushing skid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParticle counting: Coulter Counter

Implementation Method 2

flowing the liquid fuel through a filtering system in the liquid fuel flushing skid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12428994B2System and method for liquid fuel flushing for dual fuel turbines

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

The present application provides a liquid fuel flushing circuit for a turbine engine with 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.