GAS TURBINES & WINTER DIESEL

[chief]

We are operating some RB211 T/G'S in a climate where the temperature gets down to -40 C wind chill. We have been informed that winter diesel can not be used in these turbines . Can anyone give me info on the whys and wherefores. Is there a constituent in the winter diesel that is detrimental to the turbines. Regular diesel is going to require heat tracing, maybe a heater and insulation of fuel lines and will take time to set up. Much obliged for input

Offshore Engineering&Design

 

[TheBlacksmith]

Who told you that you can't use winter diesel? Ask them why. One thing is that winter diesel, has more of the waxes and parafins removed to yield a lower cloud point, which also lowers the fuel (BTU) value and may be outside the fuel mapping range for the turbines. I remember Navy turbines could run on either the military equivalent of #2 diesel or military jet fuel, but had to have the fuel program changed to make the switch.

 

[chief]

Thank you Mr.Blacksmith, I suspect that it is a case of not willing to spend on the extra cost of winter diesel supply, and this cock 'n bull story has been formulated by the bean-counters.

Offshore Engineering&Design

 

[rmw]

Winter diesels normally have a lower pour point and I think a lower viscosity. It may be that the pumping equipment as well as the fuel atomization at the nozzles would be changed by the change in diesel parameters.

rmw

 

[waross]

The actual temperature may be more relevant than the wind chill.
respectfully

 

[waross]

Also, if you require maximum power output, you may not achieve it on winter diesel. There is typically a 10% to 15% drop in power on winter diesel due to the lighter weight of the fuel.
You may be able to cope with this issue by increasing the fuel delivery rate when running on winter diesel.
respectfully

 

[gsfitzsr]

Chief,

Your fuel supplier may use additives that could attack turbine components when burned. You may have engine mounted or system forwarding pumps that will not tolerate this fuel so be aware.

Another issue is the engine control and fuel management system may be calibrated for DF2 only and if you introduce something with a different BTU/viscosity rating you may have starting problems. If you start on gas and swap over to diesel there could be problems there as well.

Hope this helps.

Greg FitzGerrell
GSF Services Inc.

http://www.gsfservices.us