Gas Turbine Fuel System Management

Distillate fuels are well suited to gas-turbine operation for industrial and marine service. The industrial gas-turbine engine, unlike its aircraft derivative, has operated successfully at high temperatures and high efficiencies on a wide variety of liquid fuels, including naphtha, gasoline, kerosene, burner and diesel fuels, and heavy distillate fuels. The dependable operation and long life of the gas turbine engine can be supported by the management of the complete fuel-handling system. The problem areas and the techniques required for successful fuel system operation are discussed.

Industrial fuel specifications are intended to indicate fuels for specific climates and anticipated duty cycles. Specific fuel properties causing reduced gas-turbine life, increased smoke levels, or decreased reliability must be controlled. Many of the flight fuel requirements are not needed for the industrial gas turbines; however, other properties must be specified.