An Atomizing Air Filter Skid usually with a cyclone pack and coalescent pack is a vital component in the fuel delivery system of a gas turbine, especially when using liquid fuel oil. It plays a crucial role in breaking down large fuel droplets into a fine mist by introducing atomizing air. This ensures efficient combustion, reduces emissions, and prevents the release of unburned fuel particles into the atmosphere. Here are the key components and functions of this system:
Key Components and Functions:
Atomizing Air System: The atomizing air system is designed to provide a controlled and consistent flow of compressed air to atomize the liquid fuel. It typically includes air compressors, air filters, pressure regulators, and control valves.
Cyclone Pack: The cyclone pack is part of the atomizing air system and is responsible for the initial separation of any oil particles present in the atomizing air. It helps prevent oil particles from reaching the fuel nozzles, which could lead to clogging or inefficient atomization.
Coalescent Pack: The coalescent pack further refines the atomizing air by removing any remaining oil droplets and particulate matter. It consists of coalescing filter elements that capture and coalesce tiny oil droplets into larger ones, allowing them to be separated and drained from the system.
Fuel Nozzles: The fuel nozzles are equipped with supplementary orifices through which atomizing air is directed. The atomizing air impinges upon the fuel jet as it exits the nozzles, breaking it into a fine mist.
Efficient Atomization: The atomizing air system ensures that the liquid fuel is atomized into a fine mist, enhancing its combustion efficiency and preventing incomplete combustion.
Ignition and Combustion: Efficient atomization of the fuel enables reliable ignition and complete combustion within the combustion chambers of the gas turbine.
Emissions Control: By achieving more complete combustion, the system reduces the emission of unburned fuel particles, particulate matter, and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Continuous Operation: The atomizing air system is designed to be operational from ignition firing through acceleration and during normal operation of the turbine when liquid fuel is in use.
Importance:
The Atomizing Air Filter Skid with cyclone and coalescent packs is crucial for several reasons:
Emissions Reduction: It significantly reduces the release of unburned fuel particles and combustion byproducts into the atmosphere, contributing to environmental compliance.
Efficiency: The fine mist created by the atomizing air allows for more efficient and complete combustion, improving the turbine's overall performance and fuel efficiency.
Equipment Protection: By preventing large fuel droplets from clogging fuel nozzles and combustion chambers, it protects critical turbine components from damage and degradation.
Safety: Efficient combustion reduces the risk of flameouts and other combustion-related issues, enhancing the safety of turbine operation.
Regulatory Compliance: Many environmental regulations and emissions standards require the use of efficient atomization and emissions control systems in industrial processes.
In summary, the Atomizing Air Filter Skid with a cyclone and coalescent pack is an essential component in gas turbine systems using liquid fuel. It ensures efficient atomization of the fuel, complete combustion, and reduced emissions, contributing to environmental compliance, equipment protection, and operational efficiency.