Maintaining emissions below permissible levels is a critical aspect of turbine operation. Methods to achieve regulatory compliance have to be non-invasive to ensure continued operation of the turbine.
Five methods are recommended, which can be implemented by turbine owner/operators to lower emissions and increase combustion efficiency. One of the recommended practices is a new technology called Dry Low Emissions/Dry Low NOx (DLE/DLN) mapping, which analyzes signals of turbine conditions over time (please see March/April 2011 issue of Turbomachinery International magazine for more).
DLE/DLN mapping can analyze performance data from the existing control systems and field devices to determine a turbine’s actual performance. Then, adjustments can be made to the system to optimize combustion and lower emissions.
The following can be part of an effective emission control system:
- Emission Monitoring Systems. These include Predictive Emissions Monitoring Systems and Continuous Emission Monitoring System
- DLE/DLN mapping — which graphis fuel flow, rpm and temperature and analyzes data to move the turbine closer to performance curves.
- Valve inspections for process and large steam turbines
- Water injection for older turbines
- Selective Catalytic Reduction
