20 Years Experience Burning Heavy Fuels in Heavy Duty Gas Turbines

This paper covers the early experience of the author’s company in burning residual oils in their gas turbines and the problems that occurred. The laboratory invesgations and field tests that resulted in a fuel processing system that permitted satisfactory operation on a wide range of liquid fuels are described. The operating experiences, where residual fuels were successfully burned in a large number of units, are described. The most recent operating experience with residual and crude oils and heavy distillates is also covered. A list of the various installations with dates and hours of operation is included and it is concluded that heavy duty gas turbines burning heavy fuels will be established as the up-to-date source of economical power in many applications.