Optimized operation of gas turbines is discussed for a fleet of eleven LM2500PE engines at a Statoil North Sea offshore field i n Norway. Three engines are generator drivers whilst eight engines are compressor drivers. Several of the compressor drive engines are running at peak load (T5.4 control), hence the production rate is limited by the available power from these engines. The majority of the engines discussed run continuously without redundancy, hence gas turbine uptime is critical for the field’s production and economy.
Two of the compressor drive engines are instrumented with a new static P2 probe in order to have an inlet depression measurement and thus be able to monitor compressor air flow. Compressor air flow has been used as an additional parameter to efficiency, in order to have better analysis methods and better documentation of deterioration rates. The performance gain with online water wash at high water-to-air ratio and upgraded inlet air filter systems, as well as successful operation at longer intervals between offline wash/maintenance stops are thus documented.
An approach for developing a compressor map for mass flow based on field measurements, predictions and deterioration has been performed, as well as correction methods for engine load and ambient conditions in order to be able to compare performance points in various conditions and engine control modes. When monitoring compressor air flow, the Reynolds number effects on axial compressor performance can be analyzed.
Understanding the gas turbine performance deterioration is of vital importance. Trending of its deviation from the engine baseline facilitates load-independent monitoring of the gas turbine’s condition. Instrument resolution and repeatability are key factors in order to have reasonable results on the performance analysis. Based on previous tests and analysis, the compressor air flow rate is the most sensitive parameter for detecting performance deterioration. Unfortunately, gas turbines for offshore operation, are normally not equipped with any air flow measurement devices.
