Gas Turbine Starting Systems - Fugitive Methane Case - Part#2: Gas Starter

WHAT IS A GAS STARTER?

A Gas Starter is a type of Starters for Gas Turbines.

Location:

The Turbine Starter is located at the shaft where the air compressor is located. This shaft is called the “High Pressure Shaft” or “Gas Generator”.

Function:

The function of the Turbine Starter is to start the Gas Turbine in two main modes;

- Unit Startup until reaching the “Self Sustaining Speed”

- Cranking Speed for offline Wash

What is a Gas Starter (Turbo-Starter)?

The Gas Starter (Turbo-Starter) is one type of Turbine Starters. It uses compressed fuel gas as a primary energy source.? This gas starter is originally a Steam Turbine. However in some locations where there was no steam generation, and other considerations, fuel gas was utilized to provide the starting power for the Steam Turbine to drive the gas starter.

In every startup or offline wash, this fuel gas which is almost (Methane) rotates the gas starter and is then vented directly into the atmosphere or routed to be burned in the flare.

GAS STARTER SYSTEM

The Gas Starter-System includes:

- Steam Turbine (Impulse Type)

- Jaw Clutch

- Ratcheting Reduction Gear

- Speed Governor

- Valves

- Gas Inlet & outlet (vent) Piping

- Flame Arresters

The Turbine:

The impulse type turbine is originally a steam turbine, but is not limited to steam as the driving medium, because it works equally as well with compressed air or with natural or process gas.

This model is a radially split horizontal turbine available in 8 frame sizes offering 1 to 1000 HP (745 KW). It has a reputation as a low maintenance, easy to operate ‘workhorse’. Field proven to be an ideal choice for an economical backup or continuous drive for pumps and fans.

COPPUS Steam Turbines

This type of steam turbines have been recognized around the world as rugged, versatile drive solutions for lube oil pumps, feed water pumps, fans, generators and other mechanical drive applications. These turbines are routinely specified by the petroleum, petrochemical, chemical, sugar, paper, food processing and other industries that require continuous or standby emergency power.

Advantages:

- Reliable Operation

- High availability of power source

Disadvantages:

- Safety and Environmental Concerns when venting fuel through flaring system or directly to the atmosphere

Part 3 will address a different type of Turbine Starters