g

GEI 41040m
Revised, January 2011

GE Energy

Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty

Gas Turbines

These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations in equipment nor to provide for every possible contingency to
be met in connection with installation, operation or maintenance. Should further information be desired or should particular
problems arise which are not covered sufficiently for the purchaser's purposes the matter should be referred to the GE Company.
© General Electric Company, 2011. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved.
 GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 4
II. FUEL GAS CLASSIFICATION ............................................................................................................... 9
A. Natural Gas, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) ................................ 9
B. Gasification Fuels ................................................................................................................................ 10
C. Process Gases ....................................................................................................................................... 11
III. FUEL PROPERTIES ............................................................................................................................... 11
A. Heating Values ..................................................................................................................................... 11
B. Modified Wobbe Index (MWI) ............................................................................................................ 12
C. Superheat Requirement ........................................................................................................................ 13
D. Hydrocarbon Dew Point ...................................................................................................................... 15
E. Moisture Dew Point ............................................................................................................................. 15
F. Flammability Ratio .............................................................................................................................. 16
G. Gas Constituent Limits ........................................................................................................................ 16
H. Gas Fuel Supply Pressure .................................................................................................................... 16
IV. CONTAMINANTS ................................................................................................................................... 17
A. Particulates ........................................................................................................................................... 17
B. Liquids ................................................................................................................................................. 17
C. Sulfur ................................................................................................................................................... 17
D. Trace Metals ........................................................................................................................................ 19
V. SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS ......................................................................................................... 19
A. Particulates ........................................................................................................................................... 19
B. Liquids ................................................................................................................................................. 19
C. Sulfur ................................................................................................................................................... 19
D. Trace Metals ........................................................................................................................................ 19
E. Air ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
F. Steam ................................................................................................................................................... 20
G. Water .................................................................................................................................................... 21
H. Fuel ...................................................................................................................................................... 21

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Hydrocarbon and Moisture Superheat Requirements ........................................................................... 15

Figure 2. Moisture Dew Point as a Function of Concentration and Gas Pressure for a Typical Natural
Gas Fuel ................................................................................................................................................ 16

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1a. Fuel Gas Classification ........................................................................................................................... 5

Table 1b. Representative GE Fuels Experience* ................................................................................................... 5
Table 2a. Fuel Gas Specification (see Note 1 and 2) ............................................................................................. 6
Table 2b. Allowable Gas Fuel Contaminant Levels............................................................................................... 7
Table 3. Test Methods for Gaseous Fuels ............................................................................................................ 9

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

APPENDIX

APPENDIX 1. DEFINITIONS .......................................................................................................................... 22

APPENDIX 2. PARTICLE SIZE LIMITATIONS ......................................................................................... 23

APPENDIX 3. EQUIVALENT CONTAMINANT RELATIONSHIPS

(ALL MACHINES EXCEPT FB, H-CLASS) ........................................................................ 24

APPENDIX 4. MINIMUM GAS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT CALCULATIONS ...................... 25

APPENDIX 5. REQUESTED FUEL ANALYSIS DATA FOR GE EVALUATION .................................. 26

APPENDIX 6. RELATED SPECIFICATION DOCUMENTS ..................................................................... 27

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GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

I. INTRODUCTION

General Electric heavy-duty gas turbines have the ability to burn a wide variety of gaseous fuels as
classified in Table 1a. The properties of these gases can vary significantly due to the relative
concentrations of the reactant and inert constituents. Because of GE’s long history and large installed
base, GE’s experience with various fuel gases is broad and extensive. Table 1b summarizes this
experience by frame size (B/E-class or F-class) and combustion system type (Dry Low NOx or
Diffusion).

The fundamental combustor operability criteria must be satisfied regardless of the fuel that is being
utilized by the turbine:

 Robustness to auto-ignition
 Robustness to flashback
 Emissions compliance (NOx, CO, UHC, Smoke)
 Acceptable combustion dynamic pressures
 Robustness to lean blowout

The composition, reactivity, heating value, and contaminant levels of the fuel lead to selection of
combustor design features to optimize these operability requirements. Prior to the mid-1970’s, diffusion
combustors were the standard choice for gas turbines because of their simplicity and relative fuel
flexibility. As emissions regulations became more stringent, water or steam injection systems were added
to these diffusion combustors to reduce flame temperatures and lower NOx emissions. Further tightening
of emissions requirements coupled with the desire for water-free low-emissions solutions led to the
introduction of lean-premixed combustors in the late 1980’s such as GE’s Dry Low NOx (DLN)
combustors. These lean-premixed combustion technologies were typically optimized for low-emissions
operation on natural gas fuels and had characteristically lower fuel-flexibility than diffusion combustors.

As technology advances to achieve higher efficiency and lower emissions, some models and combustion
systems impose restrictions on the physical and chemical properties of the fuel gases that can be utilized
in order to protect the gas turbine and to burn these fuels in an efficient and robust manner. These
restrictions are continually being updated as technology improves. Tables 2a and 2b provide a screen for
fuels that are acceptable across most frame sizes and combustor types. Table 2a specifies the allowable
fuel properties and constituents, and Table 2b lists the limitations on contaminants.

Fuels that fall outside of these limits are frequently acceptable for many specific applications; for
example, a high hydrogen fuel can be used with diffusion flame combustors in most cases. The
relationship between technologies can also be seen in the fuels experience shown in Table 1b. Additional
approaches such as fuel heating and transfer fuels can extend the range of usable fuels. Because GE is
continuously improving its products and increasing fuel flexibility, strict limits are not specified here by
combustion system. Consultation with GE will allow a determination of the options available for specific
fuel choices. Appendix 5 describes the information GE needs to evaluate potential fuel gases.

Table 3 identifies the acceptable test methods to be used for determining fuel gas properties shown in
Tables 2a and 2b and discussed in the balance of this fuel specification.

The balance of this fuel specification provides more detailed description of the factors used in evaluating
potential fuels as well as descriptions of the pretreatment that is sometimes required to ensure robust gas
turbine operation.

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

Table 1a. Fuel Gas Classification

FUEL LHV MAJOR COMPONENTS

Btu/scf
Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas 800-1200 Methane

Liquefied Petroleum Gas 2300-3200 Propane, Butane

Gasification Gases
- Air Blown 100-150 Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Water Vapor
- Oxygen Blown 200-400 Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen, Water Vapor
Process Gases 300-3000 Methane, Hydrogen, Carbon Monoxide, Ethane,
Ethene, Propane, Propene, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen

Table 1b. Representative GE Fuels Experience*

B/E-Class Experience F-Class Experience
Diffusion DLN Diffusion DLN
Constituent Limit, mole % Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Notes
Methane 0 100 74 100 0 100 85 100 % of reactant species
Ethane 0 58 0 26 0 15 0 15 % of reactant species
Propane 0 90 0 16 0 15 0 15 % of reactant species
Butane + higher paraffins (C4+) 0 100 0 7 0 5 0 5 % of reactant species
Hydrogen 0 95 0 18 0 47 0 3 % of reactant species
Carbon Monoxide 0 76 0 15 0 60 0 5 % of reactant species
Total Inerts (N2 + CO2 + Ar) 0 68 0 42 0 24 0 28 % of total (reactants + inerts)

*This experience is given as reference only and in no way guarantees robust operation on all combinations of fuels
within this experience. For Fuel Gas Specification, see Table 2a.

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GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

Table 2a. Fuel Gas Specification (see Note 1 and 2)

FUEL PROPERTIES MAX MIN NOTES

Gas Fuel Pressure Varies with Varies with See Note 3
unit and unit and
combustor type combustor type
Gas Fuel Temperature, °F see note 4 Varies With gas see Note 4
pressure
Lower Heating Value, Btu/scf 1160 775 See Note 5
Modified Wobbe Index (MWI) See Note 6
- Absolute Limits 54 40 See Note 7
- Range Within Limits +5% -5% See Note 8
Flammability Ratio See Note 9 2.2:1 Rich: Lean Fuel/Air
Ratio volume basis.
See Note 10
Constituent Limits, mole %
Methane 100 85 % of reactant species
Ethane 15 0 % of reactant species
Propane 15 0 % of reactant species
Butane + higher paraffins (C4+) 5 0 % of reactant species
Hydrogen Trace 0 % of reactant species
Carbon Monoxide Trace 0 % of reactant species
Oxygen Trace 0 % of reactant species
Total Inerts (N2+CO2+Ar) 15 0 % of total (reactants +
inerts).
Aromatics (Benzene, Toluene Report 0 See Note 11
etc.)
Sulfur Report 0 See Note 12

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

Table 2b. Allowable Gas Fuel Contaminant Levels

Fuel Equivalent Limit, XFe (see Note 13 &
Turbine Inlet Limit, Xe
Appendix 3)
ppbw
ppmw
Machine Model Machine Model
MS3000 MS3000,MS5000
MS5000 B, E and F, 6C, FB and H- CLASS
B, E, F, 6C, FB and H-
Turbine inlet flow/fuel
CLASS
flow (B, E, F)
Trace Metals 50 12 4
Lead (Pb) 20 1.00 0.240 0.080
10
Vanadium (V) 0.5 0.120 0.040
40
Calcium (Ca) 40 2.0 0.480 0.160
Magnesium (Mg) 2.0 0.480 0.160

Sodium + Potassium (see Note 14)

(Na/K)=28 20 1.00 0.24 0.080
(Na/K)=3 10 0.50 0.12 0.040
(Na/K)=<1 6 0.30 0.072 0.024
Particulates (see Note 15)
Total 600 30 7.2 2.4
Above 10 6 0.3 0.072 0.024
microns
Liquids: No Liquids allowed, gas must be superheated. (see Note 16)

Fuel Property and Contaminant Notes:

1. All fuel properties must meet the requirements from ignition to base load unless otherwise stated.
2. Values and limits apply at the inlet of the gas fuel control module, typically the purchaser’s
connection, FG1.
3. Minimum and maximum gas fuel supply pressure requirements are furnished by GE as part of the
unit proposal.
4. The minimum fuel gas temperature must meet the required superheat as described in section III–C.
Separate requirements are included for hydrocarbon and moisture superheat. The maximum
allowable fuel temperature is defined in GER 4189 (2).
5. Heating value ranges shown are provided as guidelines. Specific fuel analysis must be furnished to
GE for thorough analysis. (See section III–A).
6. See section III–B for definition of Modified Wobbe Index (MWI).
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GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

7. The upper and lower limits for MWI shown are what can be accommodated within the standard dry
low NOx fuel system designs. Fuels outside of this range can often be utilized and may need
additional design and development effort. Performance fuel heating may be restricted on fuel with
high inert content to stay above the minimum MWI limit.
8. Variations of MWI greater than + 5% or –5% may be acceptable for some applications, (i.e., on units
that incorporate gas fuel heating). GE must analyze and approve all conditions where the 5%
variation is to be exceeded. See also Section III-B for applications where the MWI varies between
the +-5% limits.
9. There is no defined maximum flammability ratio limit. Fuels with flammability ratio significantly
larger than those of natural gas may require a start–up fuel. Further discussion and documentation on
measurement and calculation of flammability limits are covered in references 5 and 6, Bureau of
Mines Bulletins.
10. Candidate fuels, which do not meet these limits, should be referred to GE for further review. All
fuels will be reviewed by GE on a case-by-case basis. (see section III–G).
11. When fuel heating for thermal efficiency improvements is utilized (e.g. Tgas > 300°F) there is a
possibility of gum formation if excess aromatics are present. Contact GE for further information.
12. The quantity of sulfur in gas fuels is not limited by this specification. Experience has shown that fuel
sulfur levels up to 1% by volume do not significantly affect oxidation/corrosion rates. Hot corrosion
of hot gas path parts is controlled by the specified trace metal limits. Sulfur levels shall be
considered when addressing HRSG Corrosion, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Deposition,
Exhaust Emissions, System Material Requirements, Elemental Sulfur Deposition and Iron Sulfide.
(refer to Section IV–C).
13. The contamination limits identified represent the total allowable limit at the inlet to the turbine
section. These limits will be reduced if comparable contaminants are present in the compressor inlet
air and combustion steam/water injection. Consult with GE for limits for specific applications.
14. Sodium and potassium, from salt water, are the only corrosive trace metal contaminants normally
found in natural gases. Na/K =28 is nominal sea salt ratio. Other trace metal contaminants may be
found in Gasification and Process Gases. GE will review these on a case-by-case basis.
15. The fuel gas delivery system shall be designed to prevent the generation or the admittance of solid
particulate to the gas turbine gas fuel system. This shall include but not be limited to particulate
filtration and non-corrosive (i.e. stainless steel) piping from the particulate filtration to the inlet of
the gas turbine equipment. Fuel gas piping systems shall be properly cleaned/flushed and maintained
prior to gas turbine operation. (See section IV–A).
16. The fuel gas supply shall be 100% free of liquids. Admission of liquids can result in combustion
and/or hot gas path component damage. (See section III–C) GE will require an input signal from the
conditioning system liquid level indication closest to the GE Speed Ratio Valve or Gas Control
Valve. This liquid level indication will be brought into the turbine controller and used as a signal to
stop Gas Turbine operation when the liquid level reaches a fault level. It is highly recommended that
this device have redundancy. The supplier of the gas conditioning system should provide this signal.

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

Table 3. Test Methods for Gaseous Fuels

PROPERTY METHOD
Gas Sampling Procedure GPA 2166(3)
Gas Composition to C6 + (gas ASTM D 1945
chromatography)
Extended Gas Composition to GPA 2286(4)
C14
Heating Value ASTM D 3588
Specific Gravity ASTM D 3588
Compressibility Factor ASTM D 3588
Dew Point (see Test Method ASTM D 1142
note 1)
Sulfur (see Test method note 2) ASTM D 3246

Test Method Notes:

1. Hydrocarbon and water dew points shall be determined by direct dew point measurement (Chilled
Mirror Device). If dew point cannot be measured, an extended gas analysis, which identifies
hydrocarbon components from C1 through C14, shall be performed. This analysis must provide an
accuracy of greater than 10 ppmv. A standard gas analysis to C6+ is normally not acceptable for dew
point calculation unless it is known that heavier hydrocarbons are not present, as is most often the
case with liquefied natural gases.
2. This test method will not detect the presence of condensable sulfur vapor. Specialized filtration
equipment is required to measure sulfur at concentrations present in vapor form. Contact GE for
more information.

II. FUEL GAS CLASSIFICATION

A. Natural Gas, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Natural gases are predominantly methane with much smaller quantities of the slightly heavier
hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane and butane. Liquefied petroleum gas is propane and/or butane
with traces of heavier hydrocarbons.

1. Natural Gas

Natural gases normally fall within the calorific heating value range of 800 to 1200 Btu per
standard cubic foot. Actual calorific heating values are dependent on the percentages of
hydrocarbons and inert gases contained in the gas. Natural gases are found in and extracted from
underground reservoirs. These “raw gases” may contain varying degrees of nitrogen, carbon
dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and contaminants such as salt water, sand and dirt. Processing by the
gas supplier normally reduces and/or removes these constituents and contaminants prior to
distribution. A gas analysis must be performed to ensure that the fuel supply to the gas turbine
meets the requirements of this specification.

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GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

2. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Liquefied natural gas is produced by drying, compressing, cooling and expanding natural gas to
approximately -260° F at 14.7 psia. The product is transported as a liquid and delivered as a gas
after pressurizing and heating to ambient temperature. The composition is free of inerts and
moisture and can be treated as a high quality natural gas. LNG can pick up moisture that is
present in the pipeline but it is not a source of the moisture.

The hydrocarbon dew point is typically less than -10° F at 500 psia but, depending on the
processing steps and tank size, the dew point may increase if the boil–off is continuously
extracted between deliveries. Cooling and recompression of the boil–off will avoid this potential
problem. The expected range in component concentrations should be obtained from the gas
supplier to determine the potential change in dew point.

3. Liquefied Petroleum Gases

The heating values of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPGs) normally fall between 2300 and 3200
Btu/ scf (LHV). Based on their high commercial value, these fuels are normally utilized as a
back-up fuel to the primary gas fuel for gas turbines. Since LPGs are normally stored in a liquid
state, it is critical that the vaporization process and gas supply system maintains the fuel at a
temperature above the minimum required superheat value. Fuel heating and heat tracing are
required to meet these requirements.

B. Gasification Fuels
Gasification fuels are produced by either an oxygen blown or air blown gasification process and are
formed using coal, petroleum coke or heavy liquids as a feedstock. In general, the heating values of
gasification fuel are substantially lower than other fuel gases. The reduced heating value of
gasification fuels result in the effective areas of the fuel nozzles being larger than those utilized for
natural gas fuels.

1. Oxygen Blown Gasification

The heating values of gases produced by oxygen blown gasification fall in the range of 200 to
400 Btu/scf. These fuels normally have a hydrogen (H2) content above 30% by volume and a
H2/CO mole ratio between 0.5 and 0.8. Oxygen blown gasification fuels are often mixed with
steam for thermal NOx control, cycle efficiency improvement and/or power augmentation. When
utilized, the steam is injected into the combustor by an independent passage. Due to the high
hydrogen content of these fuels, oxygen blown gasification fuels are normally not suitable for
Dry Low NOx (DLN) applications (see Table 2a). The high flame speeds resulting from high
hydrogen fuels can result in flashback or primary zone re-ignition on DLN pre-mixed
combustion systems. Utilization of these fuels requires evaluation by GE.

2. Air Blown Gasification

Gases produced by air blown gasification normally have heating values between 100 and 150
Btu/ scf. The H2 content of these fuels can range from 8% to 20% by volume and they can have a
H2 /CO mole ratio 0.3 to 3:1. The use and treatment of these fuels is similar to that identified for
oxygen blown gasification.

Gasification fuels provide a significant fraction of the total turbine mass flow rate. With oxygen
blown fuels the diluents addition (typically nitrogen) also assists with NOx control. Careful

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

integration of the gas turbine with the gasification plant is required to assure an operable system.
Due to the low volumetric heating value of both oxygen and air blown gases, a special fuel
system and fuel nozzles are required.

C. Process Gases
Many chemical processes generate surplus gases that may be utilized as fuel for gas turbines. (e.g. tail
or refinery gases). These gases often consist of methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, ethane, ethene,
propane, propene, and carbon dioxide that are normally byproducts of petrochemical processes. The
hydrogen and carbon monoxide contents of these fuels result in a high rich-to-lean flammability limit.
These types of fuels often require inerting and purging of the gas turbine gas fuel system upon unit
shutdown or a transfer to a more conventional fuel. When process gas fuels have extreme
flammability limits such that the fuel will auto ignite at turbine exhaust conditions, a more
“conventional” start-up fuel is required. Additional process gases that are utilized as gas turbine fuels
are byproducts of steel production. These are:

1. Blast Furnace Gases

Blast Furnace Gases (BFGs), alone, have heating values below the minimal allowable limits.
These gases must be blended with other fuels such as coke oven gas, natural gas or hydrocarbons
such as propane or butane to raise the heating value above the required lower limit.

2. Coke Oven Gases

Coke oven gases are high in hydrogen and methane and may be used as fuel for non-DLN
combustion systems. These fuels often contain trace amounts of heavy hydrocarbons, which may
lead to carbon buildup on the fuel nozzles. The heavy hydrocarbons must be “scrubbed” or
removed from the fuel prior to delivery to the gas turbine.

3. COREX Gases

COREX gases are similar to oxygen blown gasification fuels and may be treated as such. They
are usually lower in H2 content and have heating values lower than oxygen blown gasification
fuels.

III. FUEL PROPERTIES

A. Heating Values
The heat of combustion, heating value or calorific value of a fuel is the amount of energy generated
by the complete combustion of a unit mass of fuel. The US system of measurement uses British
thermal units (Btu) per pound or Btu per standard cubic foot when expressed on a volume basis. The
heating value of a gas fuel may be determined experimentally using a calorimeter in which fuel is
burned in the presence of air at constant pressure. The products are allowed to cool to the initial
temperature, and a measurement is made of the energy released during complete combustion. All
fuels that contain hydrogen release water vapor as a product of combustion, which is subsequently
condensed in the calorimeter. The resulting measurement of the heat released is the higher heating
value (HHV), also known as the gross heating value, and includes the heat of vaporization of water.
The lower heating value (LHV), also known as the net heating value, is calculated by subtracting the
heat of vaporization of water from the measured HHV and assumes that all products of combustion
including water remain in the gaseous phase. Both the HHV and LHV may also be calculated from
the gas compositional analysis using the procedure described in ASTM D 3588. For most gas fuels, a
standard gas analysis to C6+ is adequate for determination of heating value, but an extended C14

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GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

analysis (4) may also be used if available. Gas turbines do not operate with condensing exhaust
systems and it is common gas turbine industry practice to utilize the LHV when calculating the
overall cycle thermal efficiency.

B. Modified Wobbe Index (MWI)

Gas turbines can operate with fuel gases having a very wide range of heating values, but the amount
of variation that a specific fuel system design can accommodate is limited. The fuel nozzles are
designed to operate within a fixed range of pressure ratios, and changes in heating value can be
accommodated by increasing or decreasing the fuel nozzle area or gas temperature. A measure of the
interchangeability of gas fuels for a given system design is the modified Wobbe index, or MWI . This
term is used as a relative measure of the energy injected to the combustor at a fixed pressure ratio and
is calculated using the fuel lower heating value, the specific gravity with respect to air and the fuel
temperature. The mathematical definition is as follows:

LHV
Modified Wobbe Index = (1)
SGgas x Tgas

For an ideal gas this is equivalent to:

LHV
Modified Wobbe Index = (2)
MWgas
x Tgas
28.96

LHV = Lower Heating Value of the Gas Fuel (Btu/scf)

SGgas = Specific Gravity of the Gas Fuel relative to Air

MWgas = Molecular Weight of the Gas Fuel

Tgas= Absolute Temperature of the Gas Fuel (ºRankine)

28.96 = Molecular Weight of Dry Air

The allowable MWI range is established to ensure that required fuel nozzle pressure ratios are
maintained during all combustion/turbine modes of operation. When multiple gas fuels are supplied
and/or if variable fuel temperatures result in a MWI that exceed the 5% limitation, independent fuel
gas trains, which could include control valves, manifolds and fuel nozzles, may be required for
standard (diffusion flame) combustion systems. For DLN systems, an alternate control method may
be required to ensure that the required fuel nozzle pressure ratios are met. An accurate analysis of all
gas fuels, along with fuel gas temperature-time profiles shall be submitted to GE for proper
evaluation.

MWI Variability Within the +/-5% Range

This gas fuel specification is written to provide customers with the allowable limits of gas fuel
properties that can be tolerated with a specific set of hardware and permit the turbine to operate
within the normal limits for emissions and combustor dynamics. It was not written with the intent of
addressing fuel variability within the stated limits. The gas turbine can operate successfully within the
stated limits without the need for outages or for combustion system hardware modification such as

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

fuel nozzle changes. It is expected that as the fuel properties vary from one extreme limit to the next,
some controls adjustments to change combustor operation may be required to operate the combustion
system with optimum dynamics and emissions performance. Currently, these controls changes are
performed manually, on-line and without the need for an outage. Accordingly, if the variability
described above is encountered on a frequent (daily, weekly) basis, then an automatic compensation
system may be preferable to constant monitoring with manual intervention.

Exceptions to the fuel specification must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

C. Superheat Requirement
The superheat requirement is establish to ensure that the fuel gas supply to the gas turbine is 100%
free of liquids. Superheat is the temperature difference between the gas temperature and the
respective dew point. The requirement is independent of the hydrocarbon and moisture concentration.

Dependent upon their constituents, gas entrained liquids could cause degradation of gas fuel nozzles,
and, for DLN applications, premixed flame flashbacks or re-ignitions. Condensation of moisture must
be avoided to prevent the formation of gas hydrates and collection of water in low points of the gas
fuel system. The superheat requirement is specified to provide enough margin to compensate for the
temperature reduction as the gas expands across the gas fuel control valves. The requirements are
applicable at all operating conditions and apply to all units including those installed with either
standard or DLN combustion systems. Exceptions are units burning coal derived low Btu fuels, the
requirements for which must be determined on a case-by-case basis. The superheat requirements take
into account the gas temperature drop and the relationship of the moisture and hydrocarbon dew point
lines to the gas fuel pressure. Because of differences between the dew point line characteristics in the
region of interest (less than 700 psia), the opportunity for moisture condensation as the gas expands is
less than that for hydrocarbons. Advantage has been taken of this physical property to provide users
with two separate requirements in order to minimize the cost of superheating. In addition, the
superheat requirements depend on the expansion ratio across the control valves and can therefore be
expressed as a function of the incoming gas pressure at the inlet to the gas fuel control system.

To avoid hydrocarbon condensation the superheat requirement is:

Tsh = 2.33 x (Pgas

100
) - 2.8 x (Pgas
2

100
) (3)
where:

Tsh is the hydrocarbon superheat requirement in °F (incremental temperature above the hydrocarbon
dew point)

Pgas is the gas fuel delivery pressure at the inlet to the gas turbine control system, psia

To avoid moisture and hydrate formation the superheat requirement is:

Tsm = 5.15 x (Pgas

100
)- 7 (4)
where:

Tsm is the moisture superheat requirement in °F (incremental temperature above the moisture dew
point)

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GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

The superheat requirements are shown graphically on Figure 1 for moisture and hydrocarbons. Both
should be determined and added to the respective dew points (moisture and hydrocarbon) at the gas
turbine fuel delivery pressure. The higher of the two values, superheat plus dew point, will determine
the preliminary minimum gas fuel temperature that is required in order to meet the superheat
requirements. In some cases, the hydrocarbon dew point may be low enough that the requirement for
meeting the moisture superheat will dominate. However, if the hydrocarbon dew point is close to the
moisture dew point, and the hydrocarbon dew point varies sufficiently, the moisture and hydrocarbon
superheat requirements may reverse on which one dominates. In order to avoid this situation, GE has
developed a breakpoint strategy. The breakpoints that will be used are based on gas supply pressure,
as seen in the table below:

Gas Supply Pressure Hydrocarbon Dew Point Breakpoint

500 psia or less -25°F

501 psia to 600 psia -35°F

601 psia to 700 psia -50°F

Maximum Hydrocarbon Dew Point less than Breakpoint

If the maximum hydrocarbon dew point, calculated during the Order to Requisition process, is below
the breakpoint level, then GE will assume that the hydrocarbon superheat requirements are less than
the moisture superheat requirements. Therefore, the minimum gas temperature will be determined by
the moisture dew point plus the moisture superheat.

Maximum Hydrocarbon Dew Point greater than Breakpoint

However, if the maximum hydrocarbon dew point, calculated during the Order to Requisition
process, is above a breakpoint, then GE will assume the unconditioned gas is saturated. This will
require the full hydrocarbon superheat to be applied to the unconditioned gas. The resulting gas
temperature may be higher than just adding the hydrocarbon dew point and hydrocarbon superheat.
See Appendix 4 for a sample calculation.

Continuous Hydrocarbon Dew Point Measurement

An alternate approach to the use of a breakpoint is to provide instrumentation to measure the

hydrocarbon dew point continuously, and then to provide that signal to GE through the gas turbine
controller. The turbine controller will then use the hydrocarbon dew point, along with the moisture
dew point, provided during the Order to Requisition process, to determine if sufficient superheat has
been provided.

Non-superheated Gas Temperature Signal

GE will require an input signal, into the turbine controller, of the gas fuel temperature upstream of
any performance or superheating system. The turbine controller will take action if sufficient
superheat is not supplied.

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

Figure 1. Hydrocarbon and Moisture Superheat Requirements

D. Hydrocarbon Dew Point
The hydrocarbon dew point is the temperature at which the first droplet of hydrocarbon forms as the
gas temperature is reduced at a given pressure and is analogous to the moisture dew point. The
hydrocarbon dew point is very sensitive to small concentrations of heavy hydrocarbons (C6+) and
contamination of the gas sample during sampling can be an issue. The use of a sample probe and
following the sampling procedure described in GPA 2166(3), particularly with respect to sample
cylinder purging, can avoid these problems. For this reason the recommended method for
hydrocarbon dew point determination is by direct measurement using a chilled mirror instrument
(ASTM D 1142). If a direct measurement cannot be performed, the dew point may be calculated from
the extended C14 gas fuel analysis (4). Use of a C6+ analysis for dew point determination may result
in an under-estimation of 30°F to 40°F or more. Exceptions are fuels that do not contain heavy
hydrocarbons such as liquefied natural gas.

E. Moisture Dew Point

The gas fuel moisture dew point is dependent upon the moisture concentration and the gas fuel
pressure. When expressed in units of lbs/mmscft (pounds per million standard cubic feet), the
resulting dew point is practically independent of the gas fuel composition (other than moisture).
Typically, many pipeline tariffs limit the maximum allowable moisture content to 7 lbs/mmscft while
the actual value may be significantly less. It is the maximum allowable value, however, that
determines the design requirements for superheat. Figure 2 is included to provide a guide for
determining the expected moisture dew point from the moisture concentration and gas fuel pressure
of a typical natural gas. The actual dew point will vary slightly with gas composition changes.
© General Electric Company, 2011. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved. 15
GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

Figure 2. Moisture Dew Point as a Function of Concentration and Gas Pressure for a Typical Natural
Gas Fuel
F. Flammability Ratio
Fuel gases containing hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide will have a ratio of rich-to-lean
flammability limits that is significantly greater than that of natural gas. Typically, gases with greater
than 5% hydrogen by volume fall into this range and require a separate startup fuel. GE will evaluate
the gas analysis to determine the requirement for a start-up fuel. Fuel gases with large percentages of
an inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide will have a ratio of rich-to-lean flammability limits
less than that of natural gas. Flammability ratios of less than 2.2 to 1 based on volume at ISO
conditions (14.696 psia and 59° F), may experience problems maintaining stable combustion over the
full operating range of the turbine.

G. Gas Constituent Limits

Gas constituent limits are specified to assure stable combustion through all gas turbine loads and
modes of operation. A detailed gas analysis must be furnished to GE for proper evaluation. See
reference (3) for the recommended sampling procedure and ASTM D1945 for a C6+ analysis
procedure.

H. Gas Fuel Supply Pressure

Gas fuel supply pressure requirements are dependent on the gas turbine model, the combustion
system design, the fuel gas analysis and unit specific site conditions. As part of the unit proposal, GE
will furnish minimum and maximum gas fuel supply pressure requirements.

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

IV. CONTAMINANTS

Dependent on the type of fuel gas, the geographical location and the forwarding means, there is the
potential for the “raw” gas supply to contain one or more of the following contaminants:

1. Tar, lamp black, coke

2. Water, salt water
3. Sand, clay
4. Rust
5. Iron sulfide
6. Scrubber oil or liquid
7. Compressor Lube oil
8. Naphthalene
9. Gas Hydrates

It is critical that the fuel gas is properly conditioned prior to being utilized as gas turbine fuel. This
conditioning can be performed by a variety of methods. These include, but are not limited to: media
filtration, inertial separation, coalescing and fuel heating. Table 2b identifies the trace metal, particulate
and liquid contamination limits. It is critical that fuel gas conditioning equipment be designed and sized
so that these limits are not exceeded. For further information on gas fuel conditioning, see publication
GER 3942 (8).

A. Particulates
Contamination limits for particulates are established to prevent fouling and excessive erosion of hot
gas path parts, erosion and plugging of combustion fuel nozzles and erosion of the gas fuel system
control valves. The utilization of gas filtration or inertial separation is instrumental in ensuring that
the particulate requirements as defined in Table 2b are met. GE recommends the use of stainless steel
piping downstream of this last level of filtration to prevent the generation of corrosion-derived
particulates.

B. Liquids
As identified in Table 2b, zero liquids are allowed in the gas turbine fuel gas supply. Refer to Note 16
of table 2b for current input requirements and turbine controller actions. The introduction of liquids
with gas fuel can result in nuisance and/or hardware damaging conditions. These include rapid
excursions in firing temperature and gas turbine load, primary zone re-ignition and flashback of pre-
mixed flames. In severe conditions, liquid carryover to the first stage turbine nozzle may result in
damage to downstream hot gas path components. When liquids are identified in the gas fuel supply,
phase separation and heating must be employed to achieve the required superheat level.

C. Sulfur
There are several concerns relative to the levels of sulfur contained in the fuel gas supply. Many of
these are not directly related to the gas turbine but to associated equipment and emissions
requirements. These concerns include but not limited to:

© General Electric Company, 2011. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved. 17

GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

1. Hot Gas Path Corrosion

Typically, use of sulfur bearing fuels will not be limited by concerns for corrosion in the turbine
hot gas path. Experience has shown that fuel sulfur levels up to about 1% sulfur do not
significantly affect oxidation/corrosion rates. Specifying the fuel alkali levels to values shown in
Table 2b controls hot corrosion of hot gas path parts resulting from alkali sulfate formation.
Unless sulfur levels are extremely low, alkali levels are usually limiting in determining hot
corrosion of hot gas path materials. For low Btu gases, the fuel mass flow rate at the turbine inlet
is increased over that for natural gas, and the alkali limit in the fuel is therefore decreased.

2. HRSG Corrosion

If heat recovery equipment is used, the gas fuel sulfur concentration must be known so that the
appropriate design for the equipment can be specified. Severe corrosion from condensed
sulfurous acid results if a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) has metal temperatures below
the acid dew point.

3. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Deposition

Units utilizing ammonia injection downstream of the gas turbine for NOx control can experience
the formation of deposits containing ammonium sulfate and bisulfate on low temperature
evaporator and economizer tubes. Such deposits are quite acidic and therefore corrosive. These
deposits and the corrosion that they cause may also decrease HRSG performance and increase
backpressure on the gas turbine. Deposition rates of ammonium sulfate and bisulfate are
determined by the sulfur content of the fuel, ammonia content in the exhaust gas, tube
temperature and boiler design. Fuels having sulfur levels above those used as odorants for
natural gas should be reported to GE. In addition, the presence of minute quantities of chlorides
in the compressor inlet air may result in cracking of ANSI 300 series stainless steels in the hot
gas path.

4. Exhaust Emissions

Sulfur burns mostly to sulfur dioxide, but 5%-10% oxidizes to sulfur trioxide. The latter can
result in sulfate formation, and may be counted as particulate matter in some jurisdictions. The
remainder will be discharged as sulfur dioxide. To limit the discharge of acid gas, some localities
may restrict the allowable concentration of sulfur in the fuel.

5. System Material Requirements

When considering fuel gases containing sulfur (sour gas fuels) material selection for system
piping and components shall comply with NACE Standard, MR0175 (9).

6. Elemental Sulfur Deposition

Solid elemental sulfur deposits can occur in gas fuel systems downstream of pressure reducing
stations or gas control valves under certain conditions. These conditions may be present if the
gas fuel contains elemental sulfur vapor, even when the concentration of the vapor is a few parts
per billion by weight. Concentrations of this magnitude cannot be measured by commercially
available instrumentation and deposition cannot therefore be anticipated based on a standard gas
analysis. Should deposition take place, fuel heating will be required to maintain the sulfur in
vapor phase and avoid deposition. A gas temperature of 130°F or higher may be required at the

18 © General Electric Company, 2011. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved.

 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

inlet to the gas control valves to avoid deposition, depending on the sulfur vapor concentration.
The sulfur vapor concentration can be measured by specialized filtering equipment. Contact GE
for further information on this subject.

7. Iron Sulfide

The presence of sulfur in the gas may promote the formation of iron sulfides. Under certain
conditions, iron sulfide is a pyrophoric material that can auto ignite at atmospheric pressure and
temperature when exposed to air. Extreme care must be taken when servicing gas fuel cleanup
equipment to avoid accidental exposure to oxygen and subsequent combustion of filter material.

D. Trace Metals
Sodium is the only trace metal contaminant normally found in natural gas. The source of sodium in
natural gas is salt water. Limits on trace metals are established to prevent the formation of corrosive
deposits on hot gas path components. These deposits can be detrimental to gas turbine parts life. In
addition to sodium, additionally harmful trace metal contaminants can be found in gasification and
process gases. GE will determine limits on these contaminants on a case-by-case basis.

V. SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS
A. Particulates
The major source of particulates is from corrosion products in the pipeline. These products are
continuously formed over the life of the pipeline at rates that are determined by the corrosive
components and water content of the gas. For this reason most gas suppliers control moisture content
to avoid the possibility of water condensing and forming acid with CO2 or H2S.

B. Liquids
Gas at the wellhead is typically produced in a wet saturated condition and is treated to remove water
and heavy hydrocarbon liquids. Depending on the degree of treatment and the supply pressure, the
gas may be delivered in a dry condition. After pressure reduction it is possible for condensates to
form as the gas cools during expansion. The condensates may be either water or hydrocarbons or
both. Carry over of lubricating oil from compressor stations is another source of liquids.

C. Sulfur
Sulfur is usually combined with either hydrogen as H2S or carbon as COS. It is produced with the
natural gas. Typically the gas supplier will limit H2S to a concentration of less than approximately 20
ppmv by removing sulfur in a treatment system. Sulfur may also be present in very low
concentrations (< 100 ppbv) in the form of elemental sulfur vapor.

D. Trace Metals
The details of various sources of alkali contaminants in the following text apply to all classes of
machines.

Contributions to the alkali content of the combustion gases can come from any of the material
streams supplied to the combustor; fuel, air, water or steam. The basic parameter which can be used
to define the allowable alkali metal content admitted to the turbine is Xt, the combined sodium and
potassium content of the combustion gas at the entry to the first stage nozzle. This concentration must
not exceed the values stated in Table 2b. Since there is no simple test method for measuring Xt in an

© General Electric Company, 2011. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved. 19

GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

operating turbine, it must be calculated from the alkali metal contents of the fuel, air, water and steam
flows.

T(Xt) = A(Xa) + F(Xf ) + S(Xs) + W(Xw)

Where T = total flow to turbine (= A + F + S + W):

Xt = alkali contaminant concentration in total flow as Na.

A = Air flow,

Xa = contaminant concentration in air.

F = Fuel flow,

Xf = contaminant concentration in fuel

S = Steam flow,

Xs = contaminant concentration in steam.

W = water flow

Xw = contaminant concentration in water.

The allowable levels of alkali contamination in the different flows entering the gas turbine are
discussed below.

E. Air
There are four sources of alkaline metal contained in the compressor discharge air, (a) Inlet filter
carryover of sodium chloride in ambient air (b) carryover of sodium dissolved in water used for
evaporative cooling (c) carryover of sodium dissolved in water used for inlet fogging and (d)
carryover of sodium from water used for on-line water washing.

When concentrations of trace metals in fuel, water or steam are not precisely known, a value of 0.005
ppmw, GER 3419 (10), can be used for systems with or without evaporative coolers. This value, based
on experience, would cause an insignificant contribution to the overall contamination level and have
a minor impact on parts lives.

For systems with inlet foggers, the water carry over is 100% compared with approximately 0.003%
for evaporative coolers and the potential sodium carry over is therefore proportionally higher. The
maximum inlet fogging water flow rate is approximately 1/3 of the natural gas flow rate and,
depending on the sodium concentration, could use up a significant portion of the total allowed at the
turbine inlet. Refer to GEK 101944 (11) for information on water purity requirements. If it is
anticipated that the specification could be exceeded, General Electric should be consulted for
recommendations on the selection of the water source and use of proper air filtration equipment.

F. Steam
Steam for gas turbine injection is typically taken from a suitable extraction point on a steam turbine
or HRSG. The limiting purity requirements for this steam are those for the steam turbine. These
limits are defined in GEK 72281 (12).

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

G. Water
The maximum alkaline metal (sodium plus potassium) content of water to be used for injection is
discussed in GEK 101944 (11). The maximum water injection rate is approximately equal to the fuel
injection rate. If the alkali content approaches the maximum allowable value stated in GEK 101944
(11)
, it may use all of the allowable margin at the turbine inlet, leaving none available for the fuel. If it
is anticipated that the specification could be exceeded, General Electric should be consulted for
recommendations on the selection of the water source.

Note that the concentration of sodium in steam and water, at the levels specified, can be measured
directly using an on-line sodium analyzer or, in the laboratory, with an ion or pH meter fitted with a
“sodium specific” electrode or by an atomic absorption spectrometer fitted with a graphite furnace.

H. Fuel
The final source of contamination to be considered is the fuel. Most cases of alkaline metal
contamination and corrosion of hot gas path components are related to liquid fuel contamination. It is
rare that natural gas will contain trace metals, but gasification fuels may contain alkalis carried over
from the gas clean up system. The issues and requirements with gas fuels are discussed separately in
the prior sections.

© General Electric Company, 2011. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved. 21

GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

APPENDIX 1
I. DEFINITIONS
A. Dew Point
This is the temperature at which the first liquid droplet will form as the gas temperature is
reduced. Common liquids found in gas fuel are hydrocarbons, water and glycol. Each has a
separate and measurable dew point. The dew point varies considerably with pressure, and both
temperature and pressure must be stated to define properly the gas property. Typically, the
hydrocarbon dew point will peak in the 300 to 600 psia range.
B. Dry Saturated Conditions
The gas temperature is at, but not below or above, the dew point temperature. No free liquids are
present.
C. Gas Hydrates
Gas hydrates are semi-solid materials that can cause deposits that plug instrumentation lines,
control valves and filters. They are formed when free water combines with one or more of the
C1 through C4 hydrocarbons. Typically the formation will take place downstream of a pressure
reducing station where the temperature drop is sufficient to cause moisture condensation in a
region of high turbulence. Because hydrates can cause major problems in the gas distribution
network, the moisture content is usually controlled upstream at a dehydration process station.
D. Gas Hydrate Formation Line
This is similar to the dew point line. A potential for hydrate formation exists if free water is
present. Calculations performed using the commercial software HYSYS (15) show that the
hydrate formation line is approximately 10°F above the moisture dew point line. Maintaining
the required degree of superheat above the moisture dew point will eliminate hydrate formation
problems. (see section III–C Superheat Requirement).
E. Glycol
Glycol is not a natural constituent of natural gas but is introduced during the dehydration
process. Various forms of glycol are used, di-ethylene and tri-ethylene glycol being two most
common. In some cases glycol is injected into the pipeline as a preservative. In most cases,
glycol may only be a problem during commissioning of a new pipeline or if an upset has taken
place at an upstream dehydration station.
F. Odorant
Odorants are injected into natural and LP gas to make leaks readily detectable. The odorant
commonly used for natural gas is tertiary butyl mercaptan, while ethyl mercaptan is used for LP
gas.
G. Superheat
This is defined as the difference, gas temperature minus liquid dew point. The difference is
always positive or zero. A negative value implies that the value is being measured at two
differing states of pressure and temperature and is not valid. A measured gas temperature below
the theoretical dew point means that the gas is in a wet saturated state with free liquids present.
H. Saturation Line
This is the same as the dew point line.
I. Wet (Saturated) Conditions
A mixture consisting of both vapor and liquids.

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

APPENDIX 2

I. PARTICLE SIZE LIMITATIONS

The effective particle size for erosion considerations is determined by a particle’s terminal settling
velocity. The size and density distribution of the solid particles must be such that not more than 1.0
percent by weight of the particles shall have a terminal settling velocity in air (70°F and 30 inches
Hg, absolute) greater than 14 inches per minute, and not more than 0.1 percent shall have a terminal
settling velocity in excess of 23 inches per minute. For a solid spherical particle, Stoke’s Law of
settling permits calculating the terminal settling velocity if the particle size and shape and particle
specific gravity are known. The following tabulation gives the spherical particle diameters equivalent
to the limiting terminal settling velocities for particles of specific gravity 2.0 and 4.

Settling Velocity Specific Gravity Equivalent Spherical

(inches/min) (relative to water) Particle Diameter (microns)
14 2 10
23 2 13
14 4 7
23 4 9

© General Electric Company, 2011. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved. 23

GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

APPENDIX 3

I. EQUIVALENT CONTAMINANT RELATIONSHIPS (ALL MACHINES)

The following relationships can be used to determine turbine inlet contaminant and fuel equivalent
contaminant concentrations to compare to limits given in Table 2b. In general, for mass balances on
the flows and on the contaminants from fuel, air and steam/water at the turbine inlet.

E=F+A+S (5)

(XE) x E = (XF) x F + (XA) x A + (XS) x S (6)

where:

A, F, S and E are the mass flows of air, fuel, injected steam/water and combustion gases at the turbine
inlet, respectively

XA, XF, XS, and XE are the contaminant concentrations (ppm by weight) in the inlet air, in the fuel,
in the injected steam/water, and in the combustion gases at the turbine inlet, respectively.

The fuel equivalent concentration of contaminants (XFe ) is (dividing (5) and (6) by F)

XFe = XE x (1+ A/F + S/F) = XF + XA x (A/F) + XS x (S/F) (7)

For example for a natural gas contaminated with salt at a sodium concentration of 0.1 ppm, an air
sodium contamination of 5 ppb, and a steam contamination of 5 ppb, the equivalent sodium in the
fuel for A/F =50 and S/F=1 is from equation (7)

XFe = 0.1 + 0.005(50) + 0.005(1) = 0.355ppm (8)

This is the amount of sodium considered to come from a fuel source only, which gives the same
sodium concentration at the turbine inlet as from the combined three sources.

The turbine inlet concentration, XE, is found by rearranging (7)

XE = XFe /(1 + A/F + S/F) = 0.355/(1 + 50 + 1) = 0.006827 ppm = 6.827 ppb (9)

These values are well within the sodium specification values of 1 ppm on a fuel basis (XFe), and 20
ppb for the turbine inlet concentration (XE). XE and XFe values for all contaminants are given in
Table 2b.

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

APPENDIX 4

I. MINIMUM GAS FUEL TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT CALCULATIONS

The gas fuel pressure at the purchaser’s connection FG1 should first be determined. The hydrocarbon
and moisture superheat can then be calculated from the equations depicted in Figure 1. For example,
at a gas fuel pressure of 490 psia, the moisture and hydrocarbon superheat requirements are 18°F and
42°F respectively.

For a typical pipeline gas the maximum allowable moisture content is 7 lbs/mmscft. At 490 psia the
moisture dew point can be determined from Figure 2 and is equal to 23ºF. The minimum gas
temperature to avoid moisture condensation is equal to the moisture dew point plus the required
superheat, or 23º+ 18º = 41ºF.

For hydrocarbons, the maximum expected hydrocarbon dew point should be determined by
consultation with the gas supplier and a review of historical data if available. The hydrocarbon dew
point will be dependent on the source of the gas, the degree of gas processing and may vary
seasonally with overall gas demand and the economics associated with liquids removal and recovery.
For a fuel with a maximum hydrocarbon dew point of, for example, 35ºF at 490 psia, the theoretical
minimum gas fuel temperature is 42º+ 35º= 77º F. The temperature, in this example, is higher than
the minimum required to avoid moisture condensation, therefore it establishes the minimum gas
temperature to avoid both hydrocarbon and moisture condensation. However, the actual minimum
gas fuel temperature will be based on the hydrocarbon dew point breakpoint. (see section III-C) In the
example above, the assumed hydrocarbon dew point was 35°F. (at 490 psia) The hydrocarbon dew
point for this case is higher than the breakpoint. (-25°F) Therefore, GE will assume that the gas
entering the superheating system is saturated, and will require the full hydrocarbon superheat be
applied. For example, if the gas entering the superheating system is at a temperature of 55°F, then the
minimum gas temperature would be 97°F. (55°F + 42°F) The 97°F temperature is what the turbine
controller will begin to take protective action on. The use of the 97°F temperature, instead of the
77°F temperature is based on GE’s experience of gas fuel dew point variation on sites.

For another example, if the hydrocarbon dew point is calculated as –30°F, (at 490 psia) then the
hydrocarbon dew point would be less than the breakpoint. (-25°F). Therefore, the minimum gas fuel
temperature would be based on the moisture dew point and superheat. Assuming a 7 lbs/mmscft, the
dew point is 23°F and superheat required is 18°F, resulting in a theoretical and actual minimum gas
temperature of 41°F. (23 °F + 18°F).

© General Electric Company, 2011. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved. 25

GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

APPENDIX 5: REQUESTED FUEL ANALYSIS DATA FOR GE EVALUATION

Values
Property ASTM Method Nominal Min Max
Lower Heating Value, Btu/scf ASTM D 3588 _______ _______ _______
Wobbe Index (Gross/Higher or Net/Lower) _______ _______ _______
Gas Fuel Temperature, F _______ _______ _______
Gas Fuel Pressure _______ _______ _______
Constituents, mole % ASTM D 1945 & GPA 2286
Oxygen (O2) _______ _______ _______
Nitrogen (N2) _______ _______ _______
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) _______ _______ _______
Water Vapor (H2O) _______ _______ _______
Argon (Ar) _______ _______ _______
Helium (He) _______ _______ _______
Methane (CH4) _______ _______ _______
Ethane (C2H6) _______ _______ _______
Propane (C3H8) _______ _______ _______
Isobutane (C4H10) _______ _______ _______
Butane (n-butane) (C4H10) _______ _______ _______
Pentane (C5H12) _______ _______ _______
Isopentane (C5H12) _______ _______ _______
Neopentane (C5H12) _______ _______ _______
N-Hexane (C6H14) _______ _______ _______
Ethene (C2H4) _______ _______ _______
Propylene (C3H6) _______ _______ _______
Butene (C4H8) _______ _______ _______
Pentene (C5H10) _______ _______ _______
Benzene (C6H6) _______ _______ _______
Toluene (C7H8) _______ _______ _______
Carbon Monoxide (CO) _______ _______ _______
Hydrogen (H2) _______ _______ _______
Acetylene (C2H2) _______ _______ _______
Propyne (C3H4) _______ _______ _______
Butyne (C4H6) _______ _______ _______
Pentyne (C5H8) _______ _______ _______
Other (Please specify) _______ _______ _______
Other Constituents & Contaminants, ppm
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) _______ _______ _______
Carbonyl Sulfide (COS) _______ _______ _______
Lead (Pb) _______ _______ _______
Vanadium (V) _______ _______ _______
Calcium (Ca) _______ _______ _______
Magnesium (Mg) _______ _______ _______
Sodium (Na) _______ _______ _______
Potassium (K) _______ _______ _______
Particulates _______ _______ _______
Siloxanes _______ _______ _______
Other (Please specify) _______ _______ _______

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 Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines GEI 41040m

APPENDIX 6

I. RELATED SPECIFICATION DOCUMENTS

GER 3419 (10)- Includes specifications for compressor inlet air quality

GER 4189 (2)- Includes heated gas fuel temperature limits

GER 72281 (12)- Includes steam purity requirements in steam turbines

GER 101944 (11)- Includes water and steam purity requirements in gas turbines

GEK 106669 (13)- Includes cooling steam purity requirements for H class gas turbines

GEK 107230 (1)- Useful Information on Alkali Metal Contamination in Fuels for Gas Turbines Using
Lower Chromium Superalloys.

REFERENCES

1. GEK 107230 Useful Information on Alkali Metal Contamination in Fuels for Gas Turbines
Using Lower Chromium Superalloys.

2. GER 4189 Design Considerations for Heated Gas Fuel

3. Obtaining Natural Gas Samples for Analysis by Gas Chromatography, GPA Standard 2166, Gas
Producers Association, 6526 East 60th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma

4. Tentative Method of Extended Analysis for Natural Gas and Similar Gaseous Mixtures by
Temperature Programmed Gas Chromatography, GPA Standard 2286, Gas Producers
Association, 6526 East 60th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145

5. Bureau of Mines Bulletin 503, Limits of Flammability of Gases and Vapors, 1952

6. Bureau of Mines Bulletin 622, Flammability Characteristics of Combustible Gases and Vapors,
1965

7. Wiley Critical Content - Petroleum Technology, Volumes 1-2. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc., 2007. 363

8. GER 3942 Gas Fuel Clean-up System Design Considerations for GE Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

9. MR0175, NACE Standard, Sulfide Stress Cracking Resistant Metallic Material for Oilfield
Equipment

10. GER 3419 Gas Turbine Inlet Air Treatment

11. GEK 101944 Requirements for Water/Steam Purity in Gas Turbines

12. GEK 72281 Steam Purity Recommendations for Utility Steam Turbines

13. GEK 106669 Specification for Cooling Steam Purity for Closed Circuit Steam Cooled Gas
Turbine

© General Electric Company, 2011. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved. 27

GEI 41040m Specification for Fuel Gases for Combustion in Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

14. ASME Handbook “Water Technology for Thermal Power Systems”, chapter 12

15. Aspen HYSYS, a process modeling tool for conceptual design and performance improvement of
petroleum and oil & gas processes. Aspen Technology, Inc., 200 Wheeler Road., Burlington MA
01803, +1-781-221-6400

g GE Energy
General Electric Company
www.gepower.com

28 © General Electric Company, 2011. GE Proprietary Information. All Rights Reserved.