A “remarkable technical success” is how Chuck Goodson, Eastman Chemical Company’s utilities maintenance area manager describes PSM’s FlameSheet combustion system conversion, implemented on two 7F gas turbines at the Longview combined heat and power plant in Texas.
“Prior to installing FlameSheet, the plant could operate both gas turbines to maximize output, but was exposed to low demand and low market pricing. When operating just one turbine, the plant could meet the host electrical demands, but was unable to ramp to capture high market pricing,” explained Jim Stark, Eastman’s area manager of utilities-cogeneration operations.
Following the upgrade, the Longview CHP has now boosted its market participation, while minimizing exposure to unfavourable market conditions, Stark said during his presentation at the latest 7F Users Group in Orlando.
GT load range increase
As retrofittable combustion system, FlameSheet employs a 2-in-1 can-annular combustor concept. Leveraging patented fuel/air mixing concepts, it provides up to a 30% GT operating load range increase while maintaining single digit NOx & CO emissions.
Designed to operate up to 32,000 factored hours between inspections, the solution is applicable for natural gas or alternate fuels such as ethane, propane, and hydrogen – all with up to a 3x increase in Modified Wobbe Index (MWI) operational range compared to the current 7F combustion technology.
Flexible operating windows
Swift adaptation to increasingly flexible operating windows is what is required of gas-fired power plants these days. “FlameSheet was developed with this in mind,” according Dr. Alex Hoffs, PSM president.
Extended turndown capability, low maintenance costs, increased fuel flexibility are all parameters that allow Eastman to operate its Longview CHP in a profitable manner within ERCOT, the electric grid operator Texas.
The upgraded CHP is located at Eastman’s Chemical Plant in Longview, Texas. Eastman’s Longview manufacturing site was established in 1952. The site produces products used in automobile interiors, food preservatives, cosmetics, toys paint and personal care items.