Steam coming from the fuel filler port of the gas turbine oil tank"
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The company has a gas turbine that drives a centrifugal compressor, which is used for transporting natural gas. After it was started today, it was observed that steam was coming from the filling port of the lubricating oil tank. Under normal conditions, the tank’s opening is covered, and even when it is opened, no steam should appear. During operation today, when the opening was checked, steam was indeed emitted – more like smoke. I’m not sure what could cause the lubricating oil return stream to carry such a large amount of gas. PS: The dry gas seal of the compressor uses natural gas, while the isolation gas is air. I would appreciate advice from those with more experience! There are many other issues related to this gas turbine-driven compressor, and I will list them all when I have time to ask for everyone’s help
It’s probably oil fumes, generated by the high temperature of the lubricating oil, which are carried back to the oil tank by the return oil flow. Cause: 1. High lubricant temperature ； 2 The exhaust fan for the fuel tank is not turned on (or has stopped working due to a fault) ； 3 The lubricating oil tank pressure is not adjusted properly, resulting in no negative pressure ；
With more fuel exhaust, isn’t it time for maintenance?
It is oil fume, generated by high lubricant temperatures, and is carried back to the oil tank by the return oil flow. Cause: 1 High lubricating oil temperature ； 2. The N2 pressure regulation for isolating the lubricating oil tank is not appropriate. 3. The exhaust temperature of the gas turbine is high, affecting the rear bearing housing. 4. The insulation around the gas turbine’s exhaust area is inadequate, allowing heat to be transferred and affecting the rear bearing housing.
Thank you; everyone’s summaries were very useful. The problem has been resolved. Since there were no alarms from the gas turbine, and all potential causes of faults have been ruled out, we believe it might be due to low temperatures, which caused poor ventilation in the lubricating oil tank, resulting in vapor escaping from the filling port. An oil temperature of 68 degrees allows some evaporation to occur, which is normal. Hehe
1. With an oil temperature of 68 degrees, it’s a very ordinary mineral oil that does not evaporate. We have encountered such cases before and helped to resolve them. In centrifugal compressors, the lubricating oil is used to lubricate the bearings; it does not come into direct contact with the gas. Possible issue: problems with the seals. Both natural gas and the PAO-type lubricating oils that may be used can cause the seals to harden and contract. When the seals contract, their sealing performance deteriorates, and due to the pressure of the natural gas being transported, it can back up into the bearing housing, resulting in vapor escaping from the filling port – which is quite normal.
Check the attached range hood and ducts, filters, and oil-gas separator.