Ask the Expert

In this episode, Alex Wells, Regional Product Manager at Camfil Power Systems, explores how optimizing air inlet conditions can unlock significant, yet often overlooked, power gains in gas turbines. From high-efficiency filtration upgrades to advanced cooling strategies like evaporative systems and chiller coils, this discussion breaks down how operators can recover lost megawatts, improve efficiency, and reduce operating costs. Backed by real-world data and global climate insights, this podcast highlights practical solutions to boost performance without major turbine modifications.

Variable speed fan control technology improves gas compressor thermal management by reducing overcooling, lowering energy consumption, minimizing downtime, and increasing operational efficiency in upstream and midstream applications.

Variable speed fan control technology improves gas compressor thermal management by reducing overcooling, lowering energy consumption, minimizing downtime, and increasing operational efficiency in upstream and midstream applications.

Atlas Copco Gas and Process is expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint, in particular with a new high-bay expansion in Voorheesville, NY, to meet the rising demand for larger and more complex integrally geared compressors and turboexpanders. This "local for local" initiative is driven by the scaling needs of traditional markets like LNG and emerging energy transition sectors such as carbon capture (CCUS) and industrial heat pumps. The expansion integrates advanced infrastructure and sustainable facility designs, including the use of 100% renewable electricity, while simultaneously investing in regional workforce development through new apprenticeship programs.

Atlas Copco Gas and Process is expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint, specifically with a new high-bay expansion in Voorheesville, NY, to meet the rising demand for larger and more complex integrally geared compressors and turboexpanders. This "local for local" initiative is driven by the scaling needs of traditional markets like LNG and emerging energy transition sectors such as carbon capture (CCUS) and industrial heat pumps. The expansion integrates advanced infrastructure and sustainable facility designs, including the use of 100% renewable electricity, while simultaneously investing in regional workforce development through new apprenticeship programs.

Fluid-film bearings are essential to turbomachinery performance, but their reliability depends on careful attention to design, lubrication, and monitoring practices. Day Griffin, MSME, PE, and Michael Branagan Ph.D., PE from Pioneer Motor Bearing Company spoke with Turbomachinery International about how operators must balance precision and maintenance discipline to maximize bearing life and prevent costly failures.

Next-generation compressor systems must balance custom engineering, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, particularly for hydrogen applications. Siemens Energy’s advanced rotor technology boosts power density, reduces stages, and improves efficiency. With rising demand in decarbonization-driven applications, modern engineering tools and adaptive maintenance are vital for hydrogen compression and high-speed turbomachinery

Jeff Wirt, Director of Catalyst Systems at EnergyLink International sat with Turbomachinery to discuss a new direct injection system for liquid ammonia that streamlines Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) in gas turbines. By eliminating the need for vaporization skids, blowers, and extensive piping, the technology reduces costs, improves NOx reduction efficiency, and lowers parasitic power consumption. Full-scale field tests confirm the system not only meets regulatory limits but also outperforms traditional SCR methods while offering faster deployment for a range of turbine models.

Dominic Sarachine of FS-Elliott highlights the efficiency, reliability, and lower power use of centrifugal compressors, along with tips for optimizing performance through maintenance, smart controls, and monitoring. He also explains how AI is enhancing operations with real-time adjustments and less manual intervention.