GE launches new 16.5MW gas turbine for oil and gas applications

GE recently announced at the Turbomachinery Symposium in Houston the launch of a new 16.5MW gas turbine (NovaLT16) for mechanical drive and power generation applications in the oil and gas industry. 

Developed by GE Oil & Gas to meet the industry’s challenges, NovaLT16 combines technology from industry-proven GE turbines and benefits from the industry insights of TransCanada Corporation.

(The gas turbine has built-in provisions for remote monitoring and diagnostics)

The 16.5MW NovaLT16 gas turbine is said to provide up to 37 percent mechanical efficiency, which raises the standards of efficient and reliable pipeline compressions, power generation and oil and gas plant compression applications, thereby helping to meet increasing energy demand across the world.

Key features and benefits

NovaLT16 features operational flexibility over a wide load range. High efficiency and reduced emissions are expected to be achieved from 20-100 percent of the load, thereby making it easier to meet operating conditions not foreseen at the project stage. Seasonal combustion mapping is not required, thanks to the synergic design of the fuel system, the engine control and the combustion system.

NovaLT16 is rated for 35 000 hours Mean Time Between Maintenance (MTBM) and up to 99 percent availability, which is setting new standards for GE’s turbines in the 10–20 MW power range. Modular construction, easy access to auxiliary systems and wide lateral openings of the gas turbine’s enclosure are said to make maintenance and support more straightforward. A unit can be swapped in just 24 hours, reducing the amount of lost operating time to just one day.

The gas turbine has built-in provisions for remote monitoring and diagnostics through GE’s Industrial Internet technology, with diagnostic software Predictivity Solutions, integrated data gathering and data transfer within its control panel. This enables any problems to be anticipated and pre-emptively addressed, reducing operating costs and the need for on-site visits for maintenance.

Development and testing of the NovaLT16 engine began in 2013. Completed units, including all auxiliaries systems and controls, are planned for release to the market in early 2016.

Technical features

• 16.5 MW shaft power.
• 2-stage HP turbine features Single Crystal buckets to provide best-available metallurgy for higher efficiency and extended durability.
• 2-stage LP turbine with variable geometry first-stage nozzle maintains high efficiency and lower emissions over wide operating range.
• Single annular combustor—now guaranteeing 25 ppm of NOx emissions.
• Ruggedized DLN single annular combustor and 360° combustion casing delivers a compact and flexible design with reduced emissions.
• Three variable geometry stages (IGV, S1 and S2) for wide speed range and surge robustness.
• 35,000 hours MTBM—corresponds to four years of continuous operation without the need for maintenance stops.

Today’s challenges

Today’s oil and gas operators need to transport gas from more remote locations, in harsh environments and under more stringent regulations. These challenges increase demand for efficiency, emissions reduction and maintainability of the critical equipment. 

David Montemurro, Vice President, Facilities and Pipeline Projects, TransCanada said, “We’re pleased to have signed the MOU to highlight our commitment towards the development of a more energy efficient gas turbine.”

The collaboration with TransCanada has helped develop a winning alternative for the oil and gas industry in North America, said Rafael Santana, CEO and President of Turbomachinery Solutions, GE Oil & Gas. “Together, we will develop a solution specifically tailored to meet market challenges around increasing efficiency, reducing waste emissions and increasing reliability.”