New Products

New Siemens turbines

Siemens is developing the HL class as an evolutionary development step derived from its SGT-8000H technology. The advanced Siemens HL-class gas turbines (GTs) combine new technologies and design features to achieve efficiency levels beyond 63%. The HL-class consists of the SGT5-9000HL, SGT6-9000HL and SGT5-8000HL. In simple-cycle operation the air-cooled SGT-9000HL will provide 545 MW for the 50-Hertz market (374 MW, 60-Hertz). The SGT5-8000HL will provide 453 MW in simple-cycle operation. The GTs can plug in to Siemens’ digital offerings that incorporate connectivity to MindSphere, the cloud-based Siemens operating system for the Internet of Things (IoT). MindSphere offers access to analytics from Siemens and its partners.

“It took us from 2000 to 2010 to increase the efficiency of our combined cycle power plants from 58 to 60%, a further six years to reach 61.5% in 2016 and now we are taking the next step to 63% and beyond,” said Willi Meixner, CEO of the Siemens Power and Gas Division.

siemens.com

MHPS hybrid system Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) has launched a pressurized hybrid power generation system that integrates solid oxide fuel cell stacks (SOFC) with micro gas turbines (MGT). The system was developed using a 250 kW version, supported by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) research agency. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is promoting greater adoption of fuel cell systems due to their outstanding power generation efficiency and minimal carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

mhps.com

Kelvion heat exchanger

Kelvion NW150L stainless steel heat exchanger plates have been introduced for viscous and particle-containing media in the lower range. The NW models have a wider plate gap than those in the NT series, which allows efficient heat treatment, only a slight pressure drop of viscous media and liquids with particle diameters up to 5 mm. The wide herringbone plate corrugation, with a gap width of 10 mm, assures turbulent flow at all points of the plate to counter fouling. The new plates are well suited for applications in sugar production, bioethanol, industrial wastewater and petrochemical processes. Re-assembling the heat exchangers after cleaning or inspection work is simple. The NW150L is compatible with the frames of the Kelvion NT150L series.

kelvion.com

New bearings

The Boca Bearing Company has expanded its line of mounted unit bearings and inserts. Mounted unit bearings are used when a shaft axis is perpendicular to the bearing mounting surface. Available in 2- or 4-hole configurations, flange-mounted unit bearings and pillow blocks provide a method of accurate mounting fits and load support. These stainless steel mounted unit bearings are suitable for applications that require frequent wash downs, operate near food or liquid contaminants and have a high exposure to harsh chemicals or humidity. Boca Bearings also offers thermoplastic- mounted unit bearings consisting of a high-grade, thermoplastic housing with a stainless steel insert. Full ceramic or ceramic hybrid insert bearings can be substituted upon request from a 0.5000 inch bore to a 1.5000 inch bore in metric and inch sizes. Also offered are mini-mounted unit bearings, which have a rustproof housing made with a special alloy or stainless steel 304 with bearings made from high carbon chromium bearing steel or stainless steel 4400C. Low profile mini mounted units are suited for tight spaces.

bocabearings.com

Asset performance

GE’s Asset Performance Management (APM) software includes analytics capabilities based on the analysis of more than 125 million hours of data from generators and turbines. These analytics can help to reduce unplanned downtime by up to 5%, reduce false alarms by up to 75%, and reduce operations and maintenance costs by up to 25%, according to GE. APM is powered by Predix, GE Digital’s platform for the Industrial Internet. It can identify patterns and trends in data that could indicate a problem with a machine’s performance. This allows industrial businesses to increase machine reliability and availability, while also reducing maintenance costs and managing operations risks. Typically, plant operators who run traditional monitoring capabilities have limited advanced notice when critical machine issues arise. Warning of potential issues of anywhere from a few days up to several weeks can enable better productivity and lower maintenance costs. GE Power’s Monitoring & Diagnostics Center in Atlanta is utilizing APM to increase the reliability of the thousands of power producing turbines and generators it monitors. More than 500 power producers and utilities responsible for 900 power plants around the world use the M&D Center’s data scientists, engineering resources, and monitoring services to identify machine and equipment issues. Every day, the center receives more than 200 billion data tags coming from 1 million sensors attached to 5,000 assets in power plants across more than 60 countries.

ge.com/digital

Generator oil

Kohler has introduced a line of aftermarket oil for generator applications. Available in three formulations for different fuel types, they are optimized for use in industrial, mobile, marine, and home generators. The synthetic line was engineered to help generators run at peak performance, reducing downtime and helping to lower total cost of ownership compared with conventional oils used in the same applications. The 5W-30 formulation is for generators powered by gasoline or gaseous-fueled engines. The 5W-40 formulation is for generators powered by diesel-fueled engines. The 15W-40 option is for generators with gaseous-fueled engines. Each is formulated with a synthetic base oil that maintains viscosity while also resisting “burn off,” which can occur with other, lesser quality oils. Special additives oil protect against engine wear and corrosion, extending overall generator life.

KohlerPower.com.

SGT-800 upgrade

Siemens is offering its SGT-800 GT with a power output of 57 MW and an electrical efficiency of more than 40% in simple cycle application. In a combined cycle configuration, the power output is 163 MW at a net efficiency of more than 58.5%. The SGT-800 is available with a power output from 47.5 MW to 57 MW thanks to this upgrade. Only improvements of gas turbine parts using Siemens existing and mature core engine technologies have been made. The improved performance has also been achieved through better gear box, and outlet casing and diffuser efficiencies. To date, more than 325 SGT-800 turbines have been sold across the world. The turbine, which was originally known under the product name GTX100, began development in 1994 and was launched in 1997.

siemens.com

Ares turboexpander

L.A. Turbine’s (LAT) first standard turboexpander-compressor with active magnetic bearings (AMB) is in production. The AMB turboexpander configuration, designed for use in a 200MMSCFD gas plant, provides a condensed footprint and reliability; meets the performance requirements and operating conditions of the facility; and features a skid-mounted AMB controller and PLC. The AMB control system has digital signal processors, and control algorithms to continuously optimize dynamic performance and efficiency. The control panel features secure remote connectivity for monitoring, tuning and diagnostic services. It can also perform automated commissioning. laturbine.com

Accelerometers

Hansford Sensors launched the latest versions of its HS-100 and HS-150 Series vibration sensors. They are over 10% smaller and lighter than existing versions, and offer greater frequency response, with an improvement in resonant frequency. The new family is designed for use typically on drives and rotating shafts such as those found in pumps, fans, motors, gearboxes and compressors. The height of each accelerometer was cut by 10mm. Frequency response has been improved to between 0.8kHz and 15kHz. The resonant frequency has been increased to between 26kHz and 34kHz depending on specification. The accelerometers are available with options such as special purpose cable assemblies and a choice of mounting threads.

hansfordsensors.com

Shaft alignment

Ludeca’s Easy-Laser XT660 is a laser shaft alignment system. An iOS or Android phone or tablet can be used for display, or you can purchase Ludeca’s watertight, shockproof rugged XT11 display unit. The Easy-Laser XT Alignment App is free to download. The XT660 offers dot laser measurement technology. You can perform measurements on larger machines and over longer distances. Continuous sweep and multi-point measurement capabilities are available. Ludeca has also released the Easy-Laser XT190 BTA digital laser tool for belt drive alignment. It can be used stand-alone with its built-in display, as an add-on to the XT660 Shaft system or you can download the Easy-Laser XT Alignment App for your phone or tablet. Digital readings allow greater precision and make it easier to meet the alignment tolerances.

ludeca.com

Oil analysis

Spectro Scientific has introduced an upgrade to its FieldLab 58 oil analysis system consisting of a more powerful X-ray fluorescence (XRF) module and filter that improves the limits of detection for wear metal elements in oil. The system’s coupling of X-ray fluorescence and filter particle quantifier testing meets the new ASTM International Standard D8127. FieldLab 58 is a battery- powered, integrated oil analysis system that provides oil analysis in the field. Packaged within a small case, the analyzer integrates four analytical technologies: XRF for elemental analysis; a filter particle qualifier (FPQ) pore blockage particle counter; an infrared (IR) spectrometer; and a kinematic viscometer (40˚C). In addition, it measures fluid chemistry and contamination per ASTM Standard D7889 and viscosity per ASTM D8092. Using only 3 ml of oil, the four tests generate more than 20 fluid analysis parameters in five to seven minutes.

spectrosci.com

Steam turbine protection

The Pneu-Trip steam turbine protection system, developed by Drake Controls, is easily integrated with existing linear trip valves of API 611 steam turbines. It uses high reliability SIL-certified components to replace mechanical trip valve actuation, thus increasing turbine uptime and safety. Pneu-Trip features a Partial Stroke Test Device that allows exercising the trip valve, trip solenoids and the actuator spring safely and without shutting the turbine down. It is also available for retrofitting general purpose steam turbines that make use of rotary trip valves. drakecontrols.com

Diffusion pump

Diffusion pumps do not have any moving parts. Their principle of operation is based on steamed propellants, thus enabling extremely reliable and lowmaintenance operation. Leybold has upgraded the established DIP and newly developed DIJ diffusion pump series, with the aid of intelligent technologies and innovations. Leybold provides models and accessories for relevant diffusion pump applications. The five-stage nozzle system of the DIJ series does well in the pressure range from 10-2 to 10-3 mbar. Energy consumption has been cut by 30% without sacrificing performance. An improved heating system has been adjusted it to produce propellant steam.

Leybold.com

Bearing tests

Napoleon Engineering Services (NES) has announced advancements in bearing test technology, offering expanded test opportunities for low-cost, proof-of-concept research. The NES Three-Ball-on-Rod Tester represents one of the most economical rolling contact fatigue tests available. Testing is performed to evaluate the influence of heat treatment, material, lubricant, and coatings on fatigue life. Run times are short and a single rod specimen can provide many failure data points. High stress cycle accumulation per revolution and stress levels up to 900 ksi (6.2 GPa) provide options to the test engineer. NES has designed these RCF testers with oil heaters, lubricant flow control, test fixture temperature monitoring and vibration sensors. The NES Five-Ball tester captures the mechanics of bearing fatigue for simulation of bearing testing. The upper drive ball simulates the inner ring, the cup supporting the lower four balls models the outer ring and four planetary balls replicate the balls in a bearing. The NES Cylindrical Roller Tester (CRT) tests ceramic roller quality. The influence of crown geometry on roller life can be done without the risk of ring failure. The NES fretting wear tester (ASTM D4170) is for lubricating greases and oscillation angles.

nesbearings.com

Digital proximity system

The Metrix Digital Proximity System (DPS) eliminates the need for dozens of different proximity probe drivers and transmitters. It is a field-configurable device that can work with multiple target materials, cable lengths, and older probe systems from a variety of manufacturers. It is also compatible with 5mm, 8mm, and 11mm proximity probes. It is: API 670 compliant; adjustable for target materials, probe types, and system lengths; custom configurable for unknown target materials; available as 3-wire voltage mode probe driver or as 4-20mA output transmitter; hazardous-area compliant and well suited for Metrix VibeLock connectors and triaxial cables.

metrixvibration.com