Product Safety Bulletin
For your immediate attention
Energy
Page: 1 (3)
Edition: A
Date: 2012-12-14
Doc.no: SB07/2012/SGT-600
Bulletin applies to:
GT10A, GT10B, GT10B2
and SGT-600
Preventive actions
required: Adjustment
of pilot fuel ratio.
Checked by: Scott Santamaria
Approved by: Per Johansson
This document is issued in Pulse.
Implementation of Continuous Monitoring System for
Combustion Dynamics for SGT-600 DLE units.
Background
Recently one SGT-600 unit has experienced a flame out on high load resulting in a re-
ignition of the fuel/air mixture downstream in the exhaust system. The initial root cause
analysis has concluded that the combination of fuel control tuning resulting in very low
NOx levels increases the risk of flame out on higher loads. This risk is higher for lower
ambient temperatures and needs to be mitigated to ensure safe engine operation at all
ambient conditions.
Figure 1 SGT-600 where the combustor is pointed out.
Description
SGT-600 DLE engines are designed to fulfill NOx emission limits of 25ppm NOx @
15%vol. O2 (or 50mg/Nm3 NOx @15%vol. O2). Recent findings indicate that units with
NOx emissions tuned below 25 ppm have a flame out risk on higher loads, which is also
increasing closer and beyond the limits -10 to 30C in ambient temperature. A flame out
can induce a flammable mixture at the exhaust of the engine, which could be prone to re-
ignite. Such re-ignition could cause major damages in systems downstream the gas
turbine and in the worst case result in personal injury.
Engines tuned to minimum emission levels of 25ppm NOx have a higher risk of flame-out,
which increases with the exposure of the gas turbine to high variation in ambient
temperatures. The risk of re-ignition of a fuel/air mixture if a flame-out occurs is higher in
installations with downstream processes or mechanical drive applications as exhaust
temperatures are generally higher.
Page: 2 (3)
Edition: A
Date: 2012-12-14
Doc.no: SB07/2012/SGT-600
Planning and Implementation

The following actions are recommended to prevent combustion instabilities resulting in a

flame-out of the combustion system:

The gas turbine should always be tuned to the required emissions levels. Never to their
minimum capabilities. If a unit is operating on lower emissions levels than needed, the unit
should be retuned to reach required emission levels in order to mitigate the risk of a flame-
out. This is achieved by increasing the fuel quantity of the pilot flow (higher pilot fuel ratio,
PFR).

If emission requirements of the gas turbine are 25ppm NOx, then the fuel flow of the pilot
needs to be increased. This is achieved by increasing the PFR with 4% (which will slightly
increase NOx emissions) until a system for continuous monitoring of combustion
dynamics is installed. The additional monitoring system will protect the engine from flame-
out by monitoring the dynamics pressure signature of the combustion system which is a
direct indication of the flame stability. The pilot fuel ratio will be adjusted in real time
achieving emission levels of 25 ppm NOx while securing safe engine operation at all
ambient conditions.

Your benefit

This bulletin is mainly focusing on safety and for further safe operation of the unit.
Installation of the continuous monitoring system for combustion dynamics is strongly
recommended for all SGT-600 DLE engines in order to protect the unit from flame-out.

The system for continuous monitoring of combustion dynamics is described in detail in

SB05/2009/SGT-600 and Siemens as your supplier will deliver upon receipt of an
acceptable order:
Upgrade with system for permanent monitoring of combustion dynamics
Quality assurance, we know your machinery
Skilled installation and commissioning personnel
Responsibility for the complete installation

Contact SIEMENS representative for further questions and enquires.

Siemens Oil & Gas and Industrial

Applications
61283 Finspong, Sweden
www.pg.siemens.com

The Service Bulletin is submitted in

confidence and is to be used solely for the
purpose for which it is furnished. This
Bulletin is not to be reproduced, transmitted,
disclosed or used otherwise in whole or in
part without the written consent of Siemens
Industrial Turbomachinery AB (SIT AB)

SIT reserves the right to revise or change

this data at any time without further notice.
Page: 3 (3)
Edition: A
Date: 2012-12-14
Doc.no: SB07/2012/SGT-600
Disclaimer of warranties and Limitation of Liability

THERE ARE NO UNDERSTANDINGS, AGREEMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS, OR WARRANTIES,

EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY SET OUT IN ANY EXISTING
CONTRACT BETWEEN THE PARTIES REGARDING THIS EQUIPMENT. ANY SUCH CONTRACT
STATES THE ENTIRE OBLIGATION OF SELLER. THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT SHALL
NOT BECOME PART OF OR MODIFY ANY PRIOR OR EXISTING AGREEMENT, COMMITMENT,
OR RELATIONSHIP.

The information, recommendations and descriptions in this document are based on Siemens experience and
judgment with respect to this equipment's operation and maintenance. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT
BE CONSIDERED AS ALL-INCLUSIVE OR COVERING ALL CONTINGENCIES. If further information is
required, Siemens or an affiliate should be consulted.

NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A

PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY, OR WARRANTIES ARISING FROM THE
COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE, ARE MADE REGARDING THE INFORMATION,
RECOMMENDATIONS, OR DESCRIPTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN. In no event will Siemens, Siemens
AG or its affiliates be responsible to the user in contract, in tort (including negligence), strict liability or
otherwise for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damage or loss whatsoever, damage to or loss of
use of equipment, plant, or power system; cost or capital; loss of profits or revenues; cost of replacement power;
additional expenses in the use of existing power facilities; or claims against the user by its customers, resulting
from use of the information, recommendations, or descriptions contained herein.

Siemens Oil & Gas and Industrial

Applications
61283 Finspong, Sweden
www.pg.siemens.com

The Service Bulletin is submitted in

confidence and is to be used solely for the
purpose for which it is furnished. This Responsible product lead centre: Cont for
Contact your local Siemens representative
Bulletin is not to be reproduced, transmitted, further information act
Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery AB,
disclosed or used otherwise in whole or in
Finspong Sweden
part without the written consent of Siemens
Industrial Turbomachinery AB (SIT AB)
Per Johansson
Product Manager SGT-600
SIT reserves the right to revise or change
this data at any time without further notice.

Cont