Gaseous fuels such as landfill gas contain significant quantities of inerts, typically CO2 and N2. This can lead to difficulties in predicting the emission and thermodynamic performance of industrial gas turbines. An algorithm has been developed to predict emissions of NOx for known quantities of inerts and effects on performance quantified. The effect of steam injection is compared to that of inerts and a relationship established.

The requirement for an advanced gas analysis facility arose because improved combustors were needed for high technology gas turbine engines, as well as due to increased awareness of environmental pollution. To meet these needs, a system was specifically designed for use on a stationary gas turbine. The system is fully mobile and controlled semi-automatically and requires only semi-skilled personnel to operate it. Features not available on standard commercial equipment were introduced, particularly the incorporation of a computer controlled logging system which provides processed results on-line. All the design criteria were met and the system has been used with success on a variety of engine and rig projects. This paper describes the design and use of this facility as well as the use of the data logging system. Finally the benefits derived from the system are presented.

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