Fuel Gas Quality Requirements

Gas turbines and engines require ultra-clean dry fuel. Liquid carryover causes combustion instability, flame-out, and hot section damage. Particulates erode fuel nozzles and control valves. Filter separators ensure fuel quality preventing equipment damage.

Two-Stage Design

First stage liquid separation removes condensate, compressor oil, and water using gravity settling and coalescing. Second stage cartridge filtration captures solid particles - pipe scale, rust, dirt, and debris. Combined stages deliver specification fuel.

Liquid Separation Section

Inlet momentum reduction allows gravity liquid knockout. Wire mesh coalescer agglomerates fine droplets. Liquid drains to collection sump with level-controlled automatic drain. Removes bulk liquids before filtration protecting elements.

Filtration Section

Cartridge filters rated 3-10 microns absolute remove solid particulates. Multi-element configuration handles gas flow. Pleated media maximizes surface area. Replaceable elements enable maintenance without vessel removal.

Operating Pressure

Design pressure matches fuel gas system typically 150-500 psig for turbine fuel, 50-150 psig for engines. Materials rated for operating pressure per ASME Section VIII.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for natural gas service. Stainless steel for sour gas or high-purity applications. Filter elements and coalescer materials resist gas chemistry. Design prevents contamination.

Differential Pressure

Separate DP monitoring across liquid separation and filtration sections. Coalescer DP minimal 1-3 psi. Filter DP 3-8 psi clean increasing to 15-25 psi signaling element replacement.

Applications

Gas turbine fuel gas conditioning for power generation, reciprocating engine fuel treatment, industrial burner fuel supply, process heater fuel gas, compressor station fuel, and any combustion application requiring clean fuel.

Liquid Removal Performance

Removes free liquids and coalesces aerosols to under 0.1 ppm by weight. Protects combustion equipment from liquid carryover. Critical for turbine reliability preventing compressor surge and combustion issues.

Particle Removal

Captures pipe scale, iron oxide, weld slag, sand, and compressor wear particles. Protects fuel control valves from plugging. Prevents fuel nozzle erosion extending hot section life.

Drain System

Level switches activate automatic drains removing accumulated liquids - condensate, oil, water. High-level alarm prevents carryover. Drain routes to closed disposal system.

Element Replacement

Cartridge elements replaceable during maintenance outages. Quick-opening covers enable access. Elements disposable type. Spare elements stock items for rapid replacement during turbine inspections.

Fuel Quality Monitoring

Optional downstream dewpoint and particulate monitoring verifies performance. Ensures continuous compliance with turbine manufacturer fuel specifications typically ISO 8573 Class 1 or equivalent.

System Integration

Positioned in fuel gas supply line immediately upstream of turbines or engines. Short piping distance minimizes contamination pickup after filtration. Skid-mounted packages available with pressure regulation.

Performance Benefits

Ensures turbine and engine fuel quality preventing equipment damage. Reduces maintenance from liquid and particle contamination. Prevents unscheduled outages from fuel quality failures. Critical protection for expensive equipment.

Construction Standards

Pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII. Filter elements per manufacturer specifications. Materials for fuel gas service. Complete documentation with filtration efficiency certification and separation performance data.

ERGIL fuel gas filter separators provide two-stage purification removing liquids and particulates protecting turbines, engines, and burners in power generation and industrial applications.