A new rich-catalytic lean-burn combustion concept (trademarked by PCI as RCL) was tested at industrial gas turbine conditions, in Solar Turbines’ high-pressure (17 atm) combustion rig and in a modified Solar Turbines engine, demonstrating ultralow emissions of NOx<2 ppm and CO<10 ppm for natural gas fuel. For the single-injector rig tests, an RCL catalytic reactor replaced a single swirler/injector. NOx<3 ppm and CO<10 ppm were achieved over a 110°C operating range in flame temperature, including NOx<1 ppm at about 1350°C flame temperature. Combustion noise was less than 0.15% peak to peak. Four RCL catalytic reactors were then installed in a modified (single can combustor) engine. NOx emissions averaged 2.1 ppm over the allowable operating range for this modified engine, with CO<10 ppm and without combustion noise (less than 0.15% peak to peak).

Issue Section:
Gas Turbines: Combustion and Fuels
Keywords:
gas turbines, nitrogen compounds, combustion, carbon compounds, catalysts
Topics:
Catalysts, Combustion, Combustion chambers, Ejectors, Emissions, Engines, Fuels, Nitrogen oxides, Temperature, Gas turbines, Flames
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