6/27/2014 The 9F platform: A history of refinement - Power Engineering International

http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/print/volume-19/issue-5/features/the-9f-platform-a-history-of-refinement.html 1/7
PENNWELL POWER SITES MOREFROM PENNWELL
Home | The 9F platform: A history of refinement
Power Engineering International
Welcome to the online version of our Power Engineering International (Pei) print publication. This is where to find archive
magazine articles as well as our present edition. For any feedback on the content contact us here or discuss on PEi
LinkedIn Group
The 9F platform: A history of refinement
01/05/2011
9FB gas turbine installation in Spain
With options to suit a range of applications and decades invested in their development, General Electrics range of 9F
turbines have evolved to become an effective, adaptable heavy-duty unit for gas fired applications.
Randy Morrell, Laurent Cornu, Jeffrey Goldmeer, GE, USA
General Electric (GE) has been producing the 9F family of heavy-duty gas turbines for more than 20 years. Launched in
1991, the first had a simple cycle output of 212 MW and efficiency of around 35 per cent. Refinements to this design led to
the 9FA.01 and then 9FA.02 turbines, which each improved upon the capacity and efficiency of their predecessors. The
current version, the 9FA.03, offers many improvements that directly affect performance, operational flexibility and
availability. Some of these new systems include an enhanced compressor, a combustion system that reduces NOx
emissions to between 9 ppm and 15 ppm, hot gas path cooling enhancement, and blade health monitoring.
GE expanded the 9F family with its most advanced 50 Hz air-cooled gas turbine, the 9FB (see Figure 1). Using the same
compressor aerodynamics as the 9FA but operating at increased pressure ratio, and with new components capable of
operating at higher firing temperatures, the 9FB further increased output and efficiency. Meanwhile, its modular accessory
systems reduced installation times.

LOGIN OR REGISTER USING
Magazine | Newsletter | Buyers Guide | RSS
Home World Regions Coal Fired Gas & Oil Fired Nuclear Renewables Smart Grid T&D Dist Gen Business Policy & Reg Editorial Guides
6/27/2014 The 9F platform: A history of refinement - Power Engineering International
http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/print/volume-19/issue-5/features/the-9f-platform-a-history-of-refinement.html 2/7
Figure 1: Evolution of the 9F heavy duty gas turbine platform
The 9FB gas turbine tends to be used where fuel is a critical component in operating cost, while the 9FA has been
designed for F-class calibre simple-cycle peaking power plants and combined-cycle power plants. Both the 9FA and 9FB
offer the flexibility to meet changing demand by rapidly adjusting the output through flexible start-ups and the ability to turn
down to low power levels. Both designs can handle frequency changes in regions where transmission grid fluctuations
are a concern, or the grids operate under-frequency.
Of the 230 currently installed 9F turbines, which have accumulated more than 8.2 million fired hours and 84 000 fired
starts, most have historically operated in a baseload operation (see Figure 2). However, recent shifts in electricity
generation and demand have produced a strong trend toward more cyclic operation and are likely to lead to the 9F fleet
being more heavily represented in the cyclic and peaking duty operating modes, given its notable reliability and availability.
As well as GEs traditional markets in Western Europe, including the UK, Italy and Spain, it has also found customers for
the 9FA and 9FB gas turbines in Eastern European countries such as Latvia and Lithuania, as well as Algeria, Egypt, the
Middle East, Chile, Argentina and China.
Figure 2: Fleet statistics for GEs F-class heavy duty gas turbine fleet
Turbine features
Many of the components in the 9F turbine platform have been developed to provide extra power, higher efficiency, reduced
emissions and increased turndown, as well as increased availability and reliability (see Figure 3). Enhancements to the
compressor system are aimed at increasing durability and availability, while maintaining or increasing reliability, a vital
consideration for plant operators. GE claims that enhancements to the inlet guide vanes, the forward and mid-stage
rotating blades, the forward stage rotor vanes, and the aft stage vanes dramatically reduce the degradation of and
stresses placed on wear-related components. Meanwhile, advanced material treatments combine to lengthen the
compressors effective lifecycle.
Power Engineering International
Whitepapers
Evaluating cogeneration for your
facility: A look at the potential
energy-efficiency, economic and
environmental benefits
The energy-efficiency, economic and
environmental benefits of cogeneration
are the subject of this in-depth white
paper. The paper argues that producing
electricity and heat/cooling from the same
f...
The Effect of Moisture on the
Breakdown Voltage of
Transformer Oil
Power transformers utilize oil as a heat
transfer medium and a dielectric material,
together with cellulose. Breakdown
6/27/2014 The 9F platform: A history of refinement - Power Engineering International
http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/print/volume-19/issue-5/features/the-9f-platform-a-history-of-refinement.html 3/7
Figure 3: Common 9F gas turbine technology developments and
enhancements
These reduced wear characteristics and greater tolerance to normal operating stresses translate into a robust
compressor that is much more tolerant to a wider range of real world operating environments, reducing the likelihood of
service interruptions due to unplanned maintenance outages. The overall result is a more reliable gas turbine that is
available more often. This also translates into longer intervals between inspections and lower maintenance costs.
Specifically, GE claims the enhanced compressor will increase the average lifetime availability of its 9F gas turbine by
almost 1.9 per cent.
This improved compressor is fitted to all of GEs new 9F gas turbines. It is also available as an upgrade for the currently
installed fleet, with pre-scoped packages on offer to complement standard planned maintenance outages. These
packages range from a control curve change, requiring only a single day to implement, to full replacement requiring a
major inspection. Each field package removes applicable technical information letters (TILs) and periodic maintenance
requirements, thus increasing the availability entitlement of the gas turbine. Field retrofit outages have already been
completed on some 9FA and 9FB gas turbines, with many more under way and scheduled. GE has also developed
special tools for these procedures to further minimize outage durations and the impact on operational schedules.
The blade health monitoring system was developed to monitor the R0, R1 and R2 compressor blades by providing real-
time measurements of key static and dynamic deflection features. Specifically, this system uses a set of non-contacting
probes that are placed on the compressor casing, allowing for data to be collected on the blades passing frequency and
amplitude signals. These probes are connected to an on-site data acquisition system, which in turn connects to an off-
site analysis system. Once collected, this data is compared with GEs proprietary models. This allows the data to be
used, for example, to examine blade trends over multiple starts, and to analyze static deflection at full-speed and full-load
to measure deterioration in the blades, time-related trends and significant shifts. Since February 2010, this system has
been installed on more than 18 units.
The dry low NOx (DLN) 2.6+ combustor combines the technological advantages of the 9FA gas turbine DLN2+
combustion system with the 7FA gas turbine DLN2.6 combustion system, as well as the 9H gas turbine and 6C gas
turbine DLN2.5H systems. The DLN2.6+ has the same configuration as the DLN2.6: five outer fuel nozzles and a single
central nozzle. The centre fuel nozzle ensures a stable combustion across a wide range of operating conditions. To the
DLN2.6 system architecture, the DLN 2.6+ adds an advanced fuel nozzle, called the swozzle, from the DLN2+ and
DLN2.5H combustion systems. The swozzle combines the fuel injection gas ports into the swirler vanes, all within the fuel
nozzle body, to provide a better mixed, more stable combustion zone. A patented asymmetric fuel strategy allows the
DLN2.6+ to maintain low emissions levels while extending the available operational load range. Further advanced
materials, coatings and cooling technology extend the combustion interval beyond the standard 8000 hours of operation.
Specifically, on the 9FA gas turbine, the DLN2.6+ combustion system offers NOx and CO emissions of 20 mg/Nm3
(9.7/16.2 ppm) to 50 per cent load. With the use of OpFlex Extended Turndown software, NOx and CO emissions are rated
at 30 mg/Nm3 (15/24.3 ppm) down to 35 per cent load with a 24 000 hour combustion interval. On the 9FB gas turbine,
NOx and CO emissions of 30/12.5 mg/Nm3 (9.7/10.1 ppm) are possible down to 38 per cent load with a 12 000 hour
combustion interval. This combustor was launched on the 9FA gas turbine in 2005, on the 9FB gas turbine in 2007, and
as of July 2010 is in operation in more than 45 gas turbines with a combined service of more than 340 000 fired hours,
and more than 5000 starts. These units are shown operating in peaking duty, cycling duty and base load as shown in
Figure 4.
Siemens looks on the bright side as
France sells GDF stake
25/06/2014
Technology Update
24/06/2014
A clean bill of health for HRSGs
24/06/2014
GDF Suez to build 415 MW CHP plant in
Mongolia
20/06/2014
Wartsila wins Saudi deal for sauna
engine
18/06/2014
voltage (dielectric strength) is one of the
most important parameters of trans...
Improving Mission Critical
Cooling Systems With More
Reliable Level Sensing
The choice of coolant level sensor may
seem like an insignificant detail when
designing complex machinery such as
emergency generators and cranes, but if
this sensor fails, the operator has no
warn...
Steps Towards a Low Carbon
Future: Solutions and
Technologies That Will Support
the Global Revolution Required
A smart grid is becoming more and more
essential as clean energy becomes more
dominant. In addition, the demand for
electricity is expected to treble the ability to
supply it over the next decade. ...
Distributed Generation
More Distributed Generation News >>
Latest Digital Edition
Power
Engineering
International
Look Inside >
Current Issue
Topic Index
View Power Engineering International articles by topic,
A-Z
Article Archives for Power Engineering International
6/27/2014 The 9F platform: A history of refinement - Power Engineering International
http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/print/volume-19/issue-5/features/the-9f-platform-a-history-of-refinement.html 4/7
Figure 4: Fleet statistics for DLN2 combustion systems
The DLN2.6+ combustion system also improves on the fuel flexibility of prior DLN systems. Based on the advanced fuel
nozzle and control technology, the DLN2.6+ can handle up to 5 per cent variation in natural gas energy content, as
measured by modified Wobbe index (MWI), with low combustion dynamics. With the optional model-based control OpFlex
Autotune software, the DLN2.6+ can handle up to 20 per cent MWI in primary combustion mode, with up to 10 per cent
MWI across all combustion modes. The DLN2.6+ system maintains the ability to burn liquid distillate fuel in a dual-fuel
configuration, using water injection to control NOx.
GE has also developed aviation-proven technology for controlling gas turbines using detailed, thermodynamic models of
the unit and its sub-systems. A real-time physics-based model increases the gas turbines overall performance,
operability, and reliability. This model-based control (MBC) has been used for several years on GEs 7FA gas turbines, but
was introduced to the 9FA gas turbine in 2009.
The MBC all load cycle control (ALCC) replaces the current schedule-based control that has been in use since the
inception of digital control systems for GE gas turbines. ALCC controls the overall operation of the gas turbine by
changing the angle of the inlet guide vanes to adjust the airflow, and fuel flow via the valve position to maintain the set
power output within the physical limits of the gas turbine, such as firing temperature, compressor surge margins and
combustor operability limits.
Rapid response
The ALCC constantly analyzes the turbine during operation and compares it to a theoretical model, then adjusts its
operating parameters over time based on changes in ambient conditions and degradation of the turbine hardware. Since
the system can compile an accurate picture of the gas turbines physical state, it can increase its flexibility and
performance by enabling operations closer to its current physical boundaries, while still increasing the overall reliability of
the system.
Running in conjunction with ALCC system, OpFlex Autotune software uses the same model-based control approach for
the combustion system. This software replaces a fixed split schedule between the various combustion fuel circuits with a
DLN2.6+ combustion model and control logic to tune the splits in real time to lower emissions and dynamics. This
means the combustion system can adapt to external changes, such as ambient temperature, fuel temperature and
composition, without the need to retune it, eliminating the need for all seasonal system adjustments, and enables the
DLN2.6+ combustion system to handle up to 20 per cent variation in natural gas energy content as measured by the
MWI. This process of continual tuning helps prevent periods of high dynamics, which can rapidly damage hardware,
leading to higher repair costs and reduced combustion intervals.
GE offers a fast start package for the 9F family that reduces the time to fire up the turbine across the entire start sequence
for both simple- and combined-cycle applications. For simple-cycle gas turbines, start-up to full load takes only 15
minutes, enabling the gas turbine to be used as a non-spinning reserve. In combined-cycle configurations, the power
plant start-up time can be reduced by up to 20 minutes. Combining the turbine fast start with combined-cycle rapid
response products enables the turbines to be brought on-line at similar speeds to simple-cycle units and provides
opportunities as a non-spinning reserve, while also maintaining the higher efficiency of a combined-cycle power plant
during normal operation.
The package utilizes six techniques to achieve this faster start time. The purge cycle has been moved to shortly after the
gas turbine shuts down, eliminating the need to enter the purge cycle during the start sequence. A load-commutated
inverter enables the rotor to engage more quickly with the LCI system, allowing for faster starts of the gas turbine. The LCI
turns the generator into a motor, providing the initial torque to spin the turbine until the combustion system is firing and the
turbine is producing enough power to accelerate on its own accord. When a turbine must be restarted, fire-on-the-fly
technology eliminates the hold on rotor speed during the combustion ignition process, enabling the gas turbine to
continue to accelerate.
Fast grid synchronization uses closed-loop acceleration control and incorporates a feedback to the control system of the
actual acceleration rate versus target rate to ensure a more consistent start time to full speed and no load across the
More Jobs
Lean Practitioner / Continuous Improvement
Specialist
Shell
Country: undefined
venture between Shell and Refining Inc.
Headquartered in Houston, Motiva operates
primarily in the eastern and southern United States.
Its operations include about 8,200 Shell-branded
gasoline stations, three refineries in Norco (New
Orleans, LA), Convent (Baton Rouge, LA) and Port
Arthur...
Team Lead, Lease Administration - Houston,
TX
Shell
Country: undefined
responsibilities within the Lease Analyst and Lease
Trading Teams. This includes creating sound
documentation and processes within the teamWork
closely with Lease Tax Team in to develop
relationship and ensure that processes are working
smoothlySupport the...
Magazine
Latest Energy Jobs
6/27/2014 The 9F platform: A history of refinement - Power Engineering International
http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/print/volume-19/issue-5/features/the-9f-platform-a-history-of-refinement.html 5/7
0 Comments
Subscribe RSS
CHP generates big savings for
Related Articles
How to cut your OPEX
Editorial Guides
ambient temperature range. Meanwhile, advanced control logic allows faster load acceleration to reduce the time needed
to synchronize the gas turbine generator with the grid frequency.
The turbines are also able to load from full speed and no load to full speed with full loading roughly twice as fast in
simple-cycle configurations, or with a rapid response combined-cycle plant.
Flexibility and performance
The 9FA gas turbine can be integrated into a variety of power generation applications, and can operate on a range of fuels.
GE continues to improve the 9FA turbines thermal efficiency, power output, operating flexibility, availability, reliability and
emissions. These product enhancements to materials, aerodynamics, combustion and controls can improve baseload
efficiency by up to 5 per cent and raise power by up to 15 per cent in simple-cycle applications. GE claims these
enhancements also increase reliability and availability up to 2 per cent while reducing NOx and CO emissions. Given the
need for increased fuel and operational flexibility, this unit can now provide turndown to 35 per cent gas turbine load as
well as an increased range on MWI.
When combined with a multi-nozzle quiet combustor (MNQC), a diffusion combustion system with more than 1 million
fired hours in the field, the 9FA can operate on many low heating value fuels. The 9F Syngas turbine, which is a derivative
of the 9FA gas turbine, is capable of operating on syngas or high hydrogen (H2) fuels, and can be used in integrated
gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) plants, or in other applications that generate syngas or high H2 fuels. Using the 9F
Syngas turbine as part of an IGCC plant with pre-combustion carbon capture allows for reduced emissions. A cooling
optimization package can provide up to a 1.5 per cent increase in power and a 1 per cent improvement in heat rate, by
reducing clearances on the first stage bucket using abradable first stage shrouds and case temperature management to
control thermal expansion, thereby maintaining closer clearances.
The high firing temperatures found in advanced gas turbines such as the 9FA call for the hot gas path components to be
cooled below their required material property limits. GE uses internal air-cooling and external film cooling on the 9FA
components. The second and third stage nozzles are cooled by air extracted from the 13th and 9th compressor stages,
respectively. Due to the pressure ratios over the majority of the ambient and operating ranges, the second stage nozzle
cooling air can be mixed in an ejector to use less 13th stage and more 9th stage air. As less work has been expended to
compress air at this stage, the trade-off results in an overall efficiency improvement. The extraction control system
manages how much air from each stage is mixed in the ejector, based on load and ambient conditions. It can also
reduce the overall cooling air for the third stage nozzle, leading to further gains in efficiency.
With a focus on efficiency, the 9FB gas turbine is designed for applications in regions where fuel costs are a critical
consideration. The turbine is able to operate on natural gas or distillate fuel, allowing the operator to take full advantage of
the best fuel prices or supplies available at any given time. There are currently 28 of these gas turbines operating in the
field, which have accumulated more than 230 000 fired hours and 3800 fired starts. The fleet leader has more than 22
500 fired hours and more than 320 fired starts.
GE is also offering a performance enhancement package for the 9FB model that delivers incremental gas turbine
performance through reducing secondary flow and drops in combustion pressure, as well as by modulating extraction
flow and reducing the pressure loss across the inlet duct. With these improvements, the 9FB gas turbine is capable of
generating 291 MW of electricity with a heat rate of 8880 BTU/kWh of thermal energy at 38.4 per cent efficiency in simple-
cycle configuration (at ISO conditions). In a 109FB combined cycle configuration, the unit delivers 444 MW with a heat rate
of 5778 BTU/kWh and 59.1 per cent thermal baseload efficiency (reference plant at Gas Turbine World conditions).
Another benefit from the design enhancements in this package is improved off-frequency operation.
Modular construction
The time required to construct and start up a new power plant is always going to be a critical portion of any infrastructure
schedule. The modular 9FB system requires suppliers to assemble as much of the piping and supports as possible
before reaching the field, to reduce installation costs. Five modules are pre-assembled and assembled at the final site.
Although this decreases installation time, it also offers the opportunity to improve quality and reduce waste, since pre-
assembly ensures the pipes are the right size. It also creates a safer working environment for the labourers, with more
ground level and shop work compared to work on-site. There are also logistical benefits since there are fewer crates and
loose parts to store, and a smaller lay-down area. Lastly, the modular process allows faster combustion inspection and
increased gas turbine availability.
Efficency without compromising flexibility
The 9FA and 9FB gas turbines are another step in an evolving portfolio of heavy-duty gas turbines, tackling the changing
demands of global power generation. These enhancements have combined to create turbines that offer improved power
output, thermal efficiency, emissions and field installation benefits, without compromising the operational flexibility
traditionally delivered by GEs F-class fleet.
More Power Engineering International Issue Articles
Power Engineering International Archives
View Power Generation Articles on PennEnergy.com
Recommend this article
Write a comment
6/27/2014 The 9F platform: A history of refinement - Power Engineering International
http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/print/volume-19/issue-5/features/the-9f-platform-a-history-of-refinement.html 6/7
US university
Algeria steps up gas-fired
power capacity
Siemens looks on the bright side
as France sells GDF stake
Siemens chief executive Joe Kaeser is
taking a positive view of his companys
failure to secure a deal to buy French
power...
Hendry UK offshore wind
expertise can be a top export
The former UK minister for energy, Charles
Hendry, says the country is in a good
position to bring its knowledge of offsho...
Alstom plot thickens as Mitsubishi-
Hitachi enter fray
Mitsubishi-Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS)
have made no secret of their ambitions for
greater influence in the power generati...
Positives drawn for offshore wind
despite political point-scoring
If anyone needed reminding that the
Scottish referendum on independence is
just three months away, the jostling for
positi...
Need for UK nuclear stressed by
climate campaigners
The need to bring online a new fleet of
nuclear power stations in the UK was
stressed yesterday at an energy
conference in...
RISD/Brown/Erfurt Team Unveils One-of-a-
Kind Fabric Solar House at 2014 Solar
Decathlon Europe
RISD/Brown/Erfurt Team Unveils One-of-a-Kind Fabric
Solar House at 2014 Solar Decathlon Europe
Ithaca Energy Inc.: Stella B1 Well Flow Test
Editor's Picks
PEI Magazine Issues

>> Current Issue >> Past Issues
Latest Wire News
How to cut your OPEX In a constantly
evolving electricity market, factors such
as over capacity and low coal costs can
pu...
Alstom Editorial Guide: Thailand
to showcase latest upgrade of
Alstom's GT26 in combined-
cycle
Read all about Alstom's new advanced
GT26 gas turbine in the North Bangkok
CCPP expansion project online with the
Power En...
PLEXOS Integrated Energy
Model Leading the Field in
Energy Market Modelling
PLEXOS Integrated Energy Modelling
is an advanced software tool that
employs the latest mathematical
programming methods ...
More Editorial Guides >>
Everyone Friends Me
PEI Buyers Guide
Companies
Products
Aftermarket parts and services
Generators
Control systems
Boilers
Gas turbine parts, components and accessories
Gas turbines
Filters and filtration systems
Engine-generators
View more companies >>
Top Blog Posts
Recent user activity on Power Engineering
International:
Sokkalingam Visvanathan shared:
GEs biggest acquisition as Alstom
deal done :"Af ter a protracted nego
Tue Jun 24 2014
Sokkalingam Visvanathan commented
on:
GEs biggest acquisition as Alstom
deal done :"Af ter a protracted nego
Tue Jun 24 2014
Sokkalingam Visvanathan commented
on:
GEs biggest acquisition as Alstom
deal done :"Af ter a protracted nego
Tue Jun 24 2014
6/27/2014 The 9F platform: A history of refinement - Power Engineering International
http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/print/volume-19/issue-5/features/the-9f-platform-a-history-of-refinement.html 7/7
Ithaca Energy Inc.: Stella B1 Well Flow Test
Perma-Fix to Present at NNSA's 2014 Mo-
99 Conference
Perma-Fix to Present at NNSA's 2014 Mo-99
Conference
Induction Lighting Manufacturer Partners
With Bosch
Induction Lighting Manufacturer Partners With Bosch
WiMAX Forum and Utility Industry Caution
FCC Against Incorporating 3.65 GHz
Spectrum Into New Citizens Broadband
Radio Service Plan
WiMAX Forum and Utility Industry Caution FCC Against
Incorporating 3.65 GHz Spectrum Into Ne...
More Wire News >>
If shale rocks, will renewables roll?
Kinder's gamble on dash for gas
Chinese wind market catches its breath
A steppe in the right direction?
Power struggles over energy at the heart of UK
government
SSE: game-changer or token gesture?
Ready, or not, for windpower?
Labour pains for LNG plans
Power Engineering International Topics
World Regions Nuclear Distributed Generation
Coal Fired Renewables Business
Gas & Oil Fired Smart Grid T&D Policy & Regulation
Copyright 2014
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
TOPICS
World Regions
Coal Fired
Gas & Oil Fired
Nuclear
Renewables
Smart Grid T&D
Distributed Gen
Business
Policy & Reg
Topic Index
ABOUT US
About Us
Contact Us
Advertising
Subscribe
PennWell Websites
PennWell Events
RESOURCES
Current Issue
Online Archives
RSS Feeds
Buyer's Guide
SUPPORT
Register
Login
Forgot Password
Site Map