Mobile Filtration Technology for Mobile Power Generation

Phil Black - PII Editor 01/03/2017

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CLARCOR Industrial Air has a wide range of filtration solutions to improve turbine performance in all types of environments. Its clearcurrent® Mobile Air Inlet System is designed specifically to provide exceptional performance and simplify logistics in mobile gas turbine applications.

The need for mobile power generation comes in various forms. It may be required for emergency service after a natural disaster; because political instability makes the creation of a full size power station impractical; for a major event or other temporary need; during a plant shutdown, or because the amount of power needed is relatively small and the location remote from the main power grid.

There are logistical issues with mobile power generation. Firstly, and most obviously, it needs to be mobile. This requires the ability to transport it and then provide for easy assembly / disassembly when necessary.

As with any other gas turbine installation, protecting the turbine from performance degradation and physical damage due to contaminants in the air intake, is vital to system performance, efficiency and reliability.

Gas turbines are also very noisy, so the amount of noise generated needs to be reduced to acceptable levels as part of the air inlet design.

CLARCOR Industrial Air filtration technology has a proven record of supplying market leading air inlet performance, protecting gas turbines in even the harshest of environments.

Its clearcurrent PRO inlet air filtration solutions are specifically designed for power generation applications. Its Mobile Air Inlet System solution offers clearcurrent performance with the additional features necessary to make it ideal for mobile applications.

Size and weight are critical factors when considering the needs of mobile power generation. CLARCOR’s air inlet system for the mobile power generation needs of GE and other turbine OEMs is manufactured from aluminium and, as a turbine consumes a huge amount of air, it is very cleverly engineered to optimise aerodynamic performance. This makes the unit very light and compact for the size of gas turbine it protects.

The dual aspect filtration sections on the clearcurrent Mobile Air Inlet System can be taken off and stored, making it quick and easy to assemble or disassemble on site.

The unit also has weatherhoods that fold back to protect the filters when in transit and that also makes the system easy to lift and connect to the gas turbine. To ensure quiet operation, the Mobile Air Inlet System is additionally fitted with an advanced acoustic attenuation system.

The CLARCOR Industrial Air mobile air intake system offers outstanding filtration and acoustic performance and can be easily fitted with different grades of filtration media to EPA/HEPA to suit particular application and environmental needs.

Its unique design for mobile applications means it is the only configuration approved by GE for use in its TM2500/TM2500+ Generation VIII mobile aero-derivative gas turbine generator set.

CLARCOR Industrial Air offers its customers vast experience and an in-depth understanding of filtration needs allowing operators to optimise gas turbine performance no matter the gas turbine technology, the local environment or the operational profile.

Air inlet systems are designed to specific installation needs and to offer long, reliable performance. The clearcurrent Mobile Air Inlet System for the TM2500 and other distributed generation turbines is just one example of how CLARCOR adapts technology to specific environments and specific customer demands. The system’s approval by GE shows the confidence and trust the industry has in the value of a CLARCOR solution.