Industrial Gas-Turbine Lubrication

Abstract

The adoption of the gas turbine for industrial applications became important in the early 1960’s, and the gas turbine is now firmly established as a prime mover for industry. Present estimates indicate that more than 10,000 units, developing at least 30,000 MW (40,000,000 hp) are in service, with a predicted growth rate of 15% per annum in installed power. In terms of actual numbers, early expansion was characterised by the popularity of small gas turbines of up to 370 kW (500 hp), used mainly for emergency electrical generation for military purposes. However, since 1967, emphasis on this type of equipment has decreased, and the market requirement has shifted towards larger units, many individually exceeding 15 MW (20,000 hp). Electrical power generation remains the principal application, but in the field of natural gas and oil pumping, and compressor drives for process plants, the gas turbine in the 750–1500 kW (1000–2000 hp) range is competing successfully with other prime movers.