Utilizing technology similar to that of jet aircraft engines, gas turbines are most commonly used to generate electricity or power large machinery. They can produce anywhere from 25 MW – 600 MW of power, making them suitable for both small and large electrical requirements. While gas turbines are common in industrial settings, their installation for electricity generation is not unusual in facilities such as hospitals, universities, and data centers.
In industry, gas turbines are the central component in cogeneration units. Cogeneration units produce electricity and heat, usually in the form of steam. They are super-efficient because they take advantage of their heat by-product to make steam.
Gas turbines also perform a host of other functions for a wide range of industries. They are perhaps most prevalent in the oil and gas industry where they are the workhorse in applications such as:
- Gas pipeline transmission
- Operating compressors in gas gathering systems
- Pressurizing oil fields with gas (gas lift)
- Pressurizing oil fields with water (water flooding)
The Fire Risk
Typically powered by natural gas, gas turbines generally perform without incident. However, they operate at extremely high pressure and produce an incredible amount of heat, in some cases greater than 2000°F. Given that they rely on combustion, there is always a readily available ignition source.
Containing all the components of the fire triangle (fuel, heat, and oxygen) in a super-charged state, gas turbines can pose a significant fire risk. Add to this lube oil, multiple moving parts, hose, wiring, and instrumentation. Now, put it all in an enclosure. The potential for a catastrophic fire is very real.
The gas turbine assembly itself represents a considerable investment and a large potential loss. However, the business interruption following prolonged downtime and the resulting shortfall of energy production or processing ability can create a much larger cost to the business. With so much at stake, the installation of a reliable fire suppression system is a must.
The Solution
The Stat-X® total flooding aerosol system is an ideal and proven fire suppression application to protect gas turbines and critical ancillary components. The rapid response of the Stat-X system can quickly suppress fires while they are manageable, thereby reducing damage and downtime. The Stat-X system installation can also be expanded to offer protection to the entire enclosure.
A gas turbine enclosure is typically considered a Class I, Division 2 area. The Stat-X EX electrical product line is UL approved for fire suppression in this classification and provides superior protection to components and equipment contained therein.
Stat-X® Fire Suppression Features:
- Effective Agent Performance
Agent application at the required density provides quick knockdown and reflash protection - Compact and Modular
Efficient design with low space and weight-bearing requirements - Simple and Economic Installation
No piping required, special bracing, or pipe support materials that can be complex, confusing and costly, resulting in significant savings on parts and labor - Durable
Ideal for harsh environments and remote locations - Long service life
Service life of fifteen (15) years - Virtually Maintenance Free
No cylinder weighing requirement - Environmentally Friendly
Zero potential for global warming or ozone depletion - U.S. EPA SNAP listed for normally occupied and unoccupied spaces
- Made in the USA
