Successful Selection and Operation of Gas Turbine Inlet Filtration Systems

A gas turbine inlet filtration system is important for successful operation. The filtration system minimizes the occurrence of foreign object damage, erosion, fouling, and corrosion. The selection of the inlet filtration system is a challenging process which involved choosing multiple filtration stages based on the desired performance of the gas turbine and the local operating environment. This tutorial walks through the factors that should be considered when selecting an inlet filtration system: 1) The characteristics of filters and filter systems, 2) A review of the many types of filters, 3) A detailed look at the different environments where the gas turbine can operate, 4) A process for evaluating the site where the gas turbine will be or is installed, and 5) A method to compare various filter system options with life cycle cost analysis.