GE's 'world first' upgrade for Spanish gas turbine

GE revamps 6B gas turbine in world's first flange-to-flange upgrade. (Getty Images)

In a bid to cut emissions and boost efficiency, GE has completed the world’s first flange-to-flange upgrade on a 6B gas turbine in only seven weeks.

Replacing key components on the machine - based at an industrial recycling mill in Spain – new, advanced-design parts have resulted in a more efficient operation, significant reduction in emissions and, according to GE, a considerable life extension for the plant.

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The upgraded Frame 6B at the S.A. Industries Celulosa Aragonesa (SAICA) cogeneration plant delivers approximately 38MW, which is then sold to the national power grid, and produces steam for use in the paper production process. The project included the installation of GE’s dry low NOx (DLN) combustion technology to reduce NOx emissions from around 150ppm to less than 15ppm, without steam injection.

“Offering increased efficiency, higher performance and emissions control, this gas turbine upgrade program supports our commitment to deliver solutions that allow our customers to operate their plants in a cleaner, smarter and more efficient way,” said Corinne de Bilbao, general manager of GE Energy Services, Western Europe and North West Africa.

“The SAICA project is our first 6B flange-to-flange replacement project in the world, and will serve as a model for future applications throughout the region. This type of upgrade brings significant results in a much shorter time than replacing the old gas turbine with a new unit would require.”