Gas Turbines: How Do They Work?

Posted on March 22, 2018 by TWPcmf-co

Gas turbines are efficient machines for transferring fuel energy into mechanical energy. This involves using compression and combustion systems, as well as turbines. To better understand how gas turbine power plants work, you must understand the primary sections and how they break down.

The Main Equipment

One of the gas turbine’s main components is the compressor. It pulls in air and compresses it using rows of blades along a shaft. The air pressurizes more with each row it passes. The shaft connects and rotates along with the main gas turbine.

Next, the air moves from the compressor into the combustion system. In this process, the air mixes with fuel injectors built into the combustion chambers. Combustion results in very hot temperatures and a pressurized gas steam that goes through the turbine with a high level of energy.

Most energy conversion happens in the turbine system. It features rows of aerofoil-section blades attached to the shaft that gets rotated by kinetic energy from hot gases. The rotating blades spin a generator to create electricity. It also encourages the compressor to inhale more air into the combustion area. Electricity is produced when the turbine shaft connects to a generator.

More on Gas Turbines

Industrial gas turbines are widely used in manufacturing. The turbine is picked according to the engine, effectively generating electricity via the compressor, combustor, and turbine.

Over time, gas turbine power plants have become dependable conversion objects. Their performance depends on factors such as the pressure of the moving air (from compressor to combustion system), the temperature of the hot gas (leaving the combustor), and the exhaust gas temperature (escaping the turbine).

Trust in the Experts

Energy conversion efficiencies are complex phenomena. In-depth knowledge of a system is necessary to manufacture parts that are dependable and efficient within the overall plant. Thus, a gas turbine needs to be made with quality parts by experts in the field.

Our Central Metal Fabricators team manufactures precise, strong industrial products to use in accordance with combustion turbine units. Our product line includes dampers for gas turbines and gas turbine enclosures, enclosure panels and doors, exhaust diffusers, and more. Our reputation for crafting gas turbine silencing equipment dates back to 1948. At CMF, we also assemble and install parts properly for your convenience.

Stay up to date with Central Metal Fabricators, Inc. by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter, as well as our blog. For your gas turbine plant-related projects, find out how our products can have a positive impact when you contact CMF today.

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A Positive Year for the Boiler and Steam Turbine Industries

Posted on February 27, 2018 by TWPcmf-co

A boiler is not sensational. A steam turbine doesn’t sound revolutionary. But the duo keeps most of the industrial world ticking.

2018 will be a positive and stable year for these key industries. With strong growth will come the promise of new jobs. The anticipated turn-around of the state of manufacturing in the country may just be evinced in their numbers.

Power Plants are Driving the Turbine Demand Curve

The turbine industry in the US is valued at a whopping 17 billion dollars and the market keeps expanding by 3.4% every year.

With the question of green and clean energy receiving a lot of attention, a major reason behind the escalating turbine momentum is the eschewing of coal-based power plants. Electricity requirements are expected to peak over 2018 to 2025. But the concern for the environment means power suppliers will try to balance fossil fuel output with clean and renewable output.

Plants that run on natural gas offer a sustainable alternative.

From Disney Land to Industrial Operations, Boiler Sales Pick up “Steam”

The iconic Disney trains that circle the amusement park are driven by boilers which consume a soy-based biodiesel. And many other public attractions have been inspired by this creative effort on part of the brand.

There are hardly any factories in the US where hot water boilers do not have the responsibility of seeing operations to completion.

Even the HVAC systems in homes depend on chiller boilers to maintain desired ambient temperatures.

Thus it’s no small wonder that the global boiler market is all set to touch a record high of 11.6 billion dollars in 2018. The strictly industrial segment is smaller at $803 million, but even this niche will experience growth of 2.8% by the end of the year.

Central Metal Fabricators is a Leader Serving These Industries

Lauded as a quality manufacturer of dampers for gas turbines, boiler accessories, boiler casings, busbars, steel hoppers and dampers for turbines, the positivity that’s on the horizon for the turbine and boiler markets also promises to make 2018 significant for Central Metal Fabricators.

We’ll continue to develop our existing product catalog and invest in perfecting services like sheet metal fabrication, replacement of parts and flux core arc welding, gas metal arc welding and shielded metal arc welding services.

We’re fully equipped to be a reliable partner for the manufacturing industries doing brisk business over the next 12 months.

If you are interested in staying abreast of the trends sweeping strategic production sectors, please follow us on the blog, Twitter and LinkedIn.

You can also connect with us here for a custom quote.

Posted in Boilers, coal power, Energy, Energy efficiency, fossil fuel, gas turbines, Manufacturing, renewable energy, Turbines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How Critical it is for the U.S. Power Supply to be Reliable?

Posted on January 18, 2018 by TWPcmf-co

U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry recently called for a report on the dependability of our electricity grid to ensure it continues to provide Americans with the power they’ve come to expect.

The grid is undergoing substantial changes in order to keep pace with rising energy demand — some of the most profound changes since its inception, as a matter of fact — and the study is intended to assess “how certain policies are affecting, and potentially putting at risk, energy security and reliability.”

A dependable electrical grid is essential across all industries, but especially for manufacturing and fuel production.

The significant changes in how the U.S. generates its power is greatly tied to the Marcellus shale gas boom within the past ten years. The affordable, plentiful supply of natural gas from the shale formation in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York lessened U.S. dependence on imported gas and, in part, marginalized coal and nuclear power plants. The use of wind and solar power continues to rise, too.

The U.S. electricity system is a complex network of power plants, transmission and distribution wires, and electricity consumers, and ensuring it remains reliable will be no easy task. As we wait for the study to shed light on the grid’s dependability now — and in years to come — modernization efforts continue and integrate new technologies with the existing grid infrastructure.

Central Metal Fabricators is an industry leader in the production of silencers for exhaust stacks, inlet stacks, and enclosures. We also supply exhaust plenums, filtration systems, enclosure panels and doors, exhaust diffusers, turning vanes, vandal-rain-snow roof/guards, exhaust stack eductor assemblies, and acoustical-thermal panels, turbulators and turning vanes.

Let us help you with your gas turbine silencing needs. Contact us today, and follow our blog, as well as connecting with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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National Manufacturing Day 2017 is Almost Here

Posted on October 3, 2017 by TWPcmf-co

The annual National Manufacturing Day is the first Friday of October, so mark your calendars for Friday, October 6th, 2017. The initiative brings together manufacturers and communities in an educational way to address common industry issues.

MFG DAY events near you are listed on the site for interested personnel such as students, educators, media, politicians, and businessmen alike.

Industry Issues to Address

Although manufacturing is key to the economy, it still has its share of disputes. Current concerns being addressed are the manufacturing skills gap, public misconceptions about the industry, the amount of male versus female workers in the field, and the outsourcing of jobs overseas for cheaper labor.

National Manufacturing Day is one of the biggest initiatives supporting methods to overcome each hurdle.

What the National Manufacturing Day Entails

During both public and invitation-only visits, manufacturers have the opportunity to dissolve any myths about the manufacturing industry. Common misconceptions include dirty shop floors and low-paying positions, but today’s industry happens to be quite the opposite.

Step foot inside a facility and you will see that today’s manufacturing industry means technological advancements, STEM skills, secure job placement and benefits, as well as economic benefits across the country and across the globe.

The Importance of Manufacturing Today

The manufacturing sector has grown faster than the rest of the U.S. economy since the recession that ended in 2010. Manufacturing significantly impacts today’s economy, spurring economic growth, as well as encouraging innovation with its technological improvements in machinery. Plus, services are dependent on manufactured items. Let’s not forget that manufacturing creates employment too.

Central Metal and National Manufacturing Day

Central Metal Fabricators supports each National Manufacturing Day initiative, including bridging the skills gap, supporting male and female student proficiencies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), and encouraging reshoring of manufacturing activities.

For more information continue to follow our updates via Twitter, LinkedIn, and company blog.

Here for Your Manufacturing Needs

Central Metal Fabricators has been a leading designer and manufacturer of gas turbine silencing equipment in the U.S. for more than half a century. Our gas turbine and utility parts such as hoppers, bus bars, boiler panels, and tanks are top quality. Our team works efficiently to fit within your project timelines.

To discuss how we can help your company initiatives, please contact us today.

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The Forecast of Global Wind & Solar by 2040

Posted on September 5, 2017 by TWPcmf-co

What are the future expectations of wind and solar energy for supplying global power? Here at Central Metal Fabricators, we fabricate, assemble, and install gas turbine silencing equipment and associated metal items. Our panel of industry experts delve into the matter below, and the findings might surprise you.

IEA Projections on Renewable Energy

As per data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), wind and solar power will generate more of the world’s energy by 2040 than it does today. But, while primary energy demand (TPED) renewables, which includes solar and wind, have higher usage than 1990, it likely amounts to less than you imagine.

In 2014, solar cells or photovoltaic (PV) cells and wind contributed a meager 0.6% of total global energy. Fast forward to 2040 and this number increases, but only to 2.9%. Respectively, coal, oil, and gas will continue to dominate as the top three energy power sources around the world.

Plus, the IEA prediction assumes that every country complies with the Paris Agreement on climate change. The US is currently not in the climate accord, and compliance is not likely to be gained by every other country, so the IEA’s estimate of less than 3% is likely more than it will be come 23 years from now.

Natural Gas and Nuclear Power Estimates

Natural gas will grow faster as an energy resource than any other TPED, accounting for 25 percent of global demand by 2040, based on projections by a recent ExxonMobil report. This will be less than oil, which will be the biggest resource, providing about 32% of the world’s energy, and more than nuclear power at 7%.

While renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind will grow over the next few decades, its development will be considerably slower than the rate and volume of natural gas.

 

 

Applying the Research

Regarding the above, you have an idea of the world’s energy picture for the near future, including only about 3% renewables. Understanding the energy supply for Central Metal Fabricators and many other industrial manufacturers is important so that we use the sources wisely to craft optimal products and plan for the future.

Internally, we manufacture an array of industrial products including dampers for gas turbines, boiler casings, steel hoppers, and busbars. Our top quality engineering design service replacement parts, gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, and more.

Stay on top of relevant trends by following us on our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Be sure to contact us to place your next industrial product order or if you have any questions.

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Wind & Solar Energy Versus the Electric Grid: What’s the Best Energy Source When It Comes to Manufacturing?

Posted on August 8, 2017 by TWPcmf-co

As renewable energy sources, namely solar and wind energy, increase in popularity, many manufacturers are wondering where this leaves them.

What is the Dilemma?

As an industry, manufacturing is a large energy consumer. The paramount worry for many in the field is that their own energy sources will be siphoned off by grid operators when solar and wind drop short of expectations. The unreliable true nature of renewables is an unfortunate reality; if it is not a sunny or windy day, then neither energy source is strong.

From a manufacturing standpoint, the growing number of large-scale solar and wind facilities makes for an unreliable grid and reduces power quality, all of which are worrisome because they can equate with safety and reliability issues at the manufacturing site. These risks lay squarely on the shoulders of the energy consumers, with some of the biggest being manufacturers. While the eco-friendly nature of solar and wind as power sources are plentiful, there are issues with adopting them across the board.

Recently, the Industrial Energy Consumers of America (IECA) spoke to the Washington Examiner. As per IECA CEO and President Paul Cicio, “Industrials are not in the business of generating and selling power. We are in the business of producing manufactured products.” Cicio adds that manufacturers cannot meet internal demands for power or steam if they act like a consumer power plant.

Looking for Solutions

It is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), federally chartered regional transmission organizations, and self-regulating system engineers of these markets that look over the issues. But the FERC’s latest Primary Frequency Response notice of proposed rulemaking will likely only serve to exacerbate the problems and put more responsibility on manufacturers. Unfortunately, utility operators and mechanics often do not have in-depth experience of manufacturing processes, thus not understanding the reliability that is vital for manufacturers.

Currently, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation is assessing the situation based on manufacturers’ grievances and any changes will occur through the standards design process.

 

 

Central Metal Fabricators

As a leading manufacturer of gas turbine silencing equipment, it is our responsibility to bring awareness to various circumstances that influence the manufacturing industry.

Here at Central Metal Fabricators, our experts will continue to keep you abreast of developments as we fabricate, assemble, and install top-quality gas turbine silencing equipment and related metal products.

Contact us today for your next order, and follow our blog, as well as connecting on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Florida Power & Light Accelerates its Solar Power Plant Program

Posted on May 22, 2017 by TWPcmf-co

In an effort to save customers millions of dollars long term, Florida Power & Light recently announced they will be opening eight new solar-energy plants by early 2018.  These new plants should combine to create almost 600 megawatts of power, which is enough to provide power to approximately 120,000 homes during peak demand time.

Green Tech Media predicts an increase of 1900 percent in the solar power production capacity of the state over the next five years. Due to its geographic location, the amount of sunlight Florida receives makes solar energy a sound bet for the state. Florida Power & Light has already brought the Manatee Solar Energy Center, the Babcock Ranch Solar Energy Center in Charlotte County and the Citrus Solar Energy Center in DeSoto County to add to the electric supply grid in an effort to take advantage of this.

Why the Sudden Acceleration?

The newly created 8 facilities will be able to take the load of about 120,000 families off the conventional production cycles if they operate optimally.  This is a big help for the state and offers improved power stability for the consumers. Construction of these new plants will also provide jobs to the region as construction is expected to be done quickly.  While natural gas will still be used to provide the bulk of energy for the state, this is an opportunity to diversify the fuel sources used.

Alachua, Putnam and DeSoto counties have already been picked as final sites for four of the new plants. The locations of the additional new solar power plants have not yet been revealed but are being built now because new solar facilities are cost effective.

At Central Metal Fabricators, we are a market leader for gas turbine silencers and components since 1948. For more information please contact us here.

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The Importance of AWS Certification

Posted on April 26, 2017 by TWPcmf-co

Focused on providing quality turbine silencing equipment designed from scratch or retrofitted to comply with modern needs, Central Metal Fabricators boasts a stringent quality assurance program that respects the stipulations of both ANSI N45.2 and MIL-I-45208A. Our welders are A.W.S certified and qualified which offers a plethora of benefits to our customers.

Welding

The American Welding Society (AWS) Stands For:

This century-old institution is dedicated to advancing the science and technology of welding and allied joining procedures.

Certificates are issued to candidates post:

  • Intensive theory exams that evaluate their general knowledge of the process they wish to claim the certificate for
  • Tests that probe the ability of the welders to tackle problems uniquely with an out of the box mind-set
  • Practical examinations that call for candidates to be nimble with their hands and also comfortable with applying what they know in a high-pressure setting

As a result of this rigorous instruction, Central Metal Fabricators work force processes customer requirements, creates solutions that are effective silencers for a number of turbine environments and turns around deliverables in a very short period of time by working smartly and efficiently.

National Welding Month:

Each year in April the American Welding Society celebrates National Welding Month to recognize and reflect on the impact that welding has around the country.  The goal of this celebration is to call attention to how important welding is, as well as promoting the many opportunities that are available in the industry.  By 2020 there is expected to be a shortage of over 200,000 skilled welding professionals, creating a real demand for the next generation of welders.

At Central Metal Fabricators we understand the importance of welding and are proud to be a part of this industry. For more information on the services, Central Metal Fabricators offers, please contact us.

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Why Are Gas Turbine Silencers Necessary?

Posted on March 22, 2017 by TWPcmf-co

Although turbine engines create energy in an efficient way, along with the energy comes a lot of noise; noise so loud, if not properly diminished, could kill a person. Hearing loud noises repeatedly, even if not at a level to kill, can cause ear damage, both short term and permanent. To prevent noise levels from being dangerous, mufflers must be used to protect anyone working nearby.

Gas Turbines

A gas turbine silencer is a type of muffler for industrial turbines. Turbines engines work by forcing air through compressors, which is then typically separated into two sections. One section goes on to cool the engine while another section is sent to a combustion chamber.

In this latter section, the chemical energy that has been created converts to mechanical energy. The air then expands and forces its way out. When the air is recombined, it cools down prior to getting to the first initial turbine set. Then, the turbine is able to convert the airflow from mechanical (or rotating) energy into electrical energy. The exhaust from this process creates the majority of the noise, which comes out of the huge muffler. If there isn’t a gas turbine silencer in place to absorb the noise, anyone working in the vicinity could get serious ear damage, leading to long term hearing loss.

In addition to lowering the chance of harm to employees working nearby or doing routine maintenance, the gas turbine silencer is also able to accommodate intense heat up to 1,200° F. Due to the gas turbine silencer, employees can safely work next to turbines without fear of harming their hearing or working near high temperatures.

At Central Metal Fabricators, we understand just how to keep your employees safe. Our extensive line of gas turbine silencers, exhaust stacks, inlet stacks, enclosures, and components are state of the art equipment designed to meet your needs. We also offer gas turbine silencer services for design, fabrication, replacement, and tech support. We invite you to follow our blog, connect with us on Twitter, or follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on news in the gas turbine silencers industry and other things impacting Central Metal Fabricators.

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The Global Use of Gas Turbines is Increasing

Posted on December 12, 2016 by TWPcmf-co

The use of gas turbines has increased over the past few years. The global preoccupation with lower maintenance costs of power generation equipment and processes that do not adversely impact the environment have dictated the shift from reciprocating engines to gas turbines.

According to Lucintel, the global gas turbine market for power generation will touch a whopping $13.2 billion by 2021 and will continue to grow at a compounded average of 3.3% per year.

gas turbine

Why are Gas Turbines Preferred?

Gas turbines are turbomachines that have high power to weight ratio. They can be much smaller in size than other engines are capable of producing the same level of output. They also happen to be scalable in terms of the basic technology. This is the reason why gas turbines can run the gamut from ones that generate around 38 kW of power to large industrial structures.

The working fluid of choice is air. It is compressed at the inlet, mixed with the fuel and fired to create a heated flow that can then operate the rotor and electromagnet assembly for the desired output of electricity.

A gas turbine as a result produces minimal hazardous wastes. Most of the heated air is reused to drive the compression unit and the rest that is exhausted into the atmosphere doesn’t really contribute to environmental degradation because of complete combustion and low CO emission levels.

Gas turbines can work with a wide choice of fuels and fluids. They require lower pressures and thus the structures can be less robust than alternative engines. The output speed is high. But thanks to fewer moving parts the wear and tear and the cost of lubrication are both moderate.

In a fast paced economy that demands power but is veering towards the sustainable approach, gas turbines fill a void. Over the next few years innovations in the industry will drive sales for the 61-180 MW and more than 180 MW output variants.

CMF is Glad to be a Part of the Movement:

Central Metal Fabricators has been an industry leader in the production of silencers for exhaust stacks, inlet stacks and enclosures. We also supply exhaust plenums, filtration systems, enclosure panels & doors, exhaust diffusers, turning vanes, vandal-rain-snow roof/guards, exhaust stack eductor assemblies, and acoustical-thermal panels, turbulators and turning vanes.  For the latest company news and information follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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