I would say it is useful to get the advice/opinion of the OEM but wouldn't rely on it too much. Remember - the OEM will only be interested in selling you new brand new equipment and will give you an extorionately high quote for rehabilitation in order to put you off...
What is your by-product? We might be able to help you avoid the ususal pitfalls.
Reciprocating gas engines are also good contenders for using by-products and have open cycle efficiencies of around 46%.
Getting slightly off topic now....but medium and slow speed diesels have evolved in leaps and bounds in the last few years. You can get medium speed engines with outputs over 20MW and slow speeds reaching 75MW per unit. They can run on gas or HFO ('dual fuel') and have an open cycle efficiency...
Considering the use of such equipment is fairly common.
There are plenty of independant experts/inspectors around and it might be a good idea to get one to carry out a survey of the equipment for you.
Try to use one who is a PE experienced in steam turbine generators and approved by the...
ccw - I also imagine it will be easier for them to source back-up diesel fuel in the battlefield country than propane. Diesel also easier to transport and distribute in bulk.
Miller timing is now commonly used on medium speed engines for ships and power stations.
Inlet valves are closed EARLY in this cycle so that the final phase of expansion results in a lower combustion temperature. The adavantage? - Lower NOx emissions.
Miller timing itself is nothing new but...
For a Frame 5 in combined cycle, average start up times should be about an hour (hot start) and approx 4 hours from cold. With bypass stack you could get the GT up to full load in about 15-20 mins.
The times you quote do seem very slow. Either the contractor is just trying to sell you a bypass...
Again it depends on the analysis of your crude lottol, but in the size range you want MAN B&W of Germany are about the only other ones making units in that size range.
By the way Wartsila have had significant problems burning crude. Their engines are fine on it but the HP fuel system is another...
Great news, glad everything has worked out well at your plant.
Are you still unable to share the cause of failure with us?
I know many plant owners using these engines and it would be of great benefit to share this information with them (as well as personal interest!), especially if they could...