ABSTRACT
Aero-derivative and industrial gas turbines have demonstrated their suitability for heavy duty, continuous, base load operation in power generation, pump and compressor applications. However, considering the actual hardware, primarily in the 20,000-horsepower and above range, the differences are very significant. Compressors are either the axial design (with up to 19 stages) or the centrifugal design (with one or two impellers). Turbine nozzle and blade design was, and still is, a function of the performance match between the turbine and the compressor, and the strength and temperature resistance of available materials. Combustor design is a complex task, often referred to as a "black art." The last major hardware difference between the aero-derivative and heavy and hybrid industrial gas turbines is in bearing design. Starting and accelerating the aero-derivative unit is fast, and loading time is limited only by the driven equipment.
