Full scale testing of a low swirl fuel injector concept for ultra-low NOx gas turbine combustion systems

The continued development of a low swirl injector for ultra-low NO, gas turbine applications is described. An injector prototype for natural gas operation has been designed, fabricated and tested. The target application is an annular gas turbine combustion system requiring twelve injectors. High pressure rig test results for a single injector prototype are presented. On natural gas, ultra-low NO, emissions were achieved along with low CO. A turndown of approximately 100 degrees F in flame temperature was possible before CO emissions increased significantly. Subsequently, a set of injectors was evaluated at atmospheric pressure using a production annular combustor. Rig testing again demonstrated the ultra-low NO, capability of the injectors on natural gas. An engine test of the injectors will be required to establish the transient performance of the combustion system and to assess any combustor pressure oscillation issues.