We’re running a GE 7FA.03 unit, and we’ve been encountering fuel nozzle blockages during operation. This results in combustion instability and increased emissions.
Here’s what we’ve found so far:
Fuel filters are clean and within spec.
Water injection rates are properly calibrated.
Nozzle purges seem to be working correctly.
We’re considering whether fuel quality or corrosion buildup might be contributing to this issue. Has anyone else dealt with similar problems? What maintenance practices or operational adjustments would you recommend?
Fuel nozzle blockages are often caused by fuel quality issues. Check for particulate contamination in your fuel supply. We’ve also seen issues with water contamination, especially during fuel switchover operations.
Have you checked the nozzle purge system timing? If the purge isn’t properly synchronized with shutdowns, residual fuel can carbonize and cause blockages over time. We had to adjust our purge logic to prevent this.
We found that corrosion inhibitors added to our fuel supply helped reduce nozzle fouling. Make sure your fuel supplier is providing fuel that meets the anti-corrosion standards for liquid fuel turbines.