With over 150 years of engineering experience, Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery in Lincoln is at the heart of the power industry. Employing around 1500 people, the cusiness supplies most of the key global players in the oil and gas industry.
Investing in the right product solutions
Specification for gas turbine manufacture at the site is led by the customer. They are often looking for solutions that offer simple integration into their operation with minimum maintenance and lifecycle costs. As an expert in the field, Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery is continuously investing in new solutions and services to deliver the very best operational value and efficiency and ultimately, meet the most specific of customer requirements.
As part of this ongoing investment, the business has incorporated the use of instrumentation from the Process Industries & Drives division of Siemens UK & Ireland into its turbine manufacturing. The decision to specify Siemens instruments across its entire gas turbine portfolio stems from the Siemens One programme – which encourages cross business working to increase the value of the total Siemens offer for customers. The partnership approach is also proving to be a cost effective way of working, a key benefit that is passed directly to the oil and gas market.
Instruments used in its gas turbines include the Siemens LG250 Guided Wave Radar Transmitter. Designed to monitor levels in the lube oil tank, waste drain tank and under base, it offers a comprehensive alarm system for on-line maintenance and leak detection. The DSIII for pressure monitoring is another key instrument now utilised in the manufacture of gas turbines at the Lincoln site. Controlling high and low pressure and incorporating a remote diagnostic option, the module removes the need for manual interference, greatly improving on-site safety for end users.
For intelligent control valves, Siemens SIPART PS2 is the product of choice. This instrument is used in lube oil temperature control and is also used on the liquid fuel system air assist valve, offering improved reliability over other positioners and direct acting valves. In addition Siemens motors are used for starting turbine engines as well as running pumps for the fuel and oil operations.
As well as enabling remote configuration – which is ideal for off shore users – each instrument incorporates push button controls, enabling users to programme the instruments directly through on board push buttons and further simplifying the configuration process. What’s more, all Siemens instruments come with IECEx and ATEX certification for products used in explosive atmospheres with the additional option of stainless steel encasements.
The selected instruments are specially designed to cope with challenging operating environments, ranging from – 20 up to 65°C climates. Due to the configuration capability of Siemens instrumentation, fewer devices are needed, which as well as reducing the inventory at the Lincoln site, also means end users can minimise the stock of spare parts/instruments.
Complex control
The control systems used on industrial gas turbines are among the most complex systems in the world. Controlling the modules within Siemens Gas Turbines are Siemens’ S7-400 and 1500 PLC controls. Certified for use in hazardous areas, Siemens PLCs offer optimum efficiency and a predictive maintenance system.
Each module can be tested individually and this is something undertaken at the Lincoln site through an IO distribution system. Once tested, the modules are configured before being installed in the turbine, a process that eliminates the need for further testing off-site. The Lincoln site has adopted a truly holistic approach to utilising Siemens technology, and not just through the installation of modules in its turbines. The site also uses Siemens Process Controls for its IO distribution – meaning Siemens controls are used to test all Siemens modules.
Seamless integration
The main benefit the business has seen through using total Siemens instrumentation is the seamless integration of the modules. The products are highly standardised, meaning they can easily be configured to suit most applications, and do not require the use of special tools, making them easily accessible and adaptable. For the end user, this means they do not need to store multiple parts or equipment on-site to maintain machinery – which is a key issue.
Huw Davies, Packaging Design Specialist at Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery, comments: “As with all industries, emerging technologies are a key driver in the success of a solution, so ensuring the right components are embedded in our end packages is paramount. While our initial collaboration with Siemens Process Industries & Drives was borne out of the Siemens One initiative, the benefits we’re seeing to our own operation, and are therefore able to pass onto our customers, are unrivalled.
“Each module offers simple integration and unlike others on the market, does not require any specialist equipment to configure or operate. As well as making our own operations more efficient, this is a real selling point for our customers.”
The integrated Siemens product approach adopted here provides ultimate traceability throughout the businesses’ modular process skid – from product development, to testing and configuration and finally, installation. In addition, all technical and sales support relating to the products is accessed in house and relationships across Siemens have been greatly strengthened as a result.
Derek Moore, Product Manager at Siemens UK & Ireland, said: “It’s fantastic to see how our collaboration with Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery is enabling the business to meet the specification needs of its varying customer base. While our businesses are part of the same organisation, Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery is ultimately still a Process Industries & Drives customer and we’re committed to building on this relationship to develop the right solutions and services to meet the business’ needs.
“The oil and gas market is a truly distinct market and embedding Siemens instrumentation in the brand’s gas turbines means the organisation is fast being recognised across a global marketplace as a significant solutions provider – making the Lincoln site a prime example of cross business collaboration at its best.
