Combustion Stabilization in Natural Gas Reciprocating Engines and the Impact on Reliability

EVENT SUMMARY

Legacy reciprocating engines are critical assets to all pipeline companies. The method in which they are monitored and maintained significantly impacts each asset's overall Reliability and Life Cycle. Combustion stabilization within this equipment has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, extend mean time between failure (MTBF), improve fuel economy and extend useful life.

This course is 9:00 - 11:00 am, CST on October 25 & 26.

Attendees will receive 4 Professional Development Hours (PHD) upon completion.

Registration Fees
Member $225
Non-Member $295

REGISTER HERE

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Understand combustion and fire triangle.
  • Learn natural gas combustion chemistry.
  • Familiarize with fuel balancing.
  • Utilize fuel balancing / combustion stabilization.
  • List the steps to combustion stabilization.
  • Recognize air/fuel ratio vs trapped equivalency ratio.
  • Know fuel balancing components (mechanical breakdown).

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

All level Engineers, Analysts, Technicians, Mechanics, FSRs, Project Managers and Reliability Engineers interested in gaining a more in-depth understanding of Fuel Rail Balancing and Combustion Stabilization

 

WORKSHOP AGENDA:

  • Horsepower History
  • Engine Basics Review
  • Engine Combustion
    • Combustion Cycles
      • Brayton (Centrifugal/Turbines)
      • Otto
        • Reciprocating 2-stroke
        • Reciprocating 4-stroke
  • Diesel
  • Combustion Chemistry
  • Natural Gas Combustion Emissions
  • Important Terminology
    • Ignition Timing
    • Peak Firing Pressure (PFP)
    • Location of Peak Firing Pressure (LOPP)
    • Standard Deviation
    • COVs
    • Pre-Ignition
    • Detonation (Knock)
    • Backfire
  • Introduction to Combustion Stabilization, or Fuel Balancing
    • Fuel Balancing Steps/Procedure
    • Air/Fuel Curve
      • Dirty Burn vs Lean Burn
    • Fuel Balancing Components (Pain Points)
  • Impact of Combustion Stabilization on Emissions
  • Engine Fuel Balancing with a Windrock PA System
  • COV Calculation Definition and Comparison
  • Fuel Header Equalization Line Theory
  • Fuel Rail Simulator ‘Hands-On’ Demonstration
  • Reliability Impact
  • Summary & Closing

 

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Mary Savelle

Mary Savalle, PMP, REC

A passionate and unapologetic advocate for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education, Detroit native Mary Savalle attended Wayne State University and completed her final year of undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnica Universidad de Puerto Rico.

Her multi-faceted career began with DTE in 2007 and includes experience with large natural gas engines and compressors, diagnosing engine/compressor defects, fleet management, Lean Six Sigma, and Reliability Engineering. Mary held the title of Principal Reliability Engineer when she parted with DTE in 2020. She is currently pursuing her Master of Engineering in Engine Systems from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and serves as a Technical Consultant in the Oil & Gas Industry.

Mary’s professional credentials include:

  • BS in Mechanical Engineering
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Reliability Engineering Certification (REC) through Clemson University
  • Student –Masters of Engineering in Engine SystemsDesign, University of Wisconsin –Madison (Expected Completion December 2022)

She has published industry papers, travels nationally teaching courses on internal combustion engine concepts and has developed training devices for kinesthetic learners. She has worked with companies around the world in research, analysis and training activities.

Mary’s passion for STEAM and her community resulted in partnerships with local businesses and elementary schools to educate children on STEAM concepts. She has spent the last year working with multiple institutions to build up their educational programs while pursuing her advanced degree.