by j79guy on Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:32 pm
Hmmmmm, no PT6 based gas pumpers that I know of, too small. Generally, if 2000 shaft horsepower or greater is required, you will see a turbine. Or, if power density is a requirement, you will see down to 1000 Shp, in the Solar Saturn range. P&W did make a twin Pack, where two PT6's were joined together on a common reduction gearbox, for electric generation. I think it was called ST-18 (?)
Industrial turbines, at least the older more reliable ones, would run 10,000 fired hours between combustor changes, and 30,000 fired hours between major overhauls. The newer aeroderivitives are averaging 17,000 fired hours between major overhauls. To put in persepective, that is like putting the throttles of an F4 Phantom at 95% and holding it there for 3.5 years. Impressive yes, but not really that unusual, with the good maintenance and clean fuel that industrial units get. Plus contrary to popular belief, industrial aeroderivitive turbines are built to a tighter standard than flight engines, in terms of oil leakage, vibration limits and gas path clearances.
Robin.