Upgrading Fuel Control Systems

One Electronic Valve Performs Better Than Two Hydraulics
As part of its efforts to upgrade control of its compressor systems. El Paso, a natural gas provider based in Houston, Texas, was looking to improve the fuel system - the main interface from the control system to the gas turbine. Over the years, development of new fuel-control valves has provided for better control of these turbines.

EI Paso decided to upgrade the control systems in its installations because some of the older control system components were becoming obsolete. This drove up repair and replacement costs. Also, the company wanted to improve the performance and reliability of its systems.

In the past, hydraulic, servo-actuated valves had been the technology of choice for the fuel system. Now. with advances in electronics and smart valves, the ability to gather and process information locally at the valve has made the use of electronic fuel valves more attractive.