Gas Turbine
Description of Components
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Class: Restricted
Combustion Chamber
Burner Assembly
General Description
Hybrid burners were developed for Siemens gas
turbines to enable combustion of fuels with a very diverse
range of composition.
A fundamental distinction is drawn between single-
fuel and multi-fuel burners. The essential differences lie
in the number and type of nozzle systems implemented
through which the fuel/fuels is/are injected into the
combustion air.
The modular design of the hybrid burners makes it
possible to select a burner configuration in line with the
fuel grades used that achieves extremely low pollutant
emissions (nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide) and
stable combustion over a wide output range.
Design Configuration of the Hybrid
Burner
The hybrid burner is depicted schematically in Fig. 1.
The design of the hybrid burner comprises three discrete
modular components that can be replaced independently
of one another, thereby ensuring a high level of service
friendliness.
The three main components for gas turbines designed
for operation on fuel gas and fuel oil are:
– The diffusion burner
– The premix burner
– The fuel oil burner.
Supply of Air
Various passages are integrated into the hybrid
burner for the supply of air and fuel. Air flowing through
the burner is swirled to increase flame stability. The
hybrid burner is equipped with two swirlers for this
purpose.
The larger fraction of the combustion air is supplied to
the diagonal swirler (11) via air passages. The diagonal
swirler has vanes (21) that are oriented with a defined
pitch angle to swirl the air that is supplied.
The remainder of the combustion air is supplied to the
axial swirler (25). The axial swirler also has vanes (20)
that are oriented with a defined pitch angle to swirl the air
that is supplied.
The swirl direction of these two flows of air is
identical; consequently they merge at the burner outlet
and then enter the combustion chamber as a single flow.
Siemens AG
Energy Sector
Fuel Gas Burner
The burner is equipped with three separate fuel
supply pipes and burner systems for operation on fuel
gas:
– The diffusion gas burner (14)
– The premix gas burner and
– The pilot gas burner (7).
The gas turbine is started up and accelerated using
the diffusion gas burner (14). Then the fuel is changed
over to the premix gas burner to ensure low emissions
combustion in the part load and base load range. The
pilot gas burner (7) stabilizes premix combustion and
extends the operating range.
Diffusion Gas Burner
The diffusion gas burner (14) and pilot gas burner (7)
are components of the central burner support (26). It is
flanged onto the combustion chamber dome from the
outside using the burner support flange (4).
Diffusion gas is supplied via the diffusion gas
connection (28) and the gas supply pipe for diffusion
mode to the diffusion gas nozzles (22), which are situated
in the axial swirler (20). There diffusion gas emerges and
is mixed with the combustion air flowing out of the axial
and diagonal swirlers so that combustion can occur in the
combustion chamber.
The fuel oil diffusion burner (6) is located centrally in
the burner support; this burner is flanged onto the
downstream end of the burner support (26).
Pilot gas is supplied via a corresponding connection
on the burner support (26). Pilot gas is supplied to the
pilot gas nozzles (27) via the supply pipe for pilot gas
(13); these nozzles are located inside the axial swirler
(20).
The igniter (9) is attached at the periphery of the
burner support (26). Two insulated spark plugs are
mounted in the penetration through the burner support
flange (4). The tips of the igniter electrodes (7) are
positioned such that the electric arc which forms between
the igniter electrodes ignites the fuel/air mixture near the
diffusion gas nozzles (22).
To ensure reliable ignition, the ignition arc is
maintained throughout the ignition phase. After
successful ignition, the igniters are deactivated.
Premix Gas Burner
The premix gas burner comprises a diagonal swirler
hub (23) with integrated fuel distributor rings for premix
gas (10), the diagonal swirler cone (19), and the diagonal
swirler vanes (21). These parts form the outer air outlet of
the diagonal swirler throat (18).
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 Gas Turbine
Description of Components
Gas is supplied to the premix burners centrally for
each combustion chamber via a gas distributor spider
that is located inside the combustion chamber dome.
From there the premix gas is uniformly distributed to the
individual burners by the premix gas supply pipe (24).
Inside of the burner premix gas is supplied to the premix
gas distributor ring (10) and uniformly distributed to the
individual diagonal swirler vanes (21). There the premix
gas emerges from the premix gas nozzles (12) and
enters the flow of air in the diagonal swirler throat (18)
such that fuel and air can homogeneously mix upstream
of the burner outlet.
Fuel Oil Burner
There is a burner systems for operation on fuel oil:
– The central fuel oil diffusion burner (29)
The fuel oil nozzles have the task of atomizing the
liquid fuel under all operating conditions such that the fuel
droplets rapidly evaporate and can form a stable, low-
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this document as well as utilization of its contents and
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emission flame. To reduce emissions levels during
operation on fuel oil, it is also possible to admix water to
the fuel oil via the low-NOx water injection nozzles (17).
Fuel Oil Diffusion Burner
The fuel oil diffusion burner (6) is a swirl-type
pressure atomizer that functions on the whirl chamber
principle. The entire flow of fuel oil forwarded by the
injection pump via the fuel oil supply line connection (2)
and the supply pipe (3) at a pressure of 20 to 75 bar
enters the whirl chamber of the fuel oil diffusion nozzle
(16), where it split into two flows. The flow of fuel oil
injected into the combustion chamber is intensely swirled
as it passes through the whirl chamber; this forms a
hollow cone pattern of very fine oil droplets after
emerging from the fuel oil diffusion nozzle (16) that is
stabilized by a centrally-located fuel oil return pipe control
needle (15) located in the fuel oil return line. The second
partial flow is fed into the centrally-located fuel oil return
line (5) and routed back to the fuel oil tank.
Splitting the flow into these two fractions is dependent
on the pressure in the fuel oil return line and can be
regulated by adjusting the lift of the fuel oil control valve.
By closing the fuel oil control valve, the flow cross section
in the return line is reduced, thereby increasing the
pressure in this line and thus also increasing the amount
of fuel oil injected into the combustion chamber.
Characteristic Data of the Fuel Oil Diffusion Burner
For purposes of illustration, the characteristic data for
a fuel oil diffusion burner are depicted in Figure 2, with
fuel oil flow plotted as a function of pressures in the fuel
Class: Restricted
oil return line and supply line. The fuel flow is plotted on
the ordinate and the pressure difference between the fuel
Siemens AG
Energy Sector
Combustion Chamber
Burner Assembly
oil return line and combustion chamber pressure on the
abscissa. The array of curves in this characteristic data
plot illustrates the dependency of fuel flow on the
pressure difference between the fuel oil supply line and
combustion chamber. Because the flow through the fuel
oil diffusion burner is - as with all throttle systems -
dependent on differential pressures, the actual pressures
prevailing in the return line and supply line are not
indicated, but rather the difference between supply line
and combustion chamber pressure and return line and
combustion chamber pressure. In the following
description, the terms “supply pressure” and “return
pressure” are used for the sake of simplicity.
The characteristic data for each supply line pressure
comprises an upper and a lower curve branch that
coincide at the so-called cusp or spinode corresponding
to the closed return line. The distance between the upper
curve branch and the abscissa is the amount of fuel oil
that flows into the burner. The distance between the
lower curve branch and the abscissa is the amount of fuel
that is injected.
The individual curves show that as return line
pressure increases, the amount of fuel injected increases
and the return flow rate decreases. At the cusp where
supply and return pressures coincide, the entire supply
flow is injected and the return flow is zero.
In addition to the characteristic data, dotted lines
indicate the supply and return flows that are established
during operation of the gas turbine.
Fuel Oil Premix Burner
The fuel oil premix burner utilizes pressure to atomize
the fuel. In fuel oil premix mode, the fuel oil is sprayed
into the combustion air in a very tight pattern; each of
these nozzles is located in the diagonal swirler throat
between two adjacent vanes (21) at a point downstream
of the hub. The air flow breaks down the individual jets
into droplets which are evaporated by the high air
temperature and mix with the air prior to reaching the
flame front.
To stabilize the premix oil flame, a small pilot oil
diffusion flame constantly burns in addition; this flame is
controlled by the fuel oil diffusion burner (6).
Fuel Gas Operation
Fuel Gas Startup and Operation in Gas Diffusion
Mode
During gas turbine startup, fuel gas is supplied to the
combustion chamber via the diffusion gas burner (14).
Fuel gas is supplied via the diffusion gas nozzles (22) in
the axial swirler (20) in such cases; after emerging from
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 Gas Turbine
Description of Components
these nozzles into the combustion zone it mixes with the
combustion air.
An electric arc generated at the tips of the ignition
electrodes (9) is used to ignite the diffusion gas.
To ensure reliable ignition, the ignition arc is
maintained throughout the ignition phase. After
successful ignition, the igniters are deactivated.
Gas Premix Mode
As soon as conditions that ensure complete burnout
are established, changeover is made from diffusion to
premix mode. This involves shifting the supply of fuel
from the diffusion gas nozzles (22) to the premix gas
nozzles (12) and pilot gas nozzles (13).
In fuel gas premix mode, the gas flows into the
combustion air via the premix gas nozzles (12) in the
diagonal swirler vanes (19) and mixes with combustion
air while flowing through the diagonal swirler throat (18)
on the way toward the combustion zone. Premix mode is
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this document as well as utilization of its contents and
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registration of a utility model or design patent are reserved.
additionally stabilized by the pilot gas flame, which
extends the permissible operating range. A separate
supply line feeds gas to the pilot gas nozzles (14) that are
integrated into the pilot gas burner (7). Premix mode
ensures that low pollution combustion, i.e., with low NOx
and low CO emissions, can occur over a wide output
range extending up to gas turbine base load.
Load Rejection during Operation on Fuel Gas
In the event of load rejection, the supply of premix gas
to the premix gas burner is interrupted so that the premix
flames go out. At the same time, the mass flow of pilot
gas is increased to the rate at which stable flame
conditions are still ensured.
Fuel Oil Operation
Fuel Oil Start and Operation in Fuel Oil Diffusion
Mode
It is not possible to start the gas turbine directly with
fuel oil. For this reason, propane or natural gas is
required as an auxiliary fuel. Using this auxiliary fuel,
startup is performed analogously to that with fuel gas.
Auxiliary fuel is admixed via the diffusion gas burner
(14). The auxiliary fuel is supplied via the diffusion gas
nozzles (22) in the axial swirler (20) at this time; after
Class: Restricted
Siemens AG
Energy Sector
Combustion Chamber
Burner Assembly
emerging from these nozzles into the combustion zone it
mixes with the combustion air.
An electric arc generated at the tips of the ignition
electrodes (8) is used to ignite the auxiliary fuel.
To ensure reliable ignition, the ignition arc is
maintained throughout the ignition phase. After
successful ignition, the igniters are deactivated.
Thereafter fuel oil is supplied via the fuel oil diffusion
burners. After the fuel oil has ignited, the supply of
auxiliary fuel is terminated before rated speed is reached.
Further loading of the gas turbine is performed in fuel oil
diffusion mode.
Fuel Oil Operation with Water Admixture via Low-NOx
Water Nozzles (Optional)
To reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions levels, it is
possible to admix water to the fuel oil via the low-NOx
water injection nozzles. This water reduces flame
temperature peaks, consequently less NOx forms.
Water is added through the low-NOx water
connection (29) at the fuel oil diffusion burner (29) and
injected into the flame via the low NOx water injection
nozzles (17).
Load Rejection during Operation on Fuel Oil
In the event of load rejection, the supply of premix oil
to the premix oil burner is interrupted so that the premix
flames go out. At the same time, the mass flow of fuel oil
in the fuel oil diffusion burner is increased to the rate at
which stable flame conditions are still ensured.
Special Design Variants of the Hybrid
Burner
Hybrid Burner with Thermocouples (Optional)
In cases where it is known that Siemens fuel
specifications will not be complied with or at the
customer’s explicit request, the hybrid burner can be
equipped with thermocouples to guard against
overheating. The temperature measuring elements of
each thermocouple are brazed into the axial swirler (20).
Thermocouple leads are routed on the surface of the
burner support (26) and through a penetration in the
burner support flange (4) sealed with small bulkhead
fittings.
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 Gas Turbine Combustion Chamber
Description of Components Burner Assembly
communication there of to others without express

payment of damages. All rights created by patent grant or

Transmittal, reproduction, dissemination and/or editing of
this document as well as utilization of its contents and

authorization are prohibited. Offenders will be held liable for

registration of a utility model or design patent are reserved.

1 Fuel oil return line connection 11 Air supply to diagonal swirler 21 Diagonal swirler vane
2 Fuel oil supply line connection 12 Premix gas nozzles 22 Diffusion gas nozzles
3 Fuel oil supply line 13 Pilot gas nozzles 23 Diagonal swirler hub
4 Burner support flange 14 Diffusion gas burner 24 Premix gas supply pipe
5 Fuel oil return line 15 Fuel oil return line needle 25 Air supply to axial swirler
6 Fuel oil diffusion burner 16 Fuel oil diffusion nozzle 26 Burner support
7 Pilot gas burner 17 Low-NOx water nozzles 27 Pilot gas supply pipe
8 Ignition electrode 18 Air outlet of diagonal swirler throat 28 Diffusion gas line connection
9 Igniter 19 Diagonal swirler cone 29 Low-NOx water line connection
10 Premix gas distributor ring 20 Axial swirler 30 Pilot gas line connection
Class: Restricted

Fig. 1 Schematic Depiction of the Hybrid Burner

Siemens AG 3.1-1350-2490/4
Energy Sector 0112EN
 Transmittal, reproduction, dissemination and/or editing of
this document as well as utilization of its contents and
communication there of to others without express
authorization are prohibited. Offenders will be held liable for
payment of damages. All rights created by patent grant or
registration of a utility model or design patent are reserved.
Class: Restricted

Fig. 2

Energy Sector
Gas Turbine

Siemens AG
Description of Components

Burner (Nozzle) Characteristic Data SGTx-2000E

Burner Assembly
Combustion Chamber

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