Enclosed Turbines or Gas Compressor Packages

Turbines and gas compressors are normally provided as a complete assembly in an acoustical enclosure. Because the equipment is enclosed and handles gas supplies, it is a prime candidate for the possibility of a gas explosion and fire. 

The most obvious source a gas accumulation is a fuel leak. Other rare losses have occurred due to lubrication failures, causing the equipment to over heat, with subsequent metal fatigue and disintegration. Once disintegration occurs heat release from the combustion chamber will occur along with shrapnel and small projectiles which will be thrown free from the unit from inertia momentum of the rotating device. 

Most enclosures are provided with a high interior air cooling flow that is also helpful to disperse any gas release. Combustible gas detection is provided in the interior of the enclosure and at the air exhaust vent. Fixed temperature devices are also installed. 

The prime method of protection from a gas explosion in the enclosure is through gas detection and 

A one hour fire wall or substantial space should be provided between the turbine and gas compressor. The utilization of explosion blow-out panels in the acoustical enclosure will also limit damage from an explosion. Although strengthen panels could be provided to protect against shrapnel ejection, the cost installation coupled with the low probability of such an occurrence and the low personnel exposure periods, generally render this a non-cost effective safety improvement. 

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