Gas Turbine Technology for Operations and Maintenance Engineers

Overview

This course provides an opportunity to acquire a fundamental understanding of many aspects of stationary gas turbine engine performance, appropriate to its operation and maintenance. The main course focus is on the engines used in power generation industries.

At a Glance

• Dates: 23 - 27 Nov 2026
• Duration: 5 days
• Location: Cranfield campus
• Cost: £1800, including refreshments and lunch during the day. Accommodation is not included and must be booked separately. Concessions are available.

Course Structure

The 5-day course is presented through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, and worked examples. Printed course material is provided for delegates' use during and after the course. Active participation from the delegates is strongly encouraged, particularly during the worked examples, to consolidate learning. All delegates will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion of this course.

What You Will Learn

On completion of the course, you should:

• Be able to understand the fundamentals of the many aspects of performance of stationary gas turbine engines used in the power generation industries.
• Have a good background to enable an appreciation of the operational problems associated with gas turbines used for power generation.

Core Content

1. Overview of Gas Turbine Technology and Applications
   • Simple cycle gas turbine performance in terms of power, fuel consumption, and thermal efficiency.
   • Effect of fuel choice on corrosion, emissions, component life, etc.
   • Effect of ambient temperature and pressure on performance.
   • Performance enhancement through compressor cleaning, intake water misting, intake air filtration, etc.
   • The performance benefits of using Combined cycle gas turbine performance and cogeneration.
   • The use of inter-cooling and reheat.
2. Rotating Components and Matching
   • An overview of compressor and turbine design and performance, their characteristics, and matching.
   • Compressor surge and its prevention.
3. Vibration and Rotor Dynamics
   • A review of vibration, including specific problems such as blade vibration and shaft critical speeds.
   • Case histories that illustrate vibration with the fatigue failure of components.
   • Rotor instability.
   • Spectrum analysis for the solution of resonance, instability, and gear and blade problems.
   • The Campbell (Spoke) diagram and critical speed maps.
4. Combustors and Fuels
   • Combustor types, chamber design, fuel atomisation, ignition, and combustor arrangements.
   • The constraints imposed by fuels on the design and operation of the combustor.
   • An overview of fuel treatment and additives.
5. Performance Analysis for Problem Detection
   • The fundamental concepts of performance analysis as a tool for saving energy costs.
   • A review of basic and applied thermodynamics for gas turbines.
   • The use of performance data to pinpoint problem areas.
   • Diagnostics related to fouling, nozzle erosion, blowing surge, choke, etc.
   • Meaningful trending methods.
6. Gas Path Analysis for Stationary Gas Turbines
   • Simulation of degraded gas turbines, the application of fault coefficient matrices, fault trees, and other techniques.
   • Implications for component life and emissions.
7. Gas Turbine Fouling
   • The causes and effects of fouling in compressors, including increased fuel flow, reduced efficiency, reduced mass flow, reduced surge margin, turbine blade creep life, etc.
   • The effects of inlet air filtration on engine performance.
8. Gas Turbine Repair
   • The techniques of inspection and repair of gas turbines, including NDT techniques, cleaning, plating, heat treatment, welding, etc.
9. Gas Turbine Maintenance
   • Maintenance techniques using borescopes.
   • Spectrum analysis, including acoustic monitoring.
   • Techniques for checking and conducting repairs on impellers, diffusers, bearings, couplings, and foundation repair.
10. Special Considerations for CHP Gas Turbines
    • Considerations in the design, operation, and maintenance of turbines and associated equipment.
    • Off-design operational effects on heat recovery steam generators, STTG cycles, and evaporative cooling.

Who Should Attend

The course will be of most benefit to delegates currently working in the maintenance and operations departments of the power generation industry. The course will also be very beneficial to those involved in the procurement of new and replacement equipment.

Speakers

The course is presented through lectures and tutorials conducted by members of Cranfield University's staff, all of whom have considerable academic and industrial experience. Additional lectures will be presented by senior engineers from industry.

Concessions

• 20% discount for Cranfield Alumni.
• 10% discount when registering 3 or more delegates from the same organisation at the same time.
• Accommodation fees are not included in the discount scheme.

Accommodation Options and Prices

An exclusive accommodation package is available at Mitchell Hall hotel, located on campus, with all rooms en-suite and available on a half-board basis from Sunday to Friday. The cost of this package is £580.

Location and Travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire, close to the border with Buckinghamshire, almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes, and conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1. London Luton, Stansted, and Heathrow airports are 30, 90, and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world.

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Overview:

Cranfield University is a postgraduate-focused institution specializing in science, technology, engineering, and management. It is renowned for its strong industry links and practical approach to education.

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Services Offered:

Cranfield University offers a wide range of services to students, including:

Careers and Employability Service:

Provides guidance and support for career planning and job searching.

IT Services:

Offers access to computer labs, software, and technical support.

Libraries:

Provides access to extensive collections of books, journals, and online resources.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Industry Links:

Cranfield University has close relationships with numerous organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Practical Approach to Education:

The university emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications, preparing students for successful careers.

World-Class Facilities:

Cranfield boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, workshops, and research centers.

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Academic Programs:

Cranfield University offers a variety of postgraduate programs, including:

Taught Degrees:

MSc programs in various fields, such as aerospace, energy, and management.

Research Degrees:

PhD and MPhil programs for students seeking to conduct advanced research.

Apprenticeships:

Level 7 apprenticeships for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Professional Development:

Short courses and executive development programs for individuals and organizations.

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Other:

• Cranfield University has two campuses: Cranfield Campus and Cranfield University at Shrivenham.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong track record in environmental research.
• Cranfield University is ranked highly in various international rankings, including those for sustainability and engineering.