Power Generation: Sustainability

[CatTechnician01]

   I hope to get some feedback from the community for some issues encountered on a G3412C LE running on propane. Specifically, if someone out there has a successful setup and would be willing to share the model/part numbers for the mixers and the installed gas jets. I have tried unsuccessfully to operate the engine using positive differential AND negative differential with no luck. Plug gap @ .018", timing currently at 24.2. Also installed between the regulator and the mixers is a full authority butterfly valve used for the A/F ratio controller which currently is blocked wide open.

   Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Pete 

[cat69man]

You need to check the Methane # for propane (30) and find the appropriate timing. Should be around 15-18 BTC. I cant remember if the G2412C has impco 200 or Varifuel or venturi nozzles. What is it doing or not doing on start?

[CatTechnician01]

Thanks for the response, tested yesterday @ 35 degF after adding third vaporizer/regulator. Engine response much better and able to pull full load with no problems.

[njc1979]

Did you check with the DSN or ASC?  Depending on the application and ambients they may have similar setups that they can point you too at another dealers area.  I have found good luck in working with LEC in finding dealers with past applications that have been modified to give solutions for my past applications, etc...just a thought.  Your TC can do this for you.  

One issue I had with a G3400 application on propane at elevation was similar to yours.  We had found the the piping was not insulated all the way from the fuel supply to the engine.  Propane in cold and elevated applications is not fun especially if its a long run of pipe to and from the fuel source with multiple bends.  

The Gas A&I handbook for 3400s should also have some good specs to use as well.

[CatTechnician01]

Thanks njc, we really struggled with this one. Application of the third vaporizer/regulator did the trick in this climate. Elevation was not a factor as we are at sea level. The fuel supply from the tanks was buried underground, presumably below the frost line. That initially threw us for a loop. We even went so far as to bring in a tanker truck to test. Same result. Lessons learned for the next one.....