Waukesha Gas Engines: Fuels & Lubrication Gaseous Fuel Specification For Waukesha Engines
Waukesha Gas Engines: Fuels & Lubrication Gaseous Fuel Specification For Waukesha Engines
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Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
S
Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
7884-7
Waukesha gas engines Fuels & Lubrication
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Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
S
Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
7884-7
Waukesha gas engines Fuels & Lubrication
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Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
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Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
7884-7
Waukesha gas engines Fuels & Lubrication
2. The quality of the fuel gas provided to the engine directly affects the life of the engine and individual engine
components. Engine emissions levels and performance may also be affected by fuel quality. Commercial
quality natural gas, sometimes referred to as utility or pipeline quality natural gas, is the cleanest fuel. Low
BTU fuels, such as digester and landfill gases, contain widely varying amounts of contaminants such as
water, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), siloxanes, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. In general, cleaner fuel results in
longer engine life expectancy and better engine performance. Thus, the best approach is to remove, as far as
practical, all contaminants from the fuel gas before it reaches the engine. Various companies manufacture
products aimed at reducing bio-fuel contaminants through the use of filtration and/or absorption products or
processes. Waukesha makes no endorsement, recommendation, or representation of the effectiveness,
quality, or compatibility of any of these products or services. Their applicability and performance is solely the
responsibility of such product’s manufacturer.
3. To be suitable as an engine fuel, the gas must meet minimum requirements for both WKI value and heating
value. In general, as the molecular weight of a component gas increases, its LHV / SLHV increases but its
WKI value decreases. For some potential fuel gases, then, it is necessary to remove some heavier
hydrocarbon components in order to obtain an acceptable WKI value even though this results in a lower LHV /
SLHV fuel.
4. The allowable limit for most fuel contaminants is specified in μg/BTU LHV (micrograms per BTU of fuel gas
Lower Heating Value) rather than ppmv (parts per million volume) or mass per unit volume (cubic foot, cubic
meter, or liter) because the mass per fuel energy specification provides for a more consistent contaminant
level entering the engine independent of fuel heating value.
The tabulated limit values apply to the gas at the point where it enters the first engine component – usually
this will be the engine mounted regulator. For non-CQNG fuels, several fuel sample analyses are
recommended to determine average and extreme contaminant values. Fuel treatment equipment should be
sized to ensure that the maximum expected contaminant levels do not exceed the tabulated limits after
treatment. Periodic samples should also be taken both before and after any fuel treatment equipment to
monitor the on-going effectiveness of the equipment.
Determining the level of a contaminant in a fuel gas on a mass per fuel energy basis is straightforward once a
proper fuel sample analysis has been done. See Appendix A for example calculations.
5. For G, GSI, and GSID models without air/fuel ratio control, the highest exhaust temperature (HET) carburetor
setting is approximately centered in the recommended operating air/fuel ratio range. It allows equal LHV /
SLHV swings; e.g., ± 50 BTU/ft3 (± 1.86 MJ/m3N), ± 100 BTU/ft3 (± 3.73 MJ/m3N), etc., above and below the
nominal value. Other carburetor settings will allow the same total LHV / SLHV range; e.g., 100 BTU/ft3 (3.73
MJ/m3N), 200 BTU/ft3 (7.46 MJ/m3N), etc., but the allowable high and low swings will not be equal. This can be
illustrated:
In addition, the fuel heating value cannot be allowed to change more rapidly than 5% of the nominal value per
minute. For example, the SLHV of a gas with a nominal heating value of 800 BTU/ft3 should not change more
rapidly than 40 BTU/ft3/minute to maintain proper engine control and stability. Do not exceed the allowable
heating value range.
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Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
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Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
7884-7
Waukesha gas engines Fuels & Lubrication
6. The fuel gas temperature must be held in the range of -29° C to 60° C (-20° F to 140° F). Temperature should
not go below the -29° C (-20° F) value to protect the elastomeric components inside the engine mounted
regulator and carburetor. The high temperature is limited to 60° C (140° F) due to elastomer limits and
potential power loss. Note that some low heating value fuel applications may require a maximum gas
temperature lower than 60° C (140° F) to provide sufficient fuel flow. In addition, engine performance will be
affected and/or fuel system adjustments may be required if the fuel gas temperature varies significantly or
rapidly.
For all 220GL models, the gas temperature at the engine inlet must be held in the range of 0° C - 50° C (32° F
- 122° F). The tighter temperature range for the 220GL models is based on the cooling requirements of the
prechamber and main chamber fuel injection components.
7. Sulfur bearing compounds are highly undesirable in a fuel gas because combustion will produce gases that
can combine with water to form corrosive acids. Since any internal acid formation will lead to shortened
engine life and/or decreased engine performance, Waukesha recommends that fuels having a total
concentration of sulfur bearing compounds, expressed as equivalent hydrogen sulfide (H2S), greater than the
tabulated limit be treated to lower that concentration to no more than the limit value. See Fuel Gas
Requirements Note 2. See Appendix A for a sample calculation.
Sulfur bearing compounds can be removed in various ways, including but not limited to the following:
• Dehydrate the fuel gas and condense excess moisture by refrigerating the fuel gas to no higher than
4° C (40° F) then filtering the fuel gas with a 0.3 micron coalescing filter to remove liquids. Finally,
reheat the gas to at least 16° C (61° F). Reheating the fuel gas to higher temperatures of 29° C – 35°
C (85° F – 95° F) is recommended to provide a more substantial margin against downstream cooling
and condensation. This dehydration process will remove significant amounts of water and, since H2S,
halogen compounds, and siloxanes are water soluble to a degree, levels of those contaminants
should also be reduced.
• Run the gas through an iron sponge filter.
• Treat a digester itself with suitable chemicals such as ferric chloride.
• For information on engine oils specified for use with various gas fuels refer to the most recent version
of Waukesha’s Lubricating Oil Service Bulletin or Engine Lubricating Oil Recommendations in
General Technical Data.
8. Any ammonia present in the fuel gas will result in an increase in the exhaust NOx level above that of the
normal engine NOx output. Corrosive combustion products may also be formed. See Appendix A for a sample
calculation.
9. When burned in an engine, fuels containing halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine) or halogen
compounds (chlorinated hydrocarbons, etc.) will produce highly corrosive products. Waukesha's experience
indicates that halogens and halogen compounds are found only in landfill gases. See Fuel Gas Requirements
Note 2. See Appendix A for a sample calculation. In order to maximize life expectancy for a Waukesha engine
operating on a fuel gas containing halogens, Waukesha recommends the following:
• Perform a comprehensive gas sample analysis to determine the level of halogenated compounds in the
fuel expressed as chloride. One company – there are others – that can perform this service is Air Toxics
LTD, an environmental analytical laboratory. They can be contacted at 1.800.985.5955 or at
http://www.airtoxics.com.
• Dehydrate the fuel gas and condense excess moisture by refrigerating the fuel gas to no higher than 4° C
(40° F) then filtering the fuel gas with a 0.3 micron coalescing filter to remove liquids. Finally, reheat the
gas to at least 16° C (61° F). Reheating the fuel gas to higher temperatures of 29° C – 35° C (85° F – 95°
F) is recommended to provide a more substantial margin against downstream cooling and condensation.
This dehydration process will remove significant amounts of water and, since halogen compounds,
siloxanes, and H2S are water soluble to a degree, levels of those contaminants should also be reduced.
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Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
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Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
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Waukesha gas engines Fuels & Lubrication
Ref.
Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
S
Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
7884-7
Waukesha gas engines Fuels & Lubrication
A 0.3 micron coalescing filter should remove liquid droplets being carried along with the fuel stream. However,
the filter in the fuel gas train should not be relied upon for gross liquids removal. Liquid content of the gas may
be reduced to an acceptable level by several methods:
• Dehydrate the fuel gas and condense excess moisture by refrigerating the fuel gas to no higher than 4° C
(40° F) then filtering the fuel gas with a 0.3 micron coalescing filter to remove liquids. Finally, reheat the
gas to at least 16° C (61° F). Reheating the fuel gas to higher temperatures of 29° C – 35° C (85° F – 95°
F) is recommended to provide a more substantial margin against downstream cooling and condensation.
This dehydration process will remove significant amounts of water and, since halogen compounds,
siloxanes, and H2S are water soluble to a degree, levels of those contaminants should also be reduced.
• Selective stripping with a chemical process, such as Selexol™, may be effective.
• By heating:
i. If the gas is 17° C (30° F) or more above the ambient temperature, it can be cooled by passing it
through a heat exchanger or refrigeration system, filtered, then reheated as above.
ii. If the gas is 11° C (20° F) or more below the ambient temperature, about 50% RH, it can be
filtered and heated. Heating of the fuel gas is limited to the maximum allowable temperature of
60° C (140° F) or 50° C (122° F) for 220GL models.
13. Hydrocarbon liquids, including liquid fuel gas compressor lubricating oil carryover, must be removed from the
fuel stream. Using a coalescing filter with a 0.3 micron rating is adequate in most cases, however, the filter in
the fuel gas train should not be relied upon for gross liquids removal. Oil condensation in the fuel system may
require additional filtration or treatment. Even though compressor lubricating oil is hydrocarbon based and
combustible, it may contain additives with calcium and other undesirable elements and compounds. Failure to
remove hydrocarbon or carryover oil liquids can lead to fuel regulator problems, excessive spark plug and
combustion chamber deposits, cylinder varnish, ring sticking, and other problems. See Fuel Gas
Requirements Note 12.
14. Glycol is not permitted in a fuel gas because it can affect the engine in adverse ways.
One negative result of having glycol in fuel gas is that the lubricating qualities of the engine oil may be
reduced resulting in bearing failure, piston ring sticking, excessive wear, and other problems. A 0.3 micron
rated coalescing filter should remove liquid glycol from the fuel stream, however, the filter in the fuel gas train
should not be relied upon for gross liquids removal. See Fuel Gas Requirements Note 12.
15. Refer to the most recent version of Waukesha's Glossary of Gaseous Fuel Terms in General Technical Data
for additional information on gaseous fuel terminology.
16. All obligations of Waukesha under the Express Limited Warranty shall be waived and rendered void, and
Waukesha will not be responsible for any damage or failure to a Product resulting from owner, operator or
third party abuse or negligence, including but not limited to, any operation, installation, application,
maintenance, or assembly practice not in accordance with the applicable laws, regulations or the guidelines
and specifications established by Waukesha. For all terms, conditions, and limitations of Waukesha’s Express
Limited Warranty see form 0764, latest revision.
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Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
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Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
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Waukesha gas engines Fuels & Lubrication
NOTES:
1. See Table 1 and Fuel Gas Requirements Note 12.
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Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
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Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
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Waukesha gas engines Fuels & Lubrication
ENGINE MODELS WITHOUT AIR/FUEL RATIO CONTROL FUEL GAS LHV / SLHV VARIATION BEFORE
CARBURETOR READJUSTMENT (WKI REQUIREMENTS MUST ALSO BE MET)
Basic carburetor adjustment:
• G, GSI, GSID – Highest exhaust temperature (See Fuel Gas Requirements Note 5).
• VGF-GL, GLD/GLD/2 and VHP-5794LT – 50% to 60% excess air (7.6% to 9.0% exhaust oxygen with 900 BTU/ft3
SLHV, Table 2, fuel).
• VHP-GL, GLD – 74% excess air (9.8% exhaust oxygen with 900 BTU/ft3 SLHV, Table 2, fuel).
• AT-GL – 74% to 100% excess air (9.8% to 11.2% exhaust oxygen with 900 BTU/ft3 SLHV, Table 2, fuel).
NOTE: Performance and/or emission guarantees are based on a specific fuel composition and carburetor setting and
may not be valid over the entire fuel LHV / SLHV allowable variation given in Figure 1.
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Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
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Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
7884-7
Waukesha gas engines Fuels & Lubrication
HEAT OUT
UNTREATED GAS
COMPRESSOR REFRIGERATION
COALESCING SYSTEM
FILTER/SEPARATOR
ENGINE
0.3 MICRON FINAL
COALESCING FILTER
REHEATER
DRIVEN
EQUIPMENT
COALESCING
FILTER/SEPARATOR
HEAT IN
FIGURE 2
NOTE: Actual fuel gas composition and the site arrangements and operating conditions may require more, fewer, or
different components than those illustrated to condition the gas properly.
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Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
S
Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
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Waukesha gas engines Fuels & Lubrication
APPENDIX A
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS SEE NOTE
A comprehensive analysis of a landfill gas fuel sample taken at the VHP engine mounted regulator inlet provides the following information. (Only
information needed for the example calculations is shown. A comprehensive analysis will provide significantly more detailed information.):
METHANE 49.5%v
CO2 47.8%v
N2 2.07%v
O2 0.55%v
TOTAL SULFUR COMPOUNDS 525 ppmv (0.0525%v) assumed to be H2S
AMMONIA 10 mg/m3N
TOTAL HALOGENS AS CHLORIDE 97 μg/liter
TOTAL VOLATILE SILOXANES 18.5 μg/liter
GAS LHV 450 BTU/ft3
GAS SPECIFIC GRAVITY 1.026 referred to standard air
CALCULATION 1
Determine composition of the fuel gas on a mass basis:
GAS MOL. WT. (= %V/100) MWT X VF (= COL 4 / SUM COL (= COL 5 X 100)
4)
CH4 16 0.4 7.9 0.2664 26.64%m
CO2 44 0.478 21.032 0.7075 70.75%m
N2 28 0.0207 0.580 0.0195 1.9%m
O2 32 0.0055 0.176 0.0059 0.5%m
H2S 34 0.000525 0.018 0.0006 0.0%m
CALCULATION 2
Determine if total sulfur level, as H2S, is acceptable:
525 ppmv = 0.0606 %m (shown as 0.06%m in calculation 1)
gas density = 1.026 x 0.0765 lb/ft3 (standard air density) = 0.0785 lb/ft3
sulfur content = 0.0785 lb/ft3 x 0.0606%m / 100 = 0.000048 lb/ft3
sulfur content = 0.000048 lb/ft3 x 454 g/lb x 1000000 μg/g = 21792 μg/ft3
sulfur content = 21792 μg/ft3 / 450 BTU/ft3 = 48.4 μg/BTU
[sulfur level is within limit]
CALCULATION 3
Determine if ammonia level is acceptable:
ammonia content = 10 mg/m3N x 1000 μg/mg x m3/1000 liter = 10 μg/liter
ammonia content = 10 μg/liter x 28.32 liters/ft3 = 283.2 μg/ft3
ammonia content = 283.2 μg/ft3 / 450 BTU/ft3 = 0.63 μg/BTU
[ammonia level is within limit]
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Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
S
Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
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Waukesha gas engines Fuels & Lubrication
CALCULATION 4
Determine if total halogen level as chloride is acceptable:
halide content = 97 μg/liter x 28.32 liters/ft3 = 2747 μg/ft3
halide content = 2747 μg/ft3 / 450 BTU/ft3 = 6.1 μg/BTU
[halide level is within limit]
CALCULATION 5
Determine if total volatile siloxane level is acceptable:
siloxane content = 18.5 μg/liter x 28.32 liters/ft3 = 523.9 μg/ft3
siloxane content = 523.9 μg/ft3 / 450 BTU/ft3 = 1.16 μg/BTU
[Fuel is not within allowable total siloxanes limit and must be treated. See Fuel Gas Requirements Note 10.]
NOTE: These example calculations are based on a landfill gas fuel since landfill gas typically contains the
contaminants for which there is a Table 1 limit. For fuels other than landfill gas, all of the constituent compounds must
be included in the analysis – volume fractions should sum to 1.0. See Appendix B for additional information.
APPENDIX B
The following list contains the majority of hydrocarbon and other compounds commonly found in gaseous fuels. It is
not all-inclusive and other compounds may be found in a fuel gas analysis. Refer to Waukesha Standard Sheet S-
7032-2, latest revision, for additional information on calculating properties of gaseous fuels.
APPROXIMATE
CHEMICAL
COMPOUND MOLECULAR
SYMBOL
WEIGHT
Methane CH4 16
Ethane C2H6 30
Ethene C2H4 28
Propane C3H8 44
Propene C3H6 42
Iso-Butane C4H10 58
Normal Butane C4H10 58
Iso-Pentane C5H12 72
Normal Pentane C5H12 72
Normal Hexane C6H14 86
Normal Heptane C7H16 100
Carbon Monoxide CO 28
Hydrogen H2 2
Hydrogen Sulfide H2S 34
Nitrogen N2 28
Oxygen O2 32
Helium He 4
Argon Ar 40
Carbon Dioxide CO2 44
Water Vapor H2O 18
*Trademark of INNIO. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Gaseous Fuel Specification for EN: 156918
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Waukesha Gas Engines DATE: 4/14
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