Tuning Gas Turbines by Satellite: Innovative Approach Enables GE Oil & Gas to Meet Challenges of East West Pipeline Project, India

In the first ever project of its type, GE Oil & Gas is using satellite connections to customer sites for the remote tuning and testing of gas turbine combustion systems at eleven (11) pipeline stations owned by Reliance Gas Transportation Infrastructure Limited (RGTIL) of Mumbai, India.

The unique approach is enabling the project to be implemented with significantly more speed, whilst also maintaining the highest levels of reliability, efficiency and quality.

Remote tuning is being performed on thirty-two (32) GE 10 and PGT25 gas turbines at pipeline compression stations located along the pipeline and is scheduled for completion at the end of November 2009. After this date future remote tuning activity will be extended under a long-term contractual service agreement.

“RGTIL is committed to meeting aggressive gas transportation pipeline commissioning targets - so the efficient, reliable and rapid start-up of new gas turbines was critical,” said Jeff Nagel, Vice President Global Services, GE Oil & Gas. “Adding to the challenge was the fact that many of the pipeline stations are in remote locations. This project provides a model that we will replicate in future DLN tuning efforts for other customers.”

To meet the stringent requirements of this project, GE Oil & Gas implemented an innovative remote tuning and commissioning strategy. The project relies on bridge-encrypted internet connection between servers at the GE Oil & Gas Florence, Italy headquarters and manually operated computer terminals located at the remote pipeline stations.

About GE Oil & Gas

GE Oil & Gas (www.ge.com/oilandgas) is a world leader in advanced technology equipment and services for all segments of the oil and gas industry, from drilling and production, LNG, pipelines and storage to industrial power generation, refining and petrochemicals. We also provide pipeline integrity solutions, including inspection and data management. As part of our 'Innovation Now' customer focus and commitment, GE Oil & Gas leverages technological innovation from other GE businesses, such as aviation and healthcare, to continuously improve oil and gas industry performance and productivity. GE Oil & Gas employs more than 12,000 people worldwide and operates in over 100 countries.

About GE

GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health, to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work.