SCORE Group’s energy division in Aberdeen has announced the relaunch of the largest operational aero derivative engine test cell in the UK.
The company’s engine test facility has been providing clients in the power generation and oil and gas industries with a technologically advanced dual fuel gas turbine facility, for more than 20 years.
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However, in 2017, Score postponed all engine testing to review its offering.
Now, six-years on, Score has relaunched its GLEN test facility in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, after investing in new technology and implementing the latest regeneration and upgrades to its test cell, allowing the team to power ahead with its testing capabilities for a multitude of international clients.
Current work involves the full performance tests of Avon (SGT-A20) and RB211 (SGT-A35) engines with the facility offering the flexibility to test a range of additional aero derivative and industrial engines such as the LM2500, LM1600, TB5400 and RR Olympus to name a few.
Since the relaunch, the team has carried out full performance tests on 11 engines with several further tests scheduled for next month.
At the facility’s core, the precision calibrated test bed is capable of testing industrial gas turbines up to 60MW on both liquid or gas fuel. The facility is also fitted with sophisticated emissions monitoring equipment enabling a real time comparison against legislative requirements such as ISO 11042-1. Score has carried out emissions testing for a number of worldwide research institutes and tests can be streamed online, providing web-based remote access is available.
A key element of Score’s engine testing success to date has been down to the collaboration with its customers on each project resulting in quick, cost-effective turnarounds.
The company also has the ability to service and repair engines through its channel partners and test various gas turbines, with the aim to minimise customers’ downtime, and provide cost effective, bespoke solutions for industrial gas turbines.
Score’s facility has interchangeable test beds for easier installation for a range of gas turbines and the firm also offers advanced services, including but not limited to:
- Endurance testing
- Dual fuel testing capability
- ISO standard for test cells/testing engines
- Vibration analysis
- Hydraulic, electric and air starter systems
- Emissions monitoring and analysis
To complement these services Score provides spare parts for various gas turbine components, as well as on-site support and field services – together with new manufacture capabilities in fuel nozzles and the overhaul/repair of fuel systems and accessories for aero derivative engines.
Recently, Score has been approached by several major European-based utility companies with regard to Hydrogen fuel development, emissions reduction and environmental control which brings exciting prospects for the company.
Paul Stein, Managing Director of Score Group’s energy division, described the number of engine tests being performed as a positive step towards promoting Score’s presence in the energy market.
He said: “Since we relaunched the GLEN test facility it has been an exciting time for the team. The guys did a terrific job getting everything ready with the client for the first test to be performed. So far, the number of engine tests has soared.
“With the interest in alternative energy sources such as Hydrogen increasing, I believe this will only continue to grow as we look towards the future. I am confident Score will continue to be a leading partner of choice for international operators when it comes to all aero derivative engine testing.”
Gordon Webster, Engineering Manager of Score Group’s energy division, said: “The facility is an exceptional test cell, both for performance load capability and versatility. The test team has almost 100 years of aero derivative performance test experience behind them and are committed to the future development and growth of the test facility’s utilisation.
“The speed of the regeneration and implementation of all facility upgrades was only achievable due to the dedication and dynamic approach of all team members.”
He added: “The test cell is also utilised as an excellent training facility for our future team members and engineers.”
For more information on Score Group’s energy division, please send an email to – [email protected]
