Background
The NGML at KSU is dedicated to developing technology and improving education for the natural gas industry, particularly in the areas of reciprocating and turbomachinery. Dr. Kirby Chapman, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, directs the laboratory. While the NGML was initially located in a 5,500 ft2 building on the Salina campus of KSU, a new 15,000 ft2 building in Manhattan is being completed to expand laboratory capabilities and enhance the ability of other faculty to collaborate on laboratory research projects.
The NGML goal is to become the primary research center for the natural gas transmission industry. NGML personnel teach short courses, prepare undergraduates to work in the natural gas transmission industry, and conduct research projects to improve engine and compressor performance and reduce pollutant emissions.
Current efforts
The most significant effort underway at the NGML is a program to improve the integration of the turbocharger / engine system. This program involves two principal thrusts; the development of an experimental facility to acquire detailed turbocharger performance data and the development of a numerical code that models and optimizes the interaction of the coupled turbocharger/engine system. The Turbocharger Test and Research Facility (TTRF) is designed to examine turbochargers used on large-bore internal combustion engines employed in natural gas compression. These turbochargers weigh in excess of 10,000 lbs and have air flow rates as great as 45 lbs/sec. Gas turbine engines are used to provide an exhaust source to test the turbochargers. Two separate test stands will be constructed to support a wide range of turbochargers. The first test stand became operational in early 1998 and the second test stand will come on-line in early 2000.
The NGML was recently awarded a contract by the Defense Special Weapons Agency to relocate and then operate a large gas turbine engine test cell. This test cell will further expand laboratory capabilities into the area of gas turbine research focused on fluids transportation and will be the largest university-based gas turbine test facility dedicated to research activities.
Planned Activities
The NGML plans to advance its role within the natural gas transmission industry by developing a large-bore engine test bed. This testbed will allow the NGML to further its research efforts into pollutant reduction strategies, increasing the natural gas pipeline reliability, failure analysis, and the development of new control strategies. The development of this testbed will make Kansas State University the research epicenter for the natural gas industry. The expected cost is $800,000.
KSU Contact: Dr. Kirby Chapman, College of Engineering, 785-532-2319, chapman@ksu.edu