Gazprom explained why the turbine for Nord Stream cannot work

Gazprom explained technical features of stopping the Trent 60 turbine at the Portovaya station of Nord Stream. As the company explains, critical malfunctions were found in the operation of the unit: due to oil leakage, the entire turbine could catch fire. In this form, its operation is contrary to the requirements of Russian legislation.

The company notes that in July, during the repair of the turbine by Siemens, this leak was not detected. Gazprom says that such a leak has been recorded before, and “the presence of this defect on several units indicates its systemic nature.”

On Saturday, September 3, the company reported that an oil leak was found in the turbine, and therefore its operation is impossible. Now Gazprom has clarified that “the working surfaces in the axial compressor of a gas turbine engine in the places where cable connections pass can reach temperatures of over 300 degrees Celsius, while the oil ignition temperature is about 288 degrees.” Accordingly, there is a risk that it will catch fire.

Earlier it was reported that Gazprom sent a letter about identified faults and the need to eliminate them to the President and CEO of Siemens Energy AG, Christian Bruch.

Nine turbines operated at the Portovaya station, of which six were Siemens turbines (five working and one standby). Under normal conditions, the plant should operate six turbines. In June, Gazprom stopped the operation of two units, the gas pipeline capacity decreased to 40%. In July, only one turbine continued to operate: the rest either needed scheduled repairs, or malfunctions were recorded on them. The capacity of the pipeline dropped to 20%.

On August 31, Gazprom stopped the last turbine for scheduled repairs. Gazprom promised to launch Nord Stream after the repair of the turbine on September 3. Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov declaredthat the operation of the pipeline will be resumed after the lifting of sanctions against Russia. Some European politicians consider Gazprom’s decision to be a political decision. Such an opinion expressed German Economics Minister Robert Habeck.

How a key gas supply route to the EU stopped working – in the material “Winter Announced”.

Anastasia Larina