Sun Power-Gen Systems and Services is a high precision after market services provider to the region and part of the 30-year old Super Tech Group of Dubai, one of the region's leading engineering products supply organisations.

Sun Power-Gen Systems & Services was established in July last year following an extensive market survey to determine the optimum engineering services required to maintain operational efficiency of Gas Turbine Fuel Nozzles across the Middle East.

The Ideal Partner was the Gas Turbine Fuel Systems Division of Parker Hannifin Corp USA, a world leader in the design and manufacture of fuel nozzles for the aerospace and industrial engine sectors. This includes manufacturers such as General Electric, Siemens-Westinghouse, Pratt and Whitney and Rolls-Royce.

Since opening its dedicated offices and engineering facilities at its regional headquarters in Dubai close to Super Tech., the service business has been expanding, according to P Siva Kumar, Business Development Manager.

''Sun Power-Gen is the only facility of its kind in the Middle East able to undertake the cleaning, checking and testing of General Electric's (GE) LM aero-derivative nozzles for LM 1600, 2500, and 5000/6000. They are also the exclusive service provider for Pratt and Whitney GG-4/FT-4 and Rolls-Royce Allison 570 aero-derivative turbine fuel nozzles. Sun Power-Gen has also acquired capability to repair/flow test GE Frame 5,6 and 9 turbine fuel nozzles which are very popular in the region.

''Fuel nozzles are the heart of gas turbines and during their life cycle experience a lot of wear and tear as well as thermal stresses due to erosion, heat, the build up of carbon deposits and coking which prevents efficient atomisation in fuel nozzles,'' explained Kumar.

''The nozzles need to be cleaned using special chemicals and ultrasonic energy to remove carbon and soot and then the metal components are inspected microscopically to determine the level of wear and tear on the various components.

The special cleaning method used was originally designed for the Aeroderivative Nozzles (as on LM engines) which are far more complex in build compared to industrial nozzles.

''The nozzles are then re-assembled and re-torqued to ensure that the flow passages are clear and have no blockages that could result in temperature spread. Fundamentally, these procedures enhance the overall performance of the gas turbines,'' said Kumar. In short, every activity of the service on the fuel nozzles is performed as per OEM specifications.

''In addition, all fuel nozzles refurbished by Sun are 'zero timed' to perform like new nozzles,'' added Kumar. This is possible by a state-of-the-art computerised test stand which detects even the slightest variation in flow, angle and quality of spray.

Another Parker component which is an OEM product on GE LM & Pratt's GG4 engines are the Nichols Lube/Scavenge Pumps which are supported by Sun Power-Gen, as are Parker's ABEX Servo Valves which are all from Parker's Aerospace stable.

Kumar stressed that the company's ability to provide precision after sales technical support - cleaning, checking, overhauling, repairing and testing - on a local basis makes for significant cost savings and less down time for power plants.

Sun Power-Gen is also the exclusive representative for MOOG products, another critical product requiring very high levels of service.

MOOG manufactures a wide range of electro hydraulic Servo Valves which are used on gas turbines and steam turbines and also in a variety of industrial and aerospace applications wherever there is need for precise control.

Sun Power-Gen Systems is fully equipped to provide all after market support related to MOOG products and is all set to set up a regional service centre to provide much-awaited repair services for MOOG Servo Valves.

Sun has five technicians and engineers, with two travelling the entire Middle East to meet the requirements of clients.

Sun Power-Gen Systems has, in a short time, become a regular vendor for the above products and services to leading utility companies of the region such as Dubal, Fewa, Dugas, Alba, AOC etc. The company is keen to expand its horizons to other areas, including Saudi Aramco and Sceco.

With the kind of investments going into the Powergen sector in the region, the future looks bright for Sun Power-Gen, which is positioned ideally to exploit it and provide the best level of service to the critical components hitherto unavailable in the region.

Sun Power-Gen is also implementing ISO9000:2000 programme leading to certification of its facility.