Upstream Gas Turbine Inlet Fogging System

Up to 25% Power Boost – Even in Humid Climates

Upstream fogging is an inlet air cooling technique for gas turbines that cools the air stream before it enters the air filters. Upstream fogging is especially ideal when filter house design constraints or long-term service agreements restrict installation of the fog nozzles inside the air intake duct.

Upstream fogging also pre-filters the air. Fog spray that does not evaporate is collected on a droplet eliminator or on water resistant pre-filters. The drain water flow carries away dust that would otherwise accumulate on the pre-filters. Drain water can be treated and reused. By installing MeeFog nozzles ahead of the inlet filters, you gain a flexible, rapid power boost.

With over 1,000 installations over the past 30 years, Mee Industries is the trusted leader in inlet air fogging – delivering unmatched reliability, performance, and long-term value.

MeeFog Upstream Systems Include:

High-efficiency fog nozzles with stainless steel construction
Droplet eliminators or coalescer filters for effective moisture control
Pre-engineered pump skids with PLC controls
Integration with your DCS

Challenge

Plant operators need to reduce gas turbine power loss in high temperatures, but filter house design limits prevent modifications to the intake duct.

Solution

MeeFog installs a high-efficiency upstream gas turbine inlet fogging system ahead of the air filters, delivering evaporative cooling without modifying internal ductwork.

Results

Facilities can boost power generation by up to 25%. Upstream fogging also acts as a pre-filter, capturing dust, and droplet eliminators drain excess water, helping extend the life of existing pre-filters.

MeeFog GT Upstream Fogging Installation Diagram

Schematic of a fog-based evaporative cooling system for a gas turbine, showing water softening, high-pressure fogging, filtration, and air intake flow.

System Overview

Power Boost

MeeFog System Benefits

Fog cooling increases output by 20% or more.
Overspray fogging provides additional boost.
Reduced NOx emissions up to 30%.
Improved fuel economy.
Reduced CO2 per kW of power.
Robust equipment & proven technology.
Guaranteed results!

Droplet Comparison

Small droplets have a larger surface to volume ratio compared to larger droplets. This allows them to evaporate much more rapidly than larger droplets.

Want Proof?

We’ll gladly supply a detailed power recovery report for your existing gas turbines including:

Installed MeeFog system cost.
Predicted MW-hr gain per year.
Fuel savings.

Download Brochure

Featured Case Study

Industrial air intake system at a gas turbine facility featuring upstream fogging installation

Upstream Fogging Is Making a Comeback for Gas Turbines

Placing fogging systems upstream of filters helps plant operators improve air filter life, reduce maintenance costs, and boost turbine performance. MeeFog upstream systems deliver powerful cooling while capturing airborne dust, protecting critical components, and extending equipment life. Partnering with Mee Industries can help increase power output, lower lifecycle costs, and ensure that operations remain efficient and reliable for years to come.

Read More View all Gas Turbine Inlet Air Cooling Case Studies

MeeFog Nozzle

Each MeeFog impaction-pin nozzle is made from high-grade stainless steel. The standard nozzle features a 0.006 inch (150 micrometer) diameter orifice which produces billions of ultra-fine droplets per second. At an operating pressure of 2000 psi, the average droplet size is below 10 micrometers, or one tenth the diameter of a single strand of human hair. The resulting fog provides fast evaporation and amazing special effects.

Features:

High-grade, precision-machined type 316 stainless steel construction.
Super smooth orifice, low-pressure drop, 98% efficiency.
Cylinder type filter with radius end for efficient nozzle operation.
1/8″ NPT tapered fitting.
O-Ring seal at the base of the nozzle.

Download Brochure

FAQs About Upstream Gas Turbine Inlet Fogging System

What is an upstream gas turbine inlet fogging system, and how does it work?

Our upstream gas turbine inlet fogging system uses high-pressure MeeFog nozzles to inject ultra-fine water droplets into the air stream ahead of the gas turbine compressor. The droplets evaporate before the compressor, which cools and densifies the inlet air. That increases the gas turbine power output.

How much power boost can I expect from a MeeFog upstream inlet fogging system?

A MeeFog upstream fogging system can deliver up to 25% power boost, depending on ambient temperature, humidity, and turbine model.

Does upstream inlet fog work in humid climates?

Yes, upstream inlet fogging still gives a measurable power boost in humid climates because the turbine inlet air usually remains below full saturation. The system adds finely controlled water to move the air closer to saturation, which still increases air density and turbine output even when humidity is high.

What are the main benefits of a MeeFog upstream gas turbine inlet fogging system?

The MeeFog system provides higher gas turbine power output, improved heat rate in many cases, relatively low capital cost compared with other power-augmentation methods, modular design, low parasitic load, and simple integration with existing inlet systems.

How do MeeFog nozzles differ from other fogging or spray nozzles?

MeeFog nozzles use high-pressure and precision orifices to create extremely fine, uniform droplets. These droplets evaporate quickly in the inlet duct, which maximizes evaporative cooling while minimizing large droplets that can cause compressor blade erosion or uneven fog distribution.

What impact does upstream fogging have on turbine components and compressor life?

A properly engineered MeeFog inlet fogging system produces droplet sizes that fully evaporate before reaching the compressor. This protects compressor blades from water impingement and reduces the risk of erosion or fouling.

What water quality does this fogging system require?

Our system uses high-purity water, normally deionized or reverse-osmosis water, to protect turbine components and fogging hardware. The specified water quality limits dissolved solids and contaminants so nozzle performance stays intact, and there is no scaling or deposition in the inlet path.

How is this system controlled and integrated with turbine operation?

The MeeFog system uses automatic control valves and instrumentation to adjust fogging flow based on ambient temperature, humidity, and turbine operating load. It can integrate with your existing turbine control system so fogging output tracks power demand and stays within OEM-approved operating boundaries.

How much does a MeeFog upstream gas turbine inlet fogging system cost?

The cost will vary from project to project. Please get in touch with us to discuss your details, and our team will share a quote. You can also request a quote directly online.