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Compressor and Hot Section Fouling in Gas Turbines- Causes and Effects
Abstract
The fouling of axial flow compressors and
turbines is a serious operating problem in
gas turbine engines. These prime movers
are being increasingly used in cogeneration
applications and with the large air mass
flow rate (e.g. 633 Lbs/Sec for a 80 MWe
gas turbine) foulants even in the ppm range
can cause deposits on the blading resulting
in severe performance decrements. This is
a common operating problem experienced by
almost all operators of gas turbines.
The effect of compressor fouling is a drop
in airflow and a drop in compressor
isentropic efficiency. Fouling of the
axial compressor results in a drop in
output and thermal efficiency of the
system. In some cases, fouling can also
result in surge problems as its effect is
to move the compressor surge line to the
right i.e. towards the operating line.
This paper discusses the mechanism of
fouling and the aerodynamic and
thermodynamic effects. This paper also
discusses types of foulants commonly
experienced, detection methods and
filtration techniques. A brief discussion
of turbine fouling, which is particularly
relevant when heavy fuels are utilized, is
also discussed.
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Citation
Meher-Homji, C. B. (1987). Compressor and Hot Section Fouling in Gas Turbines- Causes and Effects. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.eslwin.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /92829.