Fouling Of Axial Flow Compressors - Causes, Effects, Detection, And Control.
Abstract
The fouling of axial flow compressors is a serious operating problem in gas turbines and in process axial flow compressors. Gas turbines are being increasingly used in cogeneration applications and with the large air mass flowrate (e. g., 633 lb/sec for a 80 MW gas turbine) foulants even in the ppm range can cause deposits on the blading, resulting in a severe performance decrement. This is a common operating problem experienced by almost all operators of gas turbines. The effect of compressor fouling is a drop in air flow and compressor isentropic efficiency, which then manifests itself as a drop in power output and thermal efficiency. In some cases, fouling can also result in s urge problems as its effect is to move the compressor surge line to the right, i. e., towards the operating line. The mechanisms are discussed for fouling, the aerodynamic and thermodynamic effects, types of foulants, detection methods, and control techniques. A brief discussion on turbine fouling is also made.
Description
LecturePg. 55-76
Subject
TurbomachinesCollections
Citation
Meher-Homji, Cyrus B.; Focke, Alfred B.; Wooldridge, M. Byron (1989). Fouling Of Axial Flow Compressors - Causes, Effects, Detection, And Control.. Texas A&M University. Turbomachinery Laboratories. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /163588.