On-Stream Cleaning Of Turbomachinery

Abstract

On-stream cleaning is regularly practiced on the axial compressors of gas turbines and on steam turbines. Many other turbo machines could be cleaned in service. In fact, the limiting factor is not the machine type, but the ingenuity of the operator. The purpose of this paper is to explain some of the principles involved in such cleaning. 'On-stream Cleaning'' is defined as the periodic removal of accumulated deposits while the equipment continues in service. This definition excludes from the discussion the various techniques of preventing the deposit accumulation. It also excludes those cleaning methods which do not require dismantling, but do require that the machine is either idling or stopped. The paper discussed the reasons for cleaning, fouling indicators and abrasive and solvent cleaning techniques. Details of turbine washing are used to illustrate the application of solvent cleaning.