Compressor performance recovery system: which solution and when

Abstract

During normal operation, compressor is mainly affected by fouling due to air pollution, which causes its performance to degrade over time. The main solutions to reduce compressor fouling are off-line compressor washing, on-line compressor washing, and advanced air filtration systems. Overall, the choice of the best recovery system for each gas turbine in the specific power plant is not trivial. The aim of this study is to provide a guide to identify the best washing or filter devices for a gas turbine (GT) in a specific power plant site, using literature information and GT users data. Two procedures were conceived in order to have an user-friendly tool. ‘Best cleaning device’ was developed to help a GT user in the choice of the best devices for recovering compressor performance. Gathering information about GT performance and environmental conditions from real applicatios and literatures, a value of recommendation for each technology is provided. ‘Best cleaning time’ is based on the thermoeconomics theory of ‘best maintenance time’ and it provides the user an estimation about the best time to perform a compressor off-line or on-line washing. Both procedures have been proved on a few real cases, showing good results and indications to more in-depth development.