Compressor Fouling: A Comparison of Different Fault Distributions Using a “Stage-Stacking” Technique

Abstract

This work compares different approaches (i.e. fault distribution patterns) that aim to explain how a gas turbine compressor gets fouled and how its corresponding performance map deteriorates. To do so, a series of such maps is first developed based on an updated “stage-stacking” methodology. Then, the maps so developed are affected by fouling using the aforementioned approaches. The results evidence that the lack of consensus with respect to how fouling proceeds is bond to yield engine performances that differ by large. In other words, there is still a lot of work to be done if a general approach to anticipate the quantity and quality of compressor fouling is to be developed. For the moment, all the systematic analyses are specific to the particular site where they have been applied and hence have no generality that can be extended elsewhere. Moreover, the methodologies available allow that a fouled compressor be identified and the distribution be predicted a posteriori by means of adaptive modelling and compressor zooming utilising measurements from the whole engine or by using compressor specific measurements.