Particle adhesion characterizes compressor fouling, which its comprehension represents the basis for predicting the gas turbine performance losses, accurately. The airborne micrometric particles that enter the compressor can deposit on the internal surfaces, causing the loss of performance of the machine. The analysis of the performance losses of a multistage compressor in relation to the air contaminant is not widespread in literature and, the mutual interactions of particle materials, air humidity, and compressor load are not well studied.

In this paper, several experimental tests have been carried out on an actual multistage compressor. A detailed analysis has been carried out considering soil and soot ingestion, as well as the air relative humidity (ranging from 50 % to 80 %RH) and compressor rotating velocity. Several combinations of particle diameter, materials, and operating conditions have been considered. The amount of contaminant at the compressor outlet has been measured and the capture efficiency of the whole machine has been determined. In addition, the performance degradation has been monitored over time and, with the reference of the particle concentration, the present experimental campaign cover almost 5000 operating hour of an actual installation. After a detailed evaluation of experimental uncertainty, the compressor derating due to particle contamination has been assessed. Soot particles appear stickier, especially in the presence of higher humidity and represent the most detrimental operating conditions for the compressor unit.


Analysis of Time-Wise Compressor Fouling Phenomenon on a Multistage Test Compressor: Performance Losses and Particle Adhesion

Division / Sponsor:
International Gas Turbine Institute (IGTI)

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/GT/GT2020/volume/84058

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