Air filtration

Related Problems
COMMON PROBLEMS IN
Turbocompressors
Inlet air filtration
Related Problems Include:
1. Compressor Blade Erosion
Due to airborne particulates above 5 microns in size.
Erosion causes:
Blunting of the blade leading edge.
Thinning of the blade trailing edge fatigue.
Result degradation of overall performance
COMMON PROBLEMS IN
Turbocompressors
Inlet air filtration
Related Problems Include:
2. Compressor Fouling
Caused by the ingestion of adhesive materials
such as oil vapor ,smoke, sea salt or industrial
vapors.

These contaminates are generally in the sub-
micron to 10-micron particle size in range
COMMON PROBLEMS IN
Turbocompressors
Inlet air filtration
Related Problems Include:
2. Compressor Fouling
About 70% of the total gas turbine performance
loss can usually be attributed to compressor
deterioration due to blade fouling.
5% reduction in compression ratio
11.5 % decrease in output
5.5 % increase in heat rate
COMMON PROBLEMS IN
Turbocompressors
Inlet air filtration
Related Problems Include:
4. Cooling Air Passage Blockage
Poor air quality causes blocking of internal
cooling passages due to the build-up of fines
below 5 microns in size.
This accelerates thermal fatigue in the cooled
parts due to decreased airflow.
COMMON PROBLEMS IN
Turbocompressors
Inlet air filtration
Related Problems Include:
5. Locking of Turbine Blade Roots
Due to accumulation and impaction of dust or
corrosion residues in the clearance.
This prevents the blade to move to distribute the
stresses and reduce vibration complication.
It changes the natural frequency of the blade which
may (or may not) be a problem, depending on the
proximity and amplitude of the exciting frequencies
found within the turbine operating speed range.
COMMON PROBLEMS IN
Turbocompressors
Inlet air filtration
Related Problems Include:
6. Hot Corrosion or Sulfidication
It is an accelerated oxidation of alloys caused by
deposition of Na2 So4
This applies to all super alloys utilized in combustion
go turbines. Hot corrosion may be, in some cases,
attributed to the presence of airborne trace alkali
metals.
Adequate inlet air filtration in necessary to prevent
sulfidication in such cases.
COMMON PROBLEMS IN
Turbocompressors
Inlet air filtration
Related Problems Include:
7. Rotor Imbalance
Partially successful cleaning may lead to unstable
balance condition.
Non-uniform depositions of dust due to partial
clearing could lead to non-uniform cooling and
temperature gradients. This might in turn lead to
thermal bowing and an observable imbalance.