Why should a power plant operator be interested in Compressor Water Wash?
Gas turbine compressors consume a lot of energy in a power generation cycle or mechanical drive. This energy is used to push air through the compressor to mix with fuel, combust and drive the turbine to create torque for power generation or mechanical drive. When the compressor blades accumulate particles in the air, the compressor ability to push air is diminished and the efficiency of the entire cycle is significantly reduced. In extreme cases, up to 10% of air flow and torque are lost. Compressor water washing removes the accumulated particles or fouling and returns the lost performance.
