Gas Turbine Off-Line Compressor Washing Operation
Functional description
The wash water solution in the proper mix is delivered to the turbine unit at the proper
pressure, temperature and flow rate to wash the gas turbine.
Wash solution from the skid flows from the customer's connection through the
motorized valve 20 TW-1 to the compressor spray manifold. The valve is motor-
driven and is manually opened by a push-button 43 TW-1/PB. It is closed
automatically when the wash selector switch is in the OFF position.
During compressor washing, valve 20 TW-1 is opened allowing the wash solution
from the skid to flow into the compressor spray manifold and through the spray
nozzles into the compressor bell-mouth to accomplish the washing.
False start drain valves (VA17) shown on the washing diagram are opened for
washing purpose. Air pressure from the discharge of the unit’s axial-flow compressor
is used to actuate these valves. Valves VA 17 drain excessive water from the
combustion chambers.
Off-line washing procedure
Before water washing of the compressor begins, the turbine blading temperature must
be low enough so that the wash water does not cause thermal shock. The differential
temperature between the wash water and the interstage wheelspace temperature must
not be greater than 120°F (67°C). For wash water of 180°F (82, 3°C), the maximum
wheelspace temperature must be no greater than 300°F (149°C) as measured by the
digital thermocouple readout system on the turbine control panel .
Scheduling of the water wash should occur during the normal machine shut down.
This would allow sufficient time for the internal machine temperature to drop to
acceptable levels for the washing.
During the cooling of the turbine, the wash water is to be heated to the proper level.
WARNING: The water wash operation involves water under high pressure. Caution
must be exercised to insure the proper valve is either in a fixed open or a fixed closed
position at any time during system operation
NOTE: Before water washing the compressor, inspect the inlet plenum and gas
turbine bell-mouth for large accumulations of atmospheric contaminants which
could be washed into the compressor. These deposits can be removed by washing
with a garden hose.
Prepare the atomizing air circuit, the cooling and sealing air circuit and the skid. The
compressor OFF-LINE washing is done with the machine cold, at crank speed so to
have a good cleaning of the rotor. The washing compressor selection will led to the
opening of the IGV.
The valves that have been operated before the compressor washing operation must be
returned to their previous positions to allow the turbine to fire.
Gas Turbime On-Line Compressor Washing
Functional description
The wash water solution is delivered to the turbine unit at the proper pressure
temperature and flow rate to wash the gas turbine. For the specific values for this gas
turbine unit refer to the piping schematic diagram in the Operation volume and in
the Maintenance volume. The valve 20 TW-3 is automatically regulated by the
SPEEDTRONIC control. During compressor washing valve 20 TW-3 is opened
allowing the wash solution from the skid to flow into the compressor spray manifold
and through the spray nozzles into the compressor bell-mouth to accomplish the
washing.
On-line washing procedure
Turbine must be running at full speed and not in the process of shutting down.
Washing is allowed at any load, but not at any ambient air temperature and humidity.
The ambient temperature must be superior to 10°C.
WARNING: The water wash operation involves water under high pressure. Caution
must be exercised to insure the proper valve is either in a fixed open or a fixed closed
position at any time during system operation.
NOTE: Before water washing the compressor, inspect the inlet plenum and gas
turbine bell-mouth for large accumulations of atmospheric contaminants which could
be washed into the compressor. These deposits can be removed by washing with
a garden hose.
