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ROCHEM Fyrewash Ltd
5-6 Sun Valley Business Park
Winnall Close, Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 0LB
ROCHEM Fyrewash Inc
23707 West Hardy Road
Spring
Texas
77373
11.20.24
are integral to effective . Carefully selected, properly installed nozzles deliver optimum amounts of cleaning solution exactly where it’s needed for a thorough clean. Consequently, wash nozzles enable you to keep your compressor running effectively and efficiently with minimum effort.
But how do you choose the right nozzles, and how do you get the most from your hardware?
inject atomised cleaning fluid directly into the compressor to clean its blades. Some nozzle models can be operated automatically while the turbine is in normal operation to provide superior cleaning and maintain turbine efficiency. Others will only function while the turbine is shut down in crank mode.
Nozzles are also available and will run while the turbine is in either state online or offline, reducing the amount of hardware required.
While this is a niche market, there are important factors to consider before deciding exactly which wash nozzles to choose:
The size of your turbine will affect which nozzles you choose. Larger turbines generally require higher capacity nozzles which can offer broader spray patterns and greater flow.
Some wash nozzles are designed for either , while others can complete both. You need to decide whether you want to use them while the turbine is running, while it is off/in crank mode, or whether you prefer the option to use the same nozzles in both circumstances.
The nozzles must be able to withstand the demands of their location: high pressure, extreme heat and certain chemicals. They must also be capable of delivering the ideal droplet size and spray pattern for optimum cleaning.
What effect will installing the nozzles and maintaining them have on your turbine’s productivity?
Does the money saved in turbine efficiency and reliability outweigh the initial outlay and maintenance cost of the nozzles, their associated hardware and cleaning chemicals?
Once you’ve decided on how many nozzles are required (the turbine’s manufacturer handbook can help with this calculation, as can the nozzle manufacturer/dealer), you’ll need to consider the following for installation:
To avoid any blockages, (due to high water pressure), corrosion (depending on the environment) and contamination (due to oil leaks from compressor rotor inlet bearing), you should regularly inspect and clean the nozzles, set the water pressure correctly and use demineralised water. As an added precaution you can install a to ensure further contaminants are removed and the nozzles are kept clean.
The cleaning schedule you use will be led by your turbine, how often it is used, its load, the local environment, air quality, , speed at which foulants build up, the cleaning chemicals you use, whether you choose de-mineralised water, and many other factors. However, as a rule of thumb we recommend:
With this as a guide, regular visual inspections of the compressor for signs of fouling will help you adjust your schedule as required/desired.
that can be used for both on-line and off-line washes make cleaning quicker, easier and more effective. Without them, you are entirely reliant on hand-washing during turbine down-time which is costly in terms of labour and revenue.
Regular on-line washes can maintain a high level of turbine efficiency and reliability while extending the life of your hardware and the time between off-line cleans.
At Rochem, we have specialised in gas turbine cleaning equipment and chemicals for over 40 years. Our patented technology enables superior cleaning and recovery of lost power output via both on-line and off-line washes. Our nozzles:
If you would like to find out more about the benefits of using Rochem’s gas turbine compressor wash nozzles or are interested in our products and services, please h. Our friendly, will be happy to answer all your questions.
Post written by Martin Howarth
An extensive knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering together with hands on experience with gas turbines provides a bedrock for his work at Rochem.
