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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
05.24.19
When it comes to jet engines, the more efficient the better. An efficient engine is safer, works better, and requires less fuel to run.
That’s all pretty straightforward, but how can you help maximise the efficiency of your jet engine? It comes down to effective .
Although you can rarely see it, the air around us is filled with contaminants.
That is particularly true as we get closer to the ground.
Mixed in with harmless gases you’ll find things such as:
…and these contaminants enter the compressor with the air supply.
The air in the jet engine compressor is under extremely high pressure and temperature, causing an accelerated build-up of contaminants on the compressor blades.
In a such as that in a jet engine, thermal efficiency is a key component of performance. The factors affecting thermal efficiency in this instance include:
That last factor is the one we’re really interested in maximising as much as possible.
The problem with the build-up of contaminants is that they interfere with the air flow, with a knock-on effect on the efficiency of the whole system.
A further potential problem is that some contaminants, particularly salts, can corrode certain components in the jet engine.
This leads to even greater disrupted airflow and the premature degradation of parts. It can even ultimately result in engine failure.
The bottom line is that an inefficient system is best dealt with as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
is exactly what it sounds like: cleansing the jet engine compressor of contaminants.
This is done by using hot water or hot water mixed with a specialised detergent in order to dissolve, dislodge and remove contaminants. It’s carried out in three main steps:
To ensure a safe and effective clean, it’s important to use the right equipment. The (Ro-Jet – is this the correct naming strategy?
I refer to the system as the “Rochem Jet Wash – RJW”) wash system has been designed specifically for the job and has a proven track record of fantastic results time and time again.
If using a , it’s essential to use one designed exactly for the purpose.
It’s highly recommended that de-mineralised water (Note: demin water is more commonly available) is used for all cleaning and rinsing of the compressor.
That is because impure water can carry contaminants that may become deposited on the compressor… exactly what you’re trying to avoid!
Having a regular wash schedule stops contaminants from building up to the level at which they become a problem.
The , the more efficiently it will run. Like with any cleaning, regularly removing contaminants means they are also easier to remove.
How often you conduct a clean is detailed in the AMM and is based on cycles or when the EGTM needs recovery.
There are different variables to consider such as air quality and the kind of trips the aircraft carries out.
If the aircraft is used for regular low altitude flights in the more highly polluted air, it may be wise to clean the compressor more often than on a craft whose journeys are predominantly at high altitude.
Weigh up the cost of cleaning against the cost associated with lost efficiency to help determine how often to carry out compressor washing.
To find out more about how regular compressor cleaning with the Ro-Jet system could work for you, contact us today.
We’ll be happy to talk about your specific requirements and recommend a system for your needs.
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.
