Turbomachinery is designed for optimum aerodynamic and mechanical performance at given user conditions. Before shipment, this performance is usually verified on the OEM's test floor, based on specified design conditions. However, in operation, the gas composition can vary and include unanticipated solid and liquid ingestion into the turbomachinery, causing a buildup of foreign materials. The resulting fouling has an adverse effect on aerodynamic and mechanical performance of the unit. Fouling comes from external dust, dirt or dissolved matter, process materials, condensation and/or chemical reactions. Depending on the rate and composition of the deposits, the effect could range from a fast buildup, causing immediate shutdown of the unit due to high vibration and possible parts damage, to a slow buildup causing increased vibration and/or reduction in performance. An overview is presented of the cause, effect, and prevention of fouling on turbomachinery, with its main purpose to present tested and proven methods of cleaning turbomachinery. Presented are methods of online and offline (without disassembly) cleaning of multistage centrifugal compressors, axial compressors, and steam turbines. The operating environment will encompass hydrogen recycle gas, steam, and air. Methods include online cleaning using saturated steam, liquid spray and abrasive solids, and offline cleaning using acidized saturated steam for turbines and crank-washing for compressors.
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