The study of the adhesion of micro sized particles to gas turbine internal surfaces, commonly known as gas turbine fouling, has gained increasing attention in the last years due to its dramatic effect on machine performance and reliability. On-field fouling analysis is mostly related to visual inspections during overhaul and/or programmed stops, which are performed, in particular, when gas turbine performance degradation falls under predetermined thresholds. However, these analyses, even if performed in the most complete as possible way, are rarely (or never) related to the conditions under which the gas turbine contamination takes place since the affecting parameters are difficult or even impossible to be adequately monitored. In the present work, a small scale multistage axial compressor is used to experimentally simulate the fouling phenomenon. The test rig allows the accurate control of the most relevant operating parameters which influence the fouling phenomenon. The compressor performance loss due to particle contamination has been quantitatively assessed. Soot particles appear stickier, especially in the presence of high humidity, and represent the most harmful operating conditions for the compressor unit. The deposits on the stator vanes and the rotor blades have been detected and post-processed, highlighting the most affected regions of each compressor stage employing an image analysis package tool.
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