This work presents a model of the fouling mechanism and the evaluation of compressorwashing on line. The results of this research were obtained from experimental andcomputational models.The experimental model analyzed the localization of the particle deposition on the bladesurface and the change of the surface roughness condition. The design of the test rig wasbased on the cascade blade arrangement and blade aerodynamics. The results of theexperiment demonstrated that fouling occurred on both surfaces of the blade. Thismechanism mainly affected the leading edge region of the blade. The increment of thesurface roughness on this region was 1.0 μm. This result was used to create the CFDmodel (FLUENT). According to the results of the CFD, fouling reduced the thickness ofthe boundary layer region and increased the drag force of the blade.The model of fouling was created based on the experiment and CFD results and wasused to calculate the engine performance in the simulation code (TURBOMATCH).The engine performance results demonstrated that in five days fouling can affect theoverall efficiency by 3.5%. The evaluation of the compressor washing on line was basedon the experimental tests and simulation of the engine performance. This systemdemonstrated that it could recover 99% of the original blade surface. In addition, thissystem was evaluated in a study case of a Power Plant, where it proved itself to be atechno-economic way to recover the power of the engine due to fouling.The model of the fouling mechanism presented in this work was validated byexperimental tests, CFD models and information from real engines. However, forfurther applications of the model, it would be necessary to consider the specificconditions of fouling in each new environment.
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