GEK 103623B

Revised May 1996

GE Power Systems
Gas Turbine

Gas Turbine Compressor Washing

Liquid Washing Recommendations for DLN Gas Turbines

These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations in equipment nor to provide for every possible
contingency to be met in connection with installation, operation or maintenance. Should further information be desired or
should particular problems arise which are not covered sufficiently for the purchaser’s purposes the matter should be
referred to the GE Company.
 1995 GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
GEK 103623B Gas Turbine Compressor Washing

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

II. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

III. TYPES OF FOULING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

IV. METHODS OF DETECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

A. Visual Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
B. Performance Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

V. WATER AND WATER AND DETERGENT WASHING METHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

VI. ALLOWABLE CONDITIONS FOR WATER WASH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

VII. WASHING AND RESTORATION OF PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

A. Water or Detergent Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
B. Results of Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

APPENDIX 1. COMPRESSOR WASHING DETERGENT SPECIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Quality Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Table 2. Water and/or Water and Detergent Solution Injection (Flow) Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Table A1. Chemical Content of Washing Detergent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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Gas Turbine Compressor Washing GEK 103623B

I. SCOPE

The scope of this document is to present the methods of compressor washing approved by GE. Two methods
of liquid washing are employed — on line and off line. On-line washing is the process of injecting water into
the compressor while running at full speed and some percentage of load. Off-line washing is the process of
injecting cleaning solution into the compressor while it is being turned at cranking speed. The advantage of
on-line washing is that it can be done without having to shut down the machine. On-line washing, however,
is not as effective as off-line washing; therefore, on-line washing is used to supplement off-line washing, not
replace it.

This document applies to all gas turbine models offered by Gas Turbine Division and addresses units operating
with DLN systems.

Note
It is recommended that a unit–specific procedure and checklist be created by each
customer. The procedure and checklist should include configuring the unit for water
wash, performing water wash and restoration following water wash. These proce-
dures should conform to the enclosed general guidelines. Technical assistance can
be provided by General Electric in preparing the unit specific procedures and check-
lists.

II. INTRODUCTION

A loss of gas turbine performance is indicated by a decrease in power output and an increase in heat rate.

Often a loss of performance is a direct result of fouling of the axial flow compressor. Fouled compressors result
in reduced air flow, lower compressor efficiency and a lower compressor pressure ratio.

Compressor washing will remove fouling deposits and restore performance. It should be noted that full power
may not always be regained once significant fouling occurs. Regular compressor washing will help maintain
performance. Specific intervals must be determined based on customer performance. Compressor washing
may also slow the progress of corrosion, thereby increasing blade life and reducing the contribution of corro-
sion products to the formation of fouling deposits.

III. TYPES OF FOULING

The type and rate of fouling of an axial compressor depends on the environment in which it operates and the
filtration present.

Experience has shown that fouling deposits consist of varying amounts of moisture, oil, soot, water-soluble
constituents, insoluble dirt and corrosion products of the compressor blading material. Fouling deposits are
probably held together by moisture and oil. If corrosion of the blading is occurring, the corrosion products will
promote and stabilize the deposit.

It is important to minimize fouling deposits by reducing oil leaks and the ingestion of oily constituents (lube
oil fumes). Good filtration may greatly reduce fouling. Moisture formation cannot be reduced in humid envi-
ronments. Moisture is formed in the compressor inlet when humid air is cooled below its dew point as a result
of being accelerated to about Mach = 0.5. GER 3601, “Gas Turbine Compressor Operating Environment and
Material Evaluation,” discusses the factors influencing compressor fouling and corrosion.

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GEK 103623B Gas Turbine Compressor Washing

IV. METHODS OF DETECTION

There are two basic methods for determining the cleanliness of the compressor. Visual inspection and perfor-
mance monitoring are described below.

A. Visual Inspection

Visual inspection involves shutting the unit down; removing the inlet plenum inspection hatch; and visual-
ly inspecting the compressor inlet, bellmouth, inlet guide vanes and early stage blading.

If any deposits, including dust or filmy deposits, can be wiped or scraped off these areas, the compressor
is fouled sufficiently to affect performance. The initial inspection also reveals whether the deposits are
oily or dry. For oily deposits, a water-detergent wash is required. Location of the source of the oil and
correction should be accomplished before washing to prevent recurrence of the fouling.

If only dry deposits are found, water alone may be sufficient.

B. Performance Monitoring

A second method for detecting a fouled compressor is performance monitoring. Performance monitoring
involves obtaining gas turbine data on a routine basis, which in turn is compared to base line data to moni-
tor trends in the performance of the gas turbine.

The performance data is obtained by running the unit at steady-state BASE load and recording output,
exhaust temperature, inlet air temperature, barometric pressure, compressor discharge pressure and tem-
perature, and fuel consumption. The data should be taken carefully with the unit warmed up.

GEK 28166, “Field Performance Testing Procedure,” can be used as a guide for assessing machine perfor-
mance both before and after cleaning the compressor. The purpose of this particular document is to estab-
lish the performance of generator drive machines. The appropriate portions can, however, also be used
for all machines, both generator drive and other applications, for assessing cleaning effectiveness.

Output and heat rate can be corrected to a standard condition using the turbine performance curves, and
an analysis can be made of compressor pressure ratio and efficiency. The current performance levels can
be compared to base line data and will aid in determining the problem area.

If performance analysis indicates compressor fouling, it should be verified by a visual inspection.

V. WATER AND WATER AND DETERGENT WASHING METHOD

It is recommended that on-line water washing be addressed in the facility’s operating air permit. Regula-
tors may interpret this as an additional short-term emissions source, requiring an exemption similar to that
provided for start-up, shutdown and transient conditions.

The compressor is washed with water and/or water and detergent solution. This can be accomplished
while the turbine is on line or off line. As the on-line washing practice has been found to be most effective
when carried out daily, the specification on the liquid must be more restrictive for on-line washing than
off-line washing. The water specifications for off-line and on-line cleaning are given in Table 1.

It is recommended that on-line water washing be performed without the use of detergent. The detergent
effectiveness during on-line wash is limited as there is no soak time as there is for off-line wash.

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Gas Turbine Compressor Washing GEK 103623B

Except for the pH, the restrictions in these specifications are concerned with deposits and corrosion of the
hot gas path. The pH restriction is concerned with corrosion in the water-handling system. High-purity
demineralized water after contact with air will have a pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.0. Thus, allowance has
been made in the pH provided this is the reason for the low pH.

If a detergent is used, additional restrictions are required to ensure no harm will result to turbine compo-
nents. These are given in Appendix 1.

In general, deposits will contain some water-soluble material and oils. The latter will be more amenable
to removal by detergent, but the deposit may be removable by water washing alone, depending on the
amount of water-soluble material present. Hot water at 150 to 200°F (66-93°C) is generally more effective
than cold water.

There are a number of detergents commercially available for this purpose, some of which, along with the
deposits that have been removed, may constitute a hazardous solid waste (as defined by the US Environ-
mental Protection Agency) when used for an off-line wash. Because of this possibility, local regulations
should be considered for the storage, handling and treatment of the water wash effluent when the drain
and containment system is designed.

VI. ALLOWABLE CONDITIONS FOR WATER WASH

For an on-line wash the compressor inlet temperature, CTIM from the Speedtronic panel, must be greater than
50°F (10°C). CTIM must be measured with inlet bleed heat off. Refer to TIL1153-3 for guidance on perform-
ing cold weather on-line washing.

On–line water washing should not be performed while inlet bleed heat is operating for any reason. Do not force
inlet bleed heat off to satisfy this restriction. If inlet bleed heat turns on for any reason while washing, the
water wash procedure should be suspended.

For off-line water wash the operator must take appropriate precautions to prevent freezing in the compressor
inlet, gas turbine, exhaust and drain system. Off-line water washing should not be done at compressor inlet
temperatures,CTIM, less than 40°F (4°C), measured while cranking.

VII. WASHING AND RESTORATION OF PERFORMANCE

A. Water or Detergent Wash

1. Off-Line Compressor Wash

The intention of this procedure is to isolate all air extraction points and drain all low points. It is recog-
nized that additional isolations and drains may be required depending on specific systems, equipment
and customer supplied equipment and interconnect piping.

It is recommended that the customer develop a customized checklist for the preparation and restora-
tion of the gas turbine for an off-line water wash.

Off-line compressor water wash is required if compressor performance degrades 10% due to fouling.

a. Preparation

1) Off-line washing solution must meet the requirements of both Table 1 and Appendix 1.

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GEK 103623B Gas Turbine Compressor Washing

2) The cooldown procedure must be continued until the wheelspace temperatures are within
120°F (67°C) of the wash water temperature.

CAUTION

To prevent thermal shock, wheelspace temperature must be no more than 120°F

(67°C) greater than the wash water temperature. If cool water is used [50°F
(10°C)], the wheelspace temperature must not exceed 170°F (77°C). If hot wa-
ter [180°F (82°C)] is used, the wheelspace temperature must not exceed 300°F
(149°C).

3) If a unit is equipped with off-base atomizing air compressor, the compressor should be deener-
gized during the wash and rinse cycles.

4) Open inlet guide vanes, if applicable.

5) Close flame detector valves or blank-off. Water will foul the flame scanners and make starting
difficult.

6) When regenerators are present, the gas-side face must be covered and kept dry during compres-
sor washing to prevent wetting regenerator deposits. These deposits may change form when
wet and become extremely difficult to remove. Leave access doors open while cranking to pro-
vide an air exhaust path.

7) Fuel manifold drains are to remain closed during wash to prevent water from entering. Open
during dry cycle.

8) Manually ioslate systems, open drains and divert drains as follows:

a) The flow through the false start drain valves (VA17) must be diverted from the sludge tank
to a wash water effluent tank on turbines that operate on liquid fuel or have the capability
to.

NOTE
The false start drain flow or any flow that goes normally to the sludge tank must be
diverted from its “normal” path into the sludge tank, into the wash water effluent
drain to prevent an overflow of the sludge tank. In addition, the false start drain efflu-
ent should be visible to evaluate the effectiveness of the wash cycle. On gas-only
machines, there will be no sludge tank; only a wash water effluent tank.

b) Arrange valves in the exhaust plenum drain piping to divert effluent from the sludge tank
to the waste water tank. Open the main wash water drain valve at the bottom of the exhaust
plenum.

c) Open the inlet plenum drain valve.

d) Close valve installed in the AD-2 line supplying compressor discharge air to the false start
drain valve and open downstream drain.

e) Switch the motor controller for the turbine exhaust frame cooling fan motors, 88TK-1 and
88TK-2 in the manual “ON” position (if provided).

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Gas Turbine Compressor Washing GEK 103623B

NOTE
This step is necessary to prevent water wash from entering the exhaust frame cooling
system during the wash cycle.

The atomizing air system (if provided) is isolated in the following manner:

f) Close valve on inlet side of atomizing air system from AD-8 line.

g) Open all low point drains in the atomizing air supply lines.

h) Open the atomizing air separator drain valve (if provided).

i) Open vent line on inlet side of CA2, booster atomizing air compressor (if provided).

j) Open switch at the motor control center for 88AB; the drive motor for the booster atomizing
air compressor, CA2.

The cooling and sealing air circuitry is isolated in the following manner:

k) Close valve in the bearing sealing air supply line AE-5 from extraction air (if provided).

l) Close valve in all compressor discharge pressure transducer supply lines (AD-4).

m) Close AD-1, AD-3 and if provided, AD-6, AD-7 and AD-10.

n) Close valve in the bleed air line (AE-##) from extraction air (if provided). If isolation valve
is not provided, isolate with a blank-off plate.

o) Open separator drain valve on bearing sealing air line, if provided.

p) Open needle valve upstream of WW9 connection for drainage during the wash cycle (low
point drain on AD-3), if provided.

q) Open low point drain on bearing sealing air line, if provided.

r) If the turbine has a self-cleaning inlet filter, close the block valve and open the drain valve
on the self-cleaning inlet filter air line.

The inlet air heating system is isolated in the following manner:

s) Close VM15-1 manually, or if motorized valve is provided, ensure it is closed.

t) Open all low point drains in the Inlet Air Heating System.

b. Washing Procedure

Washing can be accomplished using a permanent system (a series of nozzles or a spray ring
mounted in the inlet plenum) or with a manual system (a hand-held hose and spray nozzle). With
either system, take care to cover the full circumference of the bellmouth. The inlet plenum and bell-
mouth should be cleaned first to prevent these deposits from being washed into the compressor
during the cleaning.

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GEK 103623B Gas Turbine Compressor Washing

Washing with water or detergent should be done at crank speed. Flow rates are given in Table 2.

Utilize the detergent wash procedures which follow:

1) Select the Water Wash control display on the turbine control panel CRT Select OFF-LINE
WATER WASH ON.

At this time, the turbine is prohibited from firing.

2) Place the Master Select Switch in the CRANK position.

3) Initiate a turbine START signal.

4) The turbine will accelerate to full continuous cranking speed. The cranking motor will maintain
the unit on crank until the stop signal is given.

5) Apply solution at the rate specified in Table 2.

6) Apply the solution at crank speed for three to five minutes, shut unit down, continue spraying
during coastdown until the solution is no longer drawn into the compressor inlet.

7) Allow the detergent to soak for 20 minutes and rinse with water at crank speed for 15 to 20 min-
utes following the recommended flow rates of Table 2.

c. Washing Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the wash and the rinse can most easily be evaluated by observing the runoff
from the drains during the rinse and visual inspection of the compressor inlet at the end of a wash
cycle.

1) The compressor should be rinsed until the drain water appears clean.

2) The runoff water may also be checked for the amount of impurities it contains by measuring
its electrolytic conductivity. The conductivity value will decrease as washing continues and the
runoff water contains fewer dissolved impurities.

3) Another method of testing is to use an atomic absorption spectrometer if one is available for
checking the level of trace metals.

NOTE
The detergent wash may need to be repeated depending on the amount of fouling and
detergent effectiveness. Multiple washes will be required if the compressor is heavi-
ly fouled.

d. Draining and Drying Procedure

1) Allow the gas turbine to drain and dry for about 20 minutes including coasting down time.

2) Open fuel manifold drains and open all low point drains in atomizing air system, fuel system
and purge system.

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Gas Turbine Compressor Washing GEK 103623B

NOTE
The interconnecting piping is often the low point trap and this piping must be drained
by removing drain plugs or parting pipe flanges. The low point can be in the inter-
connecting piping or the manifold itself depending on the piping design and location
of the gas valves. Additionally, lower combustion can flexible hoses may trap water
and may require flange disassembly to remove water at these locations.

Following water wash and rinse cycles, the dry-out crank cycle should continue until
no water is observed draining from any low point drain. Following restoration of the
piping, the subsequent turbine restart should be carefully monitored and any opera-
tional abnormalities during restart that might indicate that all wash water has not
been drained should result in an operator trip of the unit and further draining and
purging of the piping to insure all water is removed.

3) After the turbine has stopped, and drying time is complete, initiate a turbine START signal with
the master operation selector switch in the CRANK position.

4) Allow the turbine to accelerate to crank speed.

5) Allow the turbine to dry for at least 20 minutes or until low point drains are dry at crank speed.

6) Initiate a turbine STOP signal.

e. Restoration

1) If applicable, close inlet guide vanes.

2) If applicable, reenergize off-base atomizing air compressor and remove regenerator cover.

3) Close fuel manifold drains.

CAUTION

It is important that the line that allows waste fuel to drain to the sludge tank be
kept open after water washing and during normal turbine startup and operation,
so that fuel or water which may accumulate in the exhaust plenum can continu-
ously drain out of the plenum. Accumulation of waste fuel in the exhaust ple-
num is potentially hazardous.

4) Open the hand valves or remove blank-off plates on flame detectors.

5) Return the following manual valves to their previous position in the order listed:

a) Return the three-way false start drain valve, combustion system and turbine shell valves
from water drain to fuel drain (if installed).

b) Rearrange valves installed in the exhaust plenum drain piping to divert effluent from the
wash water tank to the sludge tank (if applicable).

c) Close the inlet plenum drain valve (if provided).

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GEK 103623B Gas Turbine Compressor Washing

NOTE
This is important to prevent intake of dirt etc., into the compressor.

d) Open valve installed in the AD-2 line supplying compressor discharge air to the false start
drain valves.

e) Switch the motor controller for the turbine exhaust frame cooling fan motors 88TK-1 and
88TK-2, into the “AUTO” mode (if provided).

The atomizing air system is reenergized in the following manner:

f) Open valve on inlet side of atomizing air system from AD-8 line.

CAUTION

It is critical that this valve be opened to prevent damage to the turbine.

g) Close all low point drains in the atomizing air lines.

h) Close the atomizing air separator drain valve (if provided).

i) Close vent line on inlet side of CA2, booster atomizing air compressor (if provided).

j) Close switch at the motor control center for 88AB; the drive motor for the booster atomizing
air compressor CA2.

The cooling and sealing air circuitry is reengaged in the following order:

k) Open valve in the bearing sealing air supply line AE-5 from extraction air (if provided).

CAUTION

It is critical that this valve be opened to prevent damage to the turbine.

l) Open valves in all compressor discharge pressure transducer supply lines (AD-4).

CAUTION

It is critical that this valve be completely opened to prevent damage to the

turbine.

m) Open AD-1, AD-3, AD-6, AD-7 and AD-10 (if provided).

CAUTION

In configurations where AD-6 is used to supply the purge air system, it is criti-
cal that this valve be opened to prevent damage to the turbine.

n) Open valves or remove blank-off plate in the bleed air lines (AE-##) from extraction air.

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Gas Turbine Compressor Washing GEK 103623B

CAUTION

It is critical that these valves be opened to prevent damage to the turbine.

o) Close separator drain valve on bearing sealing air line (if provided).

p) Close needle valve upstream of WW9 connection (low-point drain on AD-3), if provided.

q) Close low-point drain on bearing sealing air line, if provided.

r) If the turbine has a self-cleaning inlet filter, open the block valve and close the drain valve
on the self-cleaning filter air line.

The inlet air heating system is reengaged in the following manner:

s) Open VM15-1 manually, or if motorized valve is provided, ensure it is opened.

t) Close all low point drains in the Inlet Air Heating System.

6) Press the Off-Line Water Wash OFF softswitch on the water wash control display.

NOTE
When the OFF-LINE WATER WASH OFF is selected, the permissive is in place to
allow the turbine to fire and the permissive is removed to allow the 20TW-1 valve
to be opened.

2. On-Line Compressor Wash

The intent of on-line washing is to extend the period between off-line washes through frequent wash-
ings of short duration. When the compressor is suspected of being heavily fouled, an off-line wash
should be performed.

On line water washing may result in a fogging over of flame detector lenses. For units operating with
DLN systems this has the potential of resulting in tripping the turbine off line. In order to assure unin-
terrupted turbine operation the following set-up procedure should be followed for units operating with
DLN systems.

While observing Flame Detector Level Intensity on the Mark V display, start water wash with
throttled back flow, slowly increase until intensity is decreased to a comfortable margin above drop
out level or maximum flow (table 2) is reached, which ever occurs first.

Adding water for wash will increase the compressor pressure ratio and thus reduce the surge margin.
Under normal circumstances, there is ample surge margin to allow for washing and steam or water
injection for NOx control or power augmentation. However, the following steps are recommended
prior to performing an on-line wash.

a. Preparation

1) On-line washing solution must meet the requirements of both Table 1 and Appendix 1.

2) Turbine must be running at full speed and not in the process of shutting down.

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GEK 103623B Gas Turbine Compressor Washing

3) Compressor inlet temperature, CTIM, must be greater than 50°F (10°C). Refer to TIL1153-3
for information on cold weather on-line water wash. On–line water washing should not be per-
formed while inlet bleed heat is operating for any reason. Do not force inlet bleed heat off to
satisfy this restriction.

4) Set the inlet guide vanes to 81° or greater. For units operating with DLN systems, full open posi-
tion occurs only at base load.

5) Reduce load by 5% if operating at base load. Units operating with DLN systems need not reduce
load and must perform compressor wash at base load to achieve full open IGV’s.

6) Units operating with water or steam injection for NOx control or power augmentation must re-
duce water or steam injection to 3% maximum of compressor inlet flow.

7) For units operating with DLN systems, washing is to be conducted while in Extended Lean-
Lean or Premix combustion modes.

NOTE
Operating in extended lean-lean will result in increased emissions over premix
operation.

b. Washing Procedure

1) Apply water at the rate specified in Table 2.

2) Continue to apply solution for 30 minutes.

3) On-line wash is most effective when performed on a regular basis.

4) If inlet bleed heat turns on for any reason while washing, the water wash procedure should be
suspended.

NOTE
If using a detergent solution for on-line washing, it is recommended that the wash
be followed by enough rinse water to remove the detergent residue from the wash
nozzles at the spray manifold. This will prevent the detergent solutions from drying
and clogging the nozzles.

B. Results of Washing

After cleaning, there should be a noticeable increase in performance. Increase in performance is a function
of how fouled the compressor was initially. An increase in BASE load power of 10% is not uncommon
following an off-line wash. This can be confirmed by comparing restored performance data to levels of
performance before washing, utilizing the procedure in GEK 28166 for generator drive machines and the
appropriate procedure for other applications as previously described under Performance Monitoring. It
should be noted that full power may not always be regained once significant fouling occurs. Regular com-
pressor washing will help maintain performance. Specific intervals must be determined based on custom-
er performance.

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Gas Turbine Compressor Washing GEK 103623B

TABLE 1

QUALITY SPECIFICATION*

OFF-LINE WASHING

TOTAL SOLIDS (dissolved and undissolved) 100 ppm

TOTAL ALKALI METAL 25 ppm

OTHER METALS WHICH MAY PROMOTE 1.0 ppm

HOT CORROSION (i.e. lead, vanadium)

pH (determined by glass electrode) 6.5 to 7.5

ON-LINE WASHING

TOTAL SOLIDS (dissolved and undissolved) 5 ppm

TOTAL ALKALI AND OTHER METALS WHICH 0.5 ppm

MAY PROMOTE HOT CORROSION

pH (determined by glass electrode) 6.5 to7.5

See Table A1 in Appendix 1 for chemical specifications.

Applies to water or water and detergent solution

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GEK 103623B Gas Turbine Compressor Washing

TABLE 2

WATER AND/OR WATER AND DETERGENT SOLUTION

INJECTION (FLOW) RATES

Off Line(1) On Line(1)

Machine Flow
Press Temp Flow Press Temp
(GPM)
(psig) (°F) (GPM) (psig) (°F)
max.

MS3001, 3002 115 150-180 15 100 50-180 3.5

MS5001, 5002 85 150-180 35 100 50-180 8

MS6001 85 150-180 42 100 50-180 10

MS6001F/FA 85 150-180 45 100 50-180 13

MS7001EA 85 150-180 50 100 50-180 18

MS7001F/FA 85 150-180 81 100 50-180 26

MS9001E 85 150-180 72 100 50-180 26

MS9001F/FA 85 150-180 117 100 50-180 38

1 Mixed at manufacturer’s suggested mix ratio.

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Gas Turbine Compressor Cleaning GEK 103623B

APPENDIX 1

COMPRESSOR WASHING DETERGENT SPECIFICATION

1.0 Scope

1.1 This specification is for cleaning compounds for use in compressor washing. It is required that these com-
pounds will not cause harm to gas turbine components. Thus, their purity and composition must be such that
they do not cause aqueous corrosion or stress corrosion of compressor materials. Also, it is required that they
do not cause hot corrosion in the turbine. Furthermore, they must not lead to compressor fouling. With regard
to the cleaning agents themselves, they must be chemically stable in themselves and in their mixtures with
water. Also, they must not form combustible mixtures and they should satisfy all local codes relative to health
and safety requirements. Compliance with this specification does not imply a cleaning compound improves
the cleaning of a compressor over and above what can be obtained from water alone.

2.0 Requirements

2.1 The cleaning compound when mixed with water in the manufacturer’s prescribed concentration shall satisfy
the water washing specifications for on-line and off-line water quality given in Table 1. In the pure state it shall
satisfy the specification given in Table A1.

2.2 The residue or ash content of the cleaning compound shall not exceed 0.01%. See test 4.1.

2.3 The storage stability of the cleaning compound shall show no marked color change, shall not separate and shall
not corrode or stain the steel specimen when tested as specified in test 4.5.16 of MIL-C-85704A. This test is
given in 4.2.

2.4 The cleaner and its mixtures with water shall not form gums under compressor conditions.

2.5 The Pensky-Martens flash point of the cleaning compound shall be above 140°F (60°C) (ASTM D93).

3.0 Material Compatibility

3.1 Use of the cleaning compound shall not have adverse effects on engine system materials such as compressor
or turbine materials.

4.0 Tests

4.1 Ash content: preparation of test samples

Approximately 10 g of cleaning compound shall be weighed to the nearest 0.1 mg in a tared porcelain crucible.
The crucible shall be heated at 221° ± 2°F (105° ± 1°C) for 24 hours, then heated at 464° ± 4°F (240° ± 2°C)
for the next 24 hours. Following this, the crucible and its contents shall be carefully ignited over a Bunsen-type
gas burner. The crucible shall then be placed in a muffle furnace at 1,900°F (1,040°C) for 2 hours. The crucible
shall be transferred to a desiccator, cooled and weighed until constant weight. The ash content shall be calcu-
lated as the percentage of the initial weight of cleaning compound.

4.2 Accelerated storage stability (from MIL-C-85704A)

Preparation of test sample. A 150-ml portion of a well-shaken cleaning compound shall be poured into each
of two chemically clean 250-ml pressure-resistant clear glass bottles which shall be approximately 9.5 inches

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GEK 103623B Gas Turbine Compressor Cleaning

(24.1 cm) in height and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) in outside diameter. One bottle shall be capped and stored in the
dark for at least six days at room temperature. A strip of steel 6 by 0.5 by 0.02 inches (15.2 x 1.3 x 0.05 cm)
conforming to MIL-S-7952 shall be polished to remove surface contamination and then cleaned by boiling
for one minute in chemically pure isopropyl alcohol and one minute in mineral spirits. The steel strip shall be
placed in the other test bottle and the bottle shall be capped. The capped bottle containing the steel strip shall
be thoroughly shaken for one minute.

Procedure. The capped bottle containing the steel strip shall be placed in a water bath and heated at a uniform
rate to a temperature of 140° ± 4°F (60° ± 2°C) over a period of five hours. It shall be held at this temperature
for three hours. No heat shall be applied to the bath overnight. The above heating procedure shall be repeated
each day for five days. (This test need not necessarily be attended if an interval time is used to regulate the
temperature automatically. The test may be started on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and still have the pres-
sure bottle removed on a normal workday.) On the morning of the sixth day, the bottle shall be removed from
the bath, uncapped, examined for separation and the steel strip carefully withdrawn from the cleaning com-
pound. Separation into layers shall be cause for rejection. The portion of the steel strip which had been im-
mersed in the compound shall be examined for evidence of pitting, corrosion and uneven darkening. The open
bottle shall be capped and the two bottles shall be thoroughly shaken for one minute, then allowed to remain
undisturbed for one hour at room temperature and then examined. Any marked change in the color and unifor-
mity of the aged sample shall be considered as showing unsatisfactory stability properties.

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Gas Turbine Compressor Cleaning GEK 103623B

TABLE A1

CHEMICAL CONTENT OF WASHING DETERGENT

Total alkali metals 25 ppm max

Magnesium + calcium 5 ppm max

Vanadium 0.1 ppm max

Lead 0.1 ppm max

Tin + copper 10 ppm max

Sulfur 50 ppm max

Chlorine 40 ppm max

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GE Power Systems

General Electric Company

One River Road, Schenectady, NY 12345
518 • 385 • 2211 TX: 145354