In the gas turbine industry, a few trailblasing companies are tirelessly working to create bigger, better turbines to generate more and more power. The scale of these undertakings is immense and in recent years GE have developed the H-class gas turbine, which is capable of seriously impressive power output.
So, how do you make the world’s most powerful turbines even more efficient? The secret lies in industry leading cleaning chemicals.
What is an H-class turbine?
GE design and supply gas turbines for big-scale energy needs. This might be to generate power for whole cities, act as a backup in power shortages or simply to supply electricity for individual business operations. They are relied upon for dependable, powerful equipment that performs at its peak.
In 2003, GE introduced the H-class gas turbine, unveiling the next level of turbines to the industry. The first H-class system, at Baglan Bay, UK was a 50-Hz 480-MW turbine and had firing temperatures of 2,600F.*
Since then, The H-class has evolved further, to become ever more powerful and productive.
Image source: GE
Now, companies who have invested in purchasing and running H-class turbines want to know how to maintain their equipment and ensure it works as efficiently as possible.
What can impact H-class turbine efficiency?
Although H-class gas turbines are incredible machines, they suffer the same problems as other gas turbines: inevitable fouling.
Impurities such as salt and pollution are drawn into the gas turbine compressor via the air supply while oil and lubricants can easily become contaminants. Because H-class turbines work at immense temperatures and pressures, these foulants quickly become caked onto compressor blades and interrupt airflow through the system. This has a knock-on impact on the efficiency of these finely-tuned turbines and operators will notice a drop in power output.
If foulants are left to accumulate, the cost of running the turbine soars while efficiency plummets. Eventually, the operator will be forced to conduct an unscheduled shutdown to address the problem or the turbine will become damaged.
Whatever age or model of gas turbine you have, you don’t want to cause unnecessary damage to your machine. However, it is especially upsetting when you have invested in the latest, most powerful technology for it to cause additional expense and offer disappointing output.
How can FYREWASH® make H-class turbines more efficient?
We developed specialised FYREWASH® chemicals for the sole purpose of expertly cleaning gas turbine compressors. Within the range, we offer different solutions to target different fouling issues and for use in particular environments, such as marine or other environmentally sensitive situations.
FYREWASH® chemicals can be injected directly into the gas turbine compressor and the effluent flushed from the system whilst the turbine is in normal operation. This allows for regular, effective cleaning without the need to carry out a time-wasting shut down.
To complement these cleans, FYREWASH® can be used for thorough, manual cleaning whenever your maintenance schedule requires it.
Tried, trusted and used by H-class turbine operators around the world, FYREWASH® chemicals offer a safe, easy, cost-effective way to keep your investment running at its peak.
H-class turbines and FYREWASH® combine two forms of industry-leading technology to achieve and maintain incredible results!
Get in touch
If you have any questions about cleaning H-class gas turbines and ensuring the most efficient, productive equipment possible, get in touch. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to talk about your specific requirements.
*https://www.powermag.com/a-brief-history-of-ge-gas-turbines-2/ [30/6/21]