How to increase revenue with cleaner gas turbines

It is a safe assumption that your business wants to be as profitable as possible.

When your business involves a gas turbine, there are simple steps you can take to ensure this equipment helps increase, rather than decrease revenue.

Get the most out of what you put in

Approximately two-thirds of the work carried out by an industrial gas turbine goes straight back into turning its own compressor rotor.

If the efficiency of the compressor begins to slip, more and more of your potentially profitable output will be used up in running the system itself.

You do not have to think about this for long to conclude that it is worth keeping your gas compressor running efficiently:

Efficient gas turbine → minimal energy required to run it → maximum energy/revenue left over

What causes a gas compressor to be inefficient?

Through normal use, your gas compressor takes in air which inevitably carries contaminants including:

• Salts, particularly at coastal/off-shore sites
• Hydrocarbons
• Pollution
• Sand
• Oil and grease from e.g. lubricants

Over time, these foulants coat the aerofoil surfaces within the compressor, gradually building up to physically change the shape of this precision equipment. Inevitably, this affects the way air flows through the system, impacting efficiency. 

The nature of this equipment means that the foulant-carrying air is under high pressure and temperature which

a) exacerbates the rate of foulant build-up and

b) means any impurities on the surfaces have an exaggerated impact on airflow.

Contaminants alone can be credited with up to 70% of a gas compressor’s loss of efficiency.

If left completely unchecked, contaminants will continue to build up, eventually resulting in expensive damage to the turbine.

How to increase revenue

It sounds simple; improve efficiency to increase revenue. Thankfully, it is simple!

We have established that the introduction of airborne contaminants is unavoidable.

But nothing is stopping you from implementing an effective, efficient cleaning regime to remove foulants before they become a problem.

This cost-efficient solution will help increase revenue whilst also prolonging the life of your equipment.

How we can help

We are specialists in cleaning products and equipment for gas turbine compressors. Our chemicals and hardware are designed specifically for the industry and trusted by customers around the world.

If the thought of introducing any kind of cleaning schedule is daunting, we are here to help. We can help diagnose the problem(s) and offer tailor-made solutions for your business.

We usually recommend a schedule which includes both on line and off line cleaning.

The former allows you to maintain a clean compressor without interrupting normal operations.

The latter comprises a thorough, manual clean conducted less often. Both methods utilise the same chemicals and equipment, keeping your costs down.

Is it cost effective?

The short answer is ‘yes’. In one case study case study, the customer reported cost savings of USD $100k per year!

They noted more reliable equipment, fewer unscheduled maintenance shut-downs and a more efficient plant.

Implementing the right cleaning equipment and chemicals, even including the initial consultation, purchase and installation, is just a tiny fraction of the amount saved.

Get in touch

If you would like to talk to the team at Rochem and see how we can help you increase revenue with cleaner gas turbines, get in touch.