10 myths about gas turbine cleaning chemicals

Industrial gas turbine operators around the world share a common trio of goals: efficiency, reliability, and profitability.

Many have discovered that one of the ways to achieve these goals is with effective gas turbine/compressor cleaning.

Unfortunately, there are a few myths about gas turbine cleaning chemicals preventing some owners from achieving the full benefits of these highly specialized products.

With over 40 years in this industry, we will bust the top ten gas turbine cleaning myths and ensure you get the most from your turbine with cost-effective cleaning. Let’s review…

Cleaning chemicals cause damage to gas turbines

This is false if you use suitable chemicals. Just like you wouldn’t add bleach to a dark clothes wash, acidic cleaner on your granite worktop, or wash your car with a scouring sponge - it’s all about selecting the correct specialty product designed for the situation. Our FYREWASH® Cleaning Chemicals remove foulants without damaging or degrading the gas turbines/compressors they are cleaning.

If you use clean fuel, then cleaning chemicals aren’t necessary

False. It is thought that if you’re using clean fuel, then there’s no residue or fouling to worry about. Whilst it is true that clean fuel may reduce the problem, foulants still inevitably enter the compressor/turbine via the air inlet.

Even with an air-filtration system in place, it is impossible to remove every particle of airborne pollution, such as pollen and salt. Other sources of foulants include hydrocarbons, lubricants, minerals in cleaning water, and internal erosion.

Under the high pressure and temperature of the gas turbine/compressor, these uninvited particles can become ‘baked’ onto delicate components. This is why cleaning chemicals are still necessary regardless of the fuel quality being used.

Water alone is enough for effective cleaning

False. Water is better than nothing. De-mineralized water is better still. But neither of these options are a complete substitute for cleaning with specialist gas turbine cleaning chemicals. When you use the correct product, you aren’t simply relying on the mechanical action of cleaning but are also deploying a product that will target a broad range of contaminants, e.g., oily deposits and salts. Our FYREWASH® chemicals are designed specifically to take environmental factors into account as well as internal ones – we can help advise on which to use.

A further benefit is that you will notice enhanced flushing with the right chemicals. Water alone will often redeposit contaminants, but chemical cleaners will flush them through without leaving a residue.

Cleaning chemicals are harmful to the environment

False. Gas turbine cleaning chemicals do require proper handling and considerate disposal, but this is also true of wastewater from your daily shower and the residual shower products within it. Be mindful of your environment and adhere to local legislation on proper waste disposal.

If your gas turbine is in a particularly sensitive environment, e.g., an offshore oil rig, there are specialist chemicals designed for that exact purpose. Rochem FYREWASH® F2, for example, is highly biodegradable and ideal for marine environments.

Frequent cleaning weakens turbine components

False. Like many gas turbine cleaning myths, when the correct products are chosen, the opposite is true. Frequent cleaning prevents a build-up of foulants - the real culprits. Left unchecked, they can cause erosion, corrosion, and even lead to turbine failure.

Cleaning chemicals are only for major issues

False. Regular cleaning with specialized chemicals is ideal for preventing major issues! Keep your gas turbine compressor clean, efficient, and productive by making use of daily online washes with offline washes conducted, e.g., monthly. The same chemicals can be used for all washes and will prolong the cleanliness and the lifespan of your equipment.

All cleaning chemicals are the same

False. It’s essential to choose a specialist product for gas turbine compressors to avoid damage to your equipment and ensure the best results. There is then a further choice: in our Rochem FYREWASH® range alone, we have several different products designed for different environments. F1, for example, is a great choice for heavy fouling and/or locations that suffer from airborne pollution, whereas F2 is perfect for marine environments.

These products have different names for a reason. Each one has been specifically designed by our chemists to consider both the types of fouling and the environmental factors that may be influencing them. This is how we create our superior chemical cleaners.

We are always happy to talk through the options and help you select the right chemical for your site.

Cleaning chemicals are too expensive to use regularly

False. We can’t speak for all suppliers here, but Rochem FYREWASH® chemicals are extremely cost-effective when used regularly and as we recommend – even daily in online washes.

Cost savings are in:

• Turbine efficiency
• Recovery of lost power output
• Reduced downtime

Rest assured, these points cover the cost of the cleaning chemicals and any associated hardware many times over. FYREWASH® can be used for both on-line and off-line washes, reducing the number of chemicals needed, and we also supply our products in a concentrated solution to reduce your shipping costs even further.

Cleaning is ineffective in high humidity or harsh environments

False. In these types of environments, foulants can be even more likely to adhere to the compressor blades, so timely removal through frequent washing is essential so that they don’t build up to damaging levels. We can help you choose an appropriate cleaning chemical and advise on a cleaning schedule to suit your compressor’s environment.

Cleaning chemicals are difficult to use

False. Introducing a new product to a work environment can be simple and easy when you have the right support. We offer expert advice to ensure that using FYREWASH® chemicals is a simple process. Each chemical comes with clear instructions, diluting ratios, and our team are available to answer your questions.

We also have supporting hardware/systems available: mobile or static wash skids that can be automated, patented nozzles (that deliver the chemicals at the perfect droplet size/spray pattern for thorough wetting and effective cleaning), triple stage filters (for preventing blockages) and even observation windows (for visibility of inner workings/performance of gas turbine/compressor).

Go to our product page for more information.

Get in touch

At Rochem FYREWASH®, we have been in this industry for decades. We’ve heard the gas turbine cleaning myths and are delighted that our products debunk them.

We are proud that our FYREWASH® range delivers cost-efficiency and effectiveness to the thousands of our customers around the world. So, if you have any questions about our products or have heard any myths of your own, please do get in touch with us. Our team of experts would love to hear from you.