Method for washing gas turbine engines

By using solid cleaning granules that form a cleaning foam upon engine startup, the method addresses the inefficiencies of conventional washing operations, enhancing engine cleanliness and performance while minimizing environmental impact.

EP4772725A2Pending Publication Date: 2026-07-08GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2025222513
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2025-07-03
Filing Date
2025-12-11
Publication Date
2026-07-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional washing operations for gas turbine engines are infrequent due to their time-consuming nature, requiring large quantities of water and detergent, leading to significant effluent generation and potential engine performance degradation from foreign particle buildup.

Method used

A method involving freezing a cleaning liquid to form solid cleaning granules, which are then compacted into a solid form and inserted into the engine, where they melt and form a cleaning foam upon engine startup, effectively cleaning the gas flow path through mechanical and chemical action.

Benefits of technology

This approach allows for more frequent cleaning, reducing water and detergent usage, minimizing effluent production, and maintaining engine cleanliness, thus improving performance and reducing maintenance needs.

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Abstract

A method (200) for washing a gas turbine engine (10) includes freezing a cleaning liquid to form solid cleaning granules, compacting the solid cleaning granules to form a compacted cleaning solid (106), and inserting the compacted cleaning solid (106) into the gas turbine engine (10), wherein when the gas turbine engine (10) is started, the compacted cleaning solid (106) liquifies to form a cleaning foam, which spreads through a gas flow path (37) of the gas turbine engine (10) to clean one or more components (22, 24) of the gas turbine engine (10) along the gas flow path (37).
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