Compressor Water Wash System Neutralizes Corrosive Deposits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water wash systems for turbomachines, which use de-mineralized water, are insufficient in reducing corrosives on compressor components due to their environment, necessitating a stronger cleaning solution.
Innovation Solution
A water wash system that combines a cleaning fluid with chemical agents, such as acidic or basic solutions, to create a cleaning solution that can be pumped through nozzles to reduce corrosives on turbomachine compressors, allowing for on-line operation without shutting down the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If de-mineralized water is used for cleaning the compressor, then the system can operate on-line without shutdown, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient to reduce corrosives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the cleaning fluid by adding chemical agents (acids, bases, or solvents) to de-mineralized water, transforming it from a weak cleaner into a potent cleaning solution capable of removing corrosive deposits while maintaining on-line operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces chemical agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the cleaning system and the corrosive deposits, enabling the cleaning process to occur during on-line operation without requiring machine shutdown
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a stronger cleaning solution with chemical agents is used, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but system complexity increases due to multiple tanks and mixing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning system into separate storage tanks for de-mineralized water and chemical agents, with dedicated dosing pumps for each component. This modular segmentation allows independent control and simplifies maintenance while achieving effective cleaning through controlled mixing
Solution Approach 2:
The water wash system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating adjustable dosing rates for different chemical agents (acids, bases, solvents), allowing the same system to adapt to various cleaning requirements and corrosive types without requiring separate specialized systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively neutralizes and mitigates corrosive deposits on compressor components, reducing corrosion rates and extending the lifespan of turbomachine components by using a customized cleaning solution that can be mildly acidic or basic, depending on the environment.
Implementation Method 1
The system effectively neutralizes and mitigates corrosive deposits on compressor components
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention provides a water wash system that may mix a cleaning fluid with at least one chemical agent to form a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution may reduce the corrosives on components of a compressor. The cleaning solution may be an mildly acidic solution to reduce corrosion of a caustic nature. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be a mildly basic solution to reduce corrosion of an acidic nature.