Charles E Foster

US Patent:

6503334, Jan 7, 2003

Filed:

Mar 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/808557

Inventors:

R. Dwane Ruiz - Friendswood TX
Charles D. Foster - Keyser WV

Assignee:

HydroChem Industrial Services, Inc. - Deer Park TX

International Classification:

B08B 300

US Classification:

134 18, 134 19, 134 20, 134 2211, 134 2212, 134 2214, 134 26, 134 28, 134 31, 134 36, 134 37, 134 38, 134 39, 134 40, 134 41, 134 42

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to methods for cleaning films and particulates from the compressor section and combustion contaminants from the combustion and turbine sections of a combustion turbine. Particulate films and contaminants adhering to the internal components of the compressor section of a turbine are readily removed by forcing a mist comprising a cleaning solution such as an aqueous surfactant solution through the compressor section. Contaminants resulting from fuel combustion and deposited in the combustion and turbine sections are removed by forcing a mist comprising a second cleaning solution through those sections. The second solution typically comprises an aqueous acid solution optionally including a corrosion inhibitor. The compressor section must be isolated from such acid solutions, e. g. by continuing to force the misted surfactant solution through the compressor section prior to and simultaneously with forcing the misted acid solution through the combustion section.