How to Clean a Gas Turbine

Select an appropriate cleaning fluid to be used on the gas turbine. Verify that the cleaning fluid is designed for use with the particular type of gas turbine being cleaned and that the fluid is not so concentrated that it may damage the engine. If the gas turbine will be operated in cold weather, consider using a cleaner specifically designed for use in areas with temperature extremes.

Determine if an on-line or off-line cleaning is appropriate for the cleaning. Most gas turbine maintenance schedules require that the engine be cleaned both on-line and off-line at different intervals. As different equipment is required for each type of cleaning, consult the engine's documentation to determine which type of cleaning is appropriate.

Choose the mobile carts or stationary skids required for the cleaning of the gas turbine. Mobile carts will be required to clean the gas engine "on-line" or while the engine is still warm and operating, while stationary skids will be required for the cleaning of gas turbines that have been shut down and allowed to cool. Consult the documentation provided with the engine to ensure that a solution with adequate capabilities for the size of the gas turbine is selected.

Use large amounts of demineralized water when cleaning the engine on-line to ensure that the deposits removed during the cleaning are not redeposited elsewhere in the engine. Wash out any cleaning fluid used during cleaning with large amounts of water to ensure that no debris or residue that might damage the engine remain.