Natural gas turbines need proper cleaning to ensure peak performance, but the pressure to keep them running can lead to cleaning that gets put off, which in turn can lead to unexpected and expensive downtime and reduced efficiency.
But keeping natural gas turbines clean doesn’t have to mean lengthy periods offline. As many natural gas professionals have discovered, dry ice blasting is a fast, effective and consistent method for keeping turbines clean and efficient, and preventing the risk of unplanned outages.
Dry ice blasting also shrinks planned outage time by 60-90% for turbine OEMs, turbine servicing companies, and power plant maintenance managers.
What can take up to a week using other cleaning methods typically takes two shifts or less using dry ice blasting, which can be performed with the turbine in place and does not require full disassembly.
Note: For steam turbine cleaning, aluminum oxide blasting, sponge blasting, and other abrasive options are typically better for than dry ice.
Safely Eliminate Carbon Buildup from Blades
Dry ice blasting is also effective for pre-inspection cleaning. To prevent damaged blades from breaking off and causing millions of dollars in damage within a gas turbine, inspectors conduct non-destructive testing (NDT), using a dye penetrant and eddy current testing to identify microcracks in blades. Before this inspection can be done, the carbon build-up on turbine blades must be removed.
Traditional hydroblasting and other forms of abrasive blasting – sometimes referred to as “sandblasting”– can’t be used on turbine blades because moisture and abrasives can damage them. Water can also lead to rust and corrosion, which leaves blades weakened and with a reduced life span. Without additional clean-up, abrasive blasting can also leave behind damaging particulates. Both hydroblasting and abrasive blasting require careful post-cleaning cleanup to ensure no moisture or abrasive material is left behind.
Dry ice blasting, which uses frozen CO2 pellets, is a better choice for gas turbine cleaning because it’s thorough and effective without the risk of abrasives or water and because the pellets sublimate on contact, there is no media left behind. It’s also non-conductive, environmentally responsible and the safest form of blasting.
Dry ice blasting can also be used to clean turbine discs, rotors, cases, stators, and windings.
Here is an overview of the benefits:
Benefits of Dry Ice Blasting in Power Generation
Finding a Dry Ice Blasting Provider
When looking for a dry ice blasting specialist for your natural gas facility, look for a provider with gas and power industry experience and a track record of safe and effective work.
The right partner will minimize your outage time and restore your gas turbines to a like-new clean without requiring you to manage the project, clean up a mess or perform additional cleaning afterward.
