Comparative assessment of fouling scenarios in an axial flow compressor

It is commonly accepted that fouling degrades severely axial compressor performance. Deposits build up as operating hours sum up, causing a decrease in the compressor's delivery pressure, efficiency and flow capacity. Researchers have also concluded that compressor susceptibility to fouling depends on many factors, such as atmospheric conditions, air quality, filtration system, the size and design of the compressor, etc. The current study identifies four basic operating scenarios which refer to the same compressor, in order to put forward a comparative assessment as to how incoming air quality would affect compressor performance. SOCRATES, an in-house, streamline curvature-based through-flow tool, in conjunction with a detailed, fully customizable fouling empirical model, conceived based on flow physics and relevant experimental data, is used to qualify and quantify, compressor degradation with time.