A Proposed Method for Assessing the Susceptibility of Axial Compressors to Fouling

Abstract

Although the overall effect of compressor fouling on engine performance has been recognized for many years, remarkably little has been published on the quantifiable effects. Mathematical modeling of compressors using stage stacking methods has recently been used for a systematic study of compressor fouling and earlier investigations led to an interest in the effects of engine size and compressor stage loading. This paper presents a proposed index showing the susceptibility of compressors to fouling, which could be useful in helping operators to determine cleanup intervals. Three engines of widely differing performance were used in developing this index and additional operator experience would be useful in confirming its validity.