Intake-Air Filtration

• Erosion by small particles (abrasive dust), caused on turbine blades by particles > 5 µm
• Fouling, by the accumulation of ultra-fine particles on turbine blades. Unlike erosion, this fouling, primarily caused by particles < 5 µm, can be removed by washing the turbine blades.
• Corrosion in the interior of a turbine (particularly in coastal regions). Air impurities (especially salts) can combine with high relative humidity to produce corrosion. Downstream of the unit compressor, air impurities such as sodium and heavy metals can additionally lead to major and feared problems caused by hot-gas corrosion.

In some intake systems, it is also widespread to input cooling air for the gas-turbine package (in addition to the air for combustion). In such cases, great purity of intake air is also essential for such cooling purposes.

All of the above-described operational problems can arise if the air-intake system is not satisfactorily adapted to operating conditions prevailing onsite. In addition to optimal design of a filter system, its installation, erection, and servicing according to best engineering practice is likewise critical.