Axial Compressor Deterioration Caused by Saltwater Ingestion

Gas turbine performance deterioration can be a major economic factor. An example is within offshore installations where a degradation of gas turbine performance can mean a reduction of oil and gas production. This paper describes the test results from a series of accelerated deterioration tests on a GE J85-13 jet engine. The axial compressor was deteriorated by spraying atomized droplets of saltwater into the engine intake. The paper also presents the overall engine performance deterioration as well as deteriorated stage characteristics. The results of laboratory analysis of the salt deposits are presented, providing insight into the increased surface roughness and the deposit thickness and distribution. The test data show good agreement with published stage characteristics and give valuable information regarding stage-by-stage performance deterioration.