Advancements in Electrospun Nanofiber Technology Reduce Gas Turbine Compressor Fouling

Abstract

It is well established that sub-micron ambient aerosol contamination of the intake air can produce fouling of the gas turbine compressor and result in a reduction of power output. Application of electrospun nanofibers of 0.25 micron diameter to a conventional filter media substrate has been demonstrated to improve the efficiency of gas turbine intake filters to remove sub-micron contaminate. The benefits of nanofiber filtration have been proven through use in gas turbine intake air filtration and other industrial and defense filtration applications for over twenty years. Recent advancements in electrospun nanofiber media technology have increased the filtering efficiency of gas turbine intake filters, with minimal differences in filter element pressure loss. These advances have also improved the durability of nanofibers in high temperature and high humidity applications. This paper discusses the laboratory testing that demonstrates these performance and durability improvements. A comparative field test program demonstrates the capability of nanofiber filtration to significantly reduce the fouling of gas turbine compressors.

Filter life comparison of different levels of nanofiber coated cleanable‐surface filter for gas turbine

“…27 Gahr et al used a test program that demonstrates the capability of nanofibers, which can significantly reduce the fouling of gas turbine compressors. 28 Wertz and Schnieders stated that in a gas turbine or heavy-duty air application the nanofiber coating is generally positioned upstream side and that enhance the surface filtration performance. 29 Apart from previous studies, in this study the effect of nanofiber layer and nanofiber coating level on the filter life was investigated and explained for the first time to the best of the authors' knowledge.…”