FUEL NOZZLE COKING ANALYSIS DUE TO SOAK-BACK IN A GAS TURBINE COMBUSTOR

Post-shutdown heat soak-back is a commonly known cause for engine deterioration. In gas turbine combustors the heat generated by hot parts as the rotating components of the engine (such as the compressor and the turbine) come to rest is transferred throughout the structure and eventually to the surrounding air cavities. As this surplus heat reaches fuel wetted surfaces, coking becomes susceptible to occur, leaving solid deposition leading to a potential harm to the fuel delivery systems and to frequent overhauls. Numerical and experimental studies will be made in order to get a better understanding of the heat soak-back phenomenon, its potential effect on coking build-up, and to eventually seek solutions to prevent it.