Fouling Behavior of Aero-engine Compressor Blades Surface

Clearing fouling of compressor blades can effectively restore the performance deterioration of aero-engine compressor. Different washing agents have different washing effects on fouling with different properties. At present, washing agents are prepared for fouling of blades in the first few stages of compressor, and there is little research on fouling of blades in the last few stages of high-pressure compressor. The fouling samples were obtained on the rotor blades at different positions of the compressor of the engine whose life had reached the overhaul conditions. Fouling mechanisms and properties of compressor blades were studied by multiple characterization techniques such as SEM, EDS and XRD. The results show that the fouling of the low-pressure compressor blades is mainly the mixture of the particulate matter contained in the air and the oil mist produced by the engine. The source of blades fouling of high-pressure compressor stage 1 is the same as that of low-pressure compressor. However, under the action of higher temperature, some organic matter cokes to carbon deposition. The fouling on the superalloy blade surface of the last three stages of high-pressure compressor comes from the high temperature oxidation behavior of the alloy, which is mainly formed in the outer layer of the alloy oxidation resistance film with Fe2O3 as the main component. The research on the fouling formation mechanisms and properties of the typical compressor blades of aero-engine is guiding significance for selecting suitable washing agents and washing methods.