Contamination removal method

A method of removing contaminants from the internal components of a compressor associated with a gas turbine engine said method comprising the steps of:

• providing abrasive particles having an erosivity within the range of 0.004 grams to 0.15 grams and further having a carbon content of at least 70% by weight;
• and
• directing said abrasive particles in impingement onto said contaminated internal components of said engine thereby removing said contaminants therefrom.

A method of removing contaminants from the internal metallic components of an air-breathing machine having an air flow path adapted to provide for the passage of air through said machine with said contaminated internal metallic component disposed within said flow path, said method comprising:

• entraining abrasive particles in a stream of air in said flow path upstream of said contaminated internal metallic components, said particles being comprised of coke;
• and
• directing said stream of air and said entrained particles in impingement upon said contaminated internal metallic components thereby removing said contaminants therefrom.

A method of removing contaminants from the internal metallic components of a gas turbine engine having, disposed in a serial flow relationship in a fluid flow passage in said engine, an air inlet for admitting air to said engine, a rotatable compressor, a combustor, a rotatable turbine, and a hot gas exhaust, said method comprising:

• entraining abrasive particles in a stream of air flowing in said passage upstream of said contaminated components, said particles comprised of coke;
• and
• directing said stream of air and said entrained particles in impingement upon said contaminated components thereby removing said contaminants therefrom.

A method of removing contaminants from the internal components of a compressor associated with a gas turbine engine said method comprising the steps of:

• providing abrasive particles comprised of a material having a carbon content of at least 70% by weight an erosivity within the range of 0.004 grams to 0.15 grams and further having undergone a distillation-type process wherein at least some volatile matter has been removed therefrom;
• and
• directing said abrasive particles in inpingement upon said contaminated internal components of said engine thereby removing said contaminants therefrom.