Question

Explain how 'Engine Washing' save the airlines cost.

Answer 1

Normal operation may cause the spoiling of the aircraft engines as they are exposed to contaminants including dust, soot, sand, salt, insects, and pollution. The engine’s health deteriorates due to these exposures and the jet engine starts to operate inefficiently. Inefficient and soiled engines burn more amount of fuel than average and required at the higher temperatures. It may also cause engine maintenance before its due date. According to research, for each kilogram of fuel that is saved, around 3.5 kilograms of CO₂ emission is avoided.

A washed engine requires a lesser amount of fuel, works better, and also needs less maintenance. Apart from reducing operational costs, engine washing is also helpful in protecting the environment. The comprehensive and new jet engine washing techniques remove the different contaminants from surfaces including the compressor airfoil surface and also restore the performance of the compressor. A clean and cool running engine needs lesser fuel and does not undergo premature maintenance.

Up to 1.5 % reduction in fuel consumption can be easily achieved through the new fuel engine washing techniques. The technique involves the use of heated, deionized, and atomized water, which is sprayed on the engine components with an intention to clean them. There are no detergent or toxic chemicals used for cleaning the engine through these new techniques. The water thus used is also collected and filtered so that it can be recycled to its deionized and pure form again, and can be reused. The engine cleaning and water recycling processes go along with each other and simultaneously to ensure that no extra time is required.

Around 50 airlines have hired the company Pratt and Whitney (a unit of United Technologies Corp.) for deep cleaning the engines through the use of the technologies. Because fuel costs form the largest component of the operational costs of airlines, the new technique for engine washing engine that the airlines employ can save a substantial amount of money. The introduction of revolutionary technologies in the washing of engines ensures that the procedure is now easier and faster. The technology is also available to the new engines including LEAP 1A/1B and OW1100G/1500 G. Among other benefits the new engine wash technologies also increase the average on-wing time (airplanes can travel for longer durations).