What is the function of the moisture separator in a gas turbine?

The function of the moisture separator in a gas turbine is to remove salt aerosols and sand/dust particles from the combustion air. This is critical because the quality of the air entering the gas turbine directly impacts its performance and longevity.

When moist air, which may contain various contaminants such as salt from coastal environments or particulate matter like dust and sand, is drawn into the turbine, these impurities can lead to increased wear, corrosion, and fouling of the turbine components. By effectively filtering out moisture and particulates, the moisture separator ensures that the combustion process occurs in a cleaner environment, optimizing efficiency and reducing the likelihood of damage to the turbine.

Furthermore, maintaining clean combustion air helps in achieving better combustion, which is essential for the efficiency and power output of the gas turbine. Overall, the moisture separator plays a vital role in the operational reliability and efficiency of gas turbine systems.