Importance and Understanding of Jet Engine Cleanliness

Posted on March 3, 2022 Tony Adams

Washing an engine is a tricky job because it is not possible to crawl into it and clean through water splashing methods. This blog will discuss the right way to clean a jet engine, and before getting into that, we will first talk about why it is important.

Why Cleaning Jet Engines Is Important

A jet engine is one of the most important parts of an aircraft. An engine essentially powers a flight and significantly helps in keeping the aircraft airborne. It is also a complicated part of an airplane that’s tricky to handle and clean. As such, maintaining and cleaning a jet engine has to be done with care.

Unlike most parts of an aircraft, like the wheels that move in and out of the fuselage, aircraft engines are always at work. No matter the weather condition (highly humid, stormy, or foggy), engines have to perform flawlessly and with 100% efficiency. Moreover, they are subjected to elements the most.

Jet engines are also highly susceptible to damage caused by objects like ice, dust, ash, and sand. As engines operate with extremely high temperatures, they vaporize most of these objects. However, there is a possibility of residual leftovers, like crystals and grease, sticking around the engine. If these particles accumulate in the jet engine, it may lead to eventual engine failure. Because of these reasons, it is highly recommended that jet engines are cleaned as part of aircraft washing and jet engine maintenance on a regular basis.

How to Clean a Jet Engine?

Now that it is clear why cleaning jet engines is important, let us get into the right way of cleaning them. The following are some points to remember when getting a jet engine cleaned:

  1. Get your engineers to systematically open the engine. This will allow trapped water to escape and will activate an RPM cycle. The cleaning process is considered completed once the water that is coming out from the back of the machine is clear.
  2. Next, engineers will have a look at the output of the engine on the monitoring systems. Ideally, there should be a noteworthy improvement to the power of the engine.
  3. A common and practical way to clean is to have the engine taken off the plane for overhauling.
  4. After the engineers have successfully examined the powerplant while keeping in mind all key components and have given the final go-ahead, a deep clean is to be carried out for the jet engine.
  5. The best way to clean the jet engine is by using water with detergent, despite electric parts being sensitive to water.
  6. To clean stubborn particles that have accumulated in the engine over time, aviation companies recommend using special solvents. These solvents easily break down the particles without causing any harm to the components of the engine.
  7. In order to clean an aircraft that is located at a remote airport, engineers need to take all the necessary cleaning equipment to the site.

About ASAP Components

Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor LLC, ASAP Components is a renowned parts supply chain interface focused on offering its clients the most accurate and comprehensive parts information at their fingertips. ASAP Components caters to various industries, including civil, defense, marine, aerospace, and other commercial industries. We have a wide network of reliable FBO and MRO resources, and you can trust us for the successful fulfillment of your AOG requirements. To get customized solutions and instant quotes, feel free to reach out to us.

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