Engine Performance Restoration
GE Aviation to Launch Innovative ClearCore
Engine Wash and Effluent Collection System

The aviation industry has long recognized the performance and economic benefits of engine washing. Currently in development, GE Aviation's innovative ClearCore* engine wash and effluent collection system will deliver several key improvements over and above traditional methods. When it launches later this year, this offering will enhance GE's already extensive portfolio of OnPoint* products and services.

Engine washing is an initiative that helps operators more efficiently utilize their resources, while reducing fuel usage and carbon footprint. One area where ClearCore differentiates is in its effluent collection system. ClearCore's positive connection captures virtually all of the wash effluent and eliminates overspray and dripping. This arrangement addresses many of the typical environmental, health and worker safety concerns, and it greatly expands the number of locations within an airport or maintenance facility where engines can be washed. In addition, customers' engines equipped with GE's engine diagnostics can benefit from features such as wash optimization and scheduling, fuel savings reports and trending.

"Our customers have asked for a flexible OEM solution that will help them meet their engine washing needs while minimizing environmental impact," says Tim Swords, GE Aviation marketing leader, commercial engines. "ClearCore's patent-pending system for total effluent capture, filtration and re-use will provide maximum engine performance restoration, with minimal equipment wear and operational interruption."

Successful Customer Trial
In May, GE successfully completed a customer trial of its ClearCore system with Virgin Atlantic Airways. Taking place at London Heathrow Airport on a Virgin 747-400* aircraft powered by GE CF6-80C2 engines, the trial was conducted using a conventional shepherd's hook front-end engine wash system. This method is known to lead to exhaust gas temperature (EGT) margin improvements of up to 15 degrees and fuel burn savings of up to 1%. The wash was the first in a series that GE will provide for Virgin Atlantic as part of an OnPoint services agreement.

"We are constantly improving the sustainability of our business and are committed to optimizing fuel efficiency in our fleet," says Phil Maher, director of Engineering, Virgin Atlantic Airways. "We have an established engine wash program on all engine types that we operate and have seen benefits through improvements in EGT margin, reduced fuel consumption and, consequently, reduction in CO2 emissions. We are delighted that GE has developed an effluent collection system, as this will allow us greater flexibility in terms of when and where we perform engine water washing without impacting the environment at a local level."

Available by Year End
The ClearCore system will be available as a full service or equipment-only (collection or wash/collection) option. The system features onboard electrical and hydraulic power, with adjustability to accommodate most engine families. ClearCore equipment and services will be available for quotation in July 2009, with product availability by year end.