System and method for reducing corrosion in a compressor

Abstract

A system for reducing corrosion in a compressor includes a compressor blade having a corrosion potential. A sensor connected to the compressor blade generates a signal reflective of the corrosion potential. A power supply connected to the compressor blade at an electrical connection produces an electrical potential at the electrical connection. An electrolyte coats at least a portion of the sensor and the electrical connection. A method for reducing corrosion in a compressor includes sensing a corrosion potential of a compressor blade and generating a signal reflective of the corrosion potential. The method further includes generating an electrical potential at an electrical connection on the compressor blade and flowing an electrolyte over at least a portion of the compressor blade and the electrical connection.

1 . A system for reducing corrosion in a compressor comprising:
 a. a compressor blade, wherein the compressor blade has a corrosion potential;   b. a sensor connected to the compressor blade, wherein the sensor generates a signal reflective of the corrosion potential of the compressor blade;   c. a power supply connected to the compressor blade at an electrical connection, wherein the power supply produces an electrical potential at the electrical connection; and   d. an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte coats at least a portion of the sensor and the electrical connection.   
     
     
         2 . The system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a controller that receives the signal reflective of the corrosion potential of the compressor blade from the sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a controller that adjusts the electrical potential at the electrical connection based on the signal from the sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a sacrificial anode connected to at least a portion of the compressor blade. 
     
     
         5 . The system as in  claim 4 , wherein the electrolyte coats at least a portion of the sacrificial anode. 
     
     
         6 . The system as in  claim 4 , wherein the electrical connection is connected to the sacrificial anode. 
     
     
         7 . A system for reducing corrosion in a compressor comprising:
 a. a compressor blade, wherein the compressor blade has a corrosion potential;   b. a sacrificial anode connected to at least a portion of the compressor blade; and   c. an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte coats at least a portion of the compressor blade and the sacrificial anode.   
     
     
         8 . The system as in  claim 7 , further comprising a sensor connected to the compressor blade, wherein the sensor generates a signal reflective of the corrosion potential of the compressor blade. 
     
     
         9 . The system as in  claim 8 , further comprising a power supply connected to the compressor blade at an electrical connection, wherein the power supply produces an electrical potential at the electrical connection. 
     
     
         10 . The system as in  claim 9 , wherein the electrolyte coats at least a portion of the electrical connection. 
     
     
         11 . The system as in  claim 9 , further comprising a controller that receives the signal reflective of the corrosion potential of the compressor blade from the sensor. 
     
     
         12 . The system as in  claim 9 , further comprising a controller that adjusts the electrical potential at the electrical connection based on the signal from the sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The system as in  claim 9 , wherein the electrical connection is connected to the sacrificial anode. 
     
     
         14 . A method for reducing corrosion in a compressor comprising:
 a. sensing a corrosion potential of a compressor blade;   b. generating a signal reflective of the corrosion potential of the compressor blade;   c. generating an electrical potential at an electrical connection on the compressor blade; and   d. flowing an electrolyte over at least a portion of the compressor blade and the electrical connection.   
     
     
         15 . The method as in  claim 14 , further comprising connecting a power supply to the electrical connection on the compressor blade. 
     
     
         16 . The method as in  claim 14 , further comprising adjusting the electrical potential at the electrical connection on the compressor blade based on the signal reflective of the corrosion potential of the compressor blade. 
     
     
         17 . The method as in  claim 14 , further comprising connecting a sacrificial anode to at least a portion of the compressor blade. 
     
     
         18 . The method as in  claim 17 , further comprising flowing the electrolyte over at least a portion of the sacrificial anode. 
     
     
         19 . The method as in  claim 17 , further comprising connecting the electrical connection to the sacrificial anode.