GE Aerospace has announced the global rollout of its 360 Foam Wash jet engine cleaning technology across maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities.
The foam wash system is designed as an alternative to traditional water wash methods, using a specially formulated proprietary cleaning solution to remove dust and dirt from engines. The process helps lower exhaust temperatures, improve compressor efficiency and restore engine performance.
Engines entering GE Aerospace or partner overhaul shops are now cleaned using foam wash before inspection, enabling clearer inspection imagery, reducing rework and supporting faster turnaround times for customers.
GE Aerospace said the expansion of the technology across its overhaul network forms part of wider efforts to improve engine durability and fleet availability.
The foam wash system has been approved for use on several GE Aerospace engine programmes, including variants of the GE90, GEnx and CF34. It has already been fully adopted for all GEnx engines operated in the Middle East.
When used for on-wing maintenance, the cleaning system can also improve fuel efficiency and extend time on wing.
Since testing began in 2017, more than 6,500 foam washes have been completed on in-service engines worldwide. Most have been carried out by airline customers that have integrated the process into their maintenance programmes. More than ten airlines have so far received technical licences to use the technology on GE90, GEnx and CF34 engines.
