A method is provided involving a gas turbine engine system. The method includes configuring a plug within a fluid passage in the gas turbine engine system, where the plug is between first and second portions of the fluid passage. Material is removed from an interior surface of the fluid passage in the first portion of the fluid passage to provide removed material, where the plug substantially prevents the removed material from entering the second portion of the fluid passage. The removed material is directed out of the fluid passage. The plug is removed from the fluid passage.