Hardide PLC Hardide Coating Extends Life of Turbine Blades
13 March 2019 - 6:02PM
RNS Non-Regulatory
TIDMHDD
Hardide PLC
13 March 2019
13 March 2019
Hardide plc
("Hardide" or "the Group" or "the Company")
Testing indicates Hardide CVD coating can extend the life of
steam turbine blades
EDF Energy to field test Hardide-coated blades
Hardide plc (AIM: HDD), the provider of advanced surface coating
technology, is pleased to announce that preliminary tests indicate
that Hardide nanostructured chemical vapour deposition (CVD)
coating can extend the life of steam turbine blades through
significantly enhanced resistance to water droplet erosion (WDE)
and solid particle erosion.
The tests, carried out by the National Physical Laboratory
("NPL") and the University of Manchester ("UoM"), assessed the
effectiveness of the Hardide coating as protection from WDE and
cracking on FV520B last stage turbine blades.
After 90 hours of exposure to WDE (up to 1.2x10(8) water droplet
impacts) Hardide-A coated 410 stainless steel samples showed almost
no discernible damage in the central zone. The uncoated 410
stainless steel samples suffered major damage with a 200 microns
deep scar across the sample face after a much shorter exposure of
just 7 hours.
Tests commissioned by Hardide Coatings' customer EDF Energy at
the University of Manchester examined the static behaviour solid
particle erosion resistance of the Hardide coating on FV520B steam
turbine blade material. These yielded 0.18% weight loss for
uncoated material compared to 0.04% weight loss for coated blades
after 30 hours of static testing. The coating was shown to have a
minimal effect on the blade's natural frequencies; however, this
effect is dependent on the coating thickness and blade design.
The results will be revealed today at the Institution of
Mechanical Engineers' STUG (Steam Turbine Users Group) conference
in Manchester in a joint presentation by Dr Wolfgang Hahn,
Commissioning Manager, Hinkley Point C (HPC) Nuclear New Build at
EDF Energy, Hardide Coatings' Technical Director, Dr Yuri Zhuk and
Business Development Manager, Robin Gillham.
Dr Zhuk of Hardide Coatings commented: "Water droplet erosion
and fatigue are industry-wide pressing issues and we are very
pleased with these initial test results which demonstrate the
protection that the Hardide CVD coating offers against water
droplet and solid particle erosion. Water droplet erosion damages
the surface of steam and gas turbine blades, increasing turbine
rotation drag and reducing efficiency. These tests have proven that
the Hardide coating can protect the leading and trailing edges of
the blades which will increase their service life and maintain
optimal turbine efficiency for longer, saving downtime and
maintenance costs."
Dr Hahn of EDF Energy said: "These preliminary tests are very
encouraging and show the Hardide CVD coating offers a significant
improvement for preventing material loss rates."
EDF Energy plans to begin field testing Hardide-coated blades in
the near future.
Enquiries:
Hardide plc
Philip Kirkham, CEO Tel: +44 (0) 1869
Jackie Robinson, Communications Manager 353830
IFC Advisory Tel: +44 (0) 20 3934
Graham Herring / Heather Armstrong / Florence 6630
Chandler
finnCap Tel: +44 (0) 20 7220
Henrik Persson/Kate Bannatyne/Matthew Radley 0500
Notes to Editors:
www.hardide.com
Hardide develops, manufactures and applies advanced technology
tungsten-carbide coatings to a wide range of engineering
components. Its patented technology is unique in combining, in one
material, a mix of toughness and resistance to abrasion, erosion
and corrosion; together with the ability to coat accurately
interior surfaces and complex geometries. The material is proven to
offer dramatic improvements in component life, particularly when
applied to components that operate in very aggressive environments.
This results in cost savings through reduced downtime and increased
operational efficiency. Customers include leading companies
operating in oil and gas exploration and the production, valve and
pump manufacturing, precision engineering and aerospace
industries.
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END
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