What is turbine erosion?

Erosion of turbine blades results in rough, uneven surfaces that alter steam flow paths. This reduces turbine efficiency and can also limit capacity. Erosion at the high-pressure end of a turbine is usually caused by solid particles (usually iron oxide) present in the steam.

What causes turbine blade damage?

Damage to wind turbine blades can be induced by lightning, fatigue loads, accumulation of icing on the blade surfaces and the exposure of blades to airborne particulates, causing so-called leading edge erosion.

What is edge erosion?

Leading edge erosion is caused by raindrops, hailstones or other particles impacting the leading edge of the blade. This causes material to be removed from the blade surface, leaving a rough profile that degrades the aerodynamic performance and impacts the structural integrity of the blade.

What is steam turbine fouling?

Fouling of steam turbine blades and vanes is a common problem. A complete and thorough cleaning would require stoppage and opening up the turbine, which may mean shutting down a profitable process. Online cleaning is possible that doesn’t require dismantling although the results are not guaranteed.

What causes silica in boiler water?

The solubility of silica in steam increases with increased temperature: silica becomes more soluble as steam is superheated. Deposits are formed when steam is cooled by espansion. Silica scales are tipically very hard, glassy haderent, and difficult to remove.

What causes wind turbine blades to wear out?

The most common external wind turbine failure is typically damage to the blades caused by bird strikes, lightning strikes, rainfall, blade furniture detachment, delamination, leading-edge corrosion or blade cracks.

What can damage a wind turbine blade?

Generally, damage in wind blades can arise due to manufacturing defects, precipitation and debris, water ingress, variable loading due to wind, operational errors, lightning strikes, and fire. Early detection and mitigation techniques are required to avoid or reduce damage in costly wind turbine blades.

How are wind turbines damaged?

External wind turbine failures The most common external wind turbine failure is typically damage to the blades caused by bird strikes, lightning strikes, rainfall, blade furniture detachment, delamination, leading-edge corrosion or blade cracks.

How do you clean a steam turbine?

This may be done by: 1. Flushing with hot water while slow rolling the turbine or 2. Moving the saturation zone back through the fouling zone at normal RPM while monitoring conductivity (hardness).

How do wind turbine blades wear out?

Erosion of the leading edge of wind turbine blades by droplet impingement wear, reduces blade aerodynamic efficiency and power output. Eventually, it compromises the integrity of blade surfaces. Elastomeric coatings are currently used for erosion resistance, yet the life of such coatings cannot be predicted accurately.

How often are wind turbine blades cleaned?

Cleaning and Inspection Studies indicate that on average a wind turbine should be cleaned every 5 to 7 years to achieve maximum performance. Fair Wind Renewable Energy Services, LLC meets this challenge by gaining safe access to exterior of the nacelle, tower, and blades of the turbine.