Combustion Turbine Hot Section Coating Life Management
DE-FC26-01NT41231

In August 2001, Electric Power Research Institute was awarded one of four projects to increase the life span of gas turbines. The project will develop advanced technology for assessing and managing the life of protective coatings on natural gas turbine blades and vanes to protect them against high temperatures.

Electric Power Research Institute will team with Southwest Research Institute and Turbine Technology International. They will develop analytical techniques which will enable the turbine operators to decide whether to continue running the turbine or to take it out of service for repair or replacement. Downtime for coating inspection and replenishment requires the use of less-efficient generating equipment or purchase of replacement power. Coating failure can lead to rapid, severe damage to the superalloy substrate, warranting blade replacement. Blade failures can also cause downstream damage in the turbine, causing prolonged outages and revenue loss. Moreover, losses to electricity customers due to disruption in supply can also be very substantial. Therefore, it is necessary to have a proper life management system for coatings that will be a major step in preventing such major losses to the gas turbine owner and to society at large.

PROJECT INFORMATION