The Challenge: Lifespan extension of industrial fan blades.
With the front edges of a cooling tower fan showing signs of corrosion, as well as general wear and tear, the facility owners sought Corrocoat Japan’s help to restore the fan blades, in order to extend their lifespan. The fans consisted of four variable pitch blades made of epoxy composites with glass fibre reinforcement (FRP) and were hollow in construction. The blades were designed to withstand the hot and humid conditions of a cooling tower. Maintaining the blades’ durability, as well as the aerodynamics, was essential.
The team started with a grinder to remove the corroded blade edges, maintaining as close an alignment to the original shape as possible. The blades were then cleaned and degreased using solvents. Glass cloth and Corrocoat 600 Lamination Resin was applied to repair the severely corroded areas and profile adjustment made using sandpaper, to refine it to its original shape. A layer of Corrocoat 600 Series was then applied for additional endurance.
The ease and speed of applying Corrocoat products on-site to protect against erosion and extend the useful life of the fan blades, motivated the client to request the repair of an additional unit. It also persuaded them to introduce Corrocoat products to other types of equipment within their facilities.
Find out what other interesting projects our global partners have been undergoing here.
