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Abstract:
In power generation at hydroelectric power plants the elements are massive, as well as the arising problems. One such problem which often causes significant loss of revenue is turbine blade wear due to a process known as cavitation erosion. The wear process is kept under control through the replacement of the removed material by means of welding processes. An industrial project partner of UFSC (Federal University of Santa Catarina) has suffered from 15 to 30 day stoppages at its largest power plants due to this type of maintenance. With the aim of minimizing this work, a new procedure which substitutes stick electrode by thermal pulsed MIG/MAG welding was developed in order to ensure reduction in defects, a better weld quality and a noticeable increase in productivity. Commercially available equipment did not offer the conditions and flexibility required for the research, which demanded software development in addition to welding procedure formulation. The developed equipment and consuma-ble oriented welding procedure were implemented in-dustrially and gave benefits which continue to the present day.
Referência:
SILVA, R. H. G. ; Dutra, J. C. . Thermal-pulsed MIG/MAG welding applied to the repair of cavitation erosion on large-scale hydraulic turbines. Welding and Cutting, v. 8, p. 27-30, 2009.