Components of gas turbine installations are exposed to high mechanical loads at elevated temperatures, operating in a corrosive-active gas environment and under the impact of erosion from fuel components. Gas-thermal coatings extend the service life and allow components to function at higher temperatures, thus improving the thermal efficiency of the gas turbine installation.
The primary parts of the turbine subjected to increased wear are the gas turbine chambers and turbine blades.
Key advantages include:
- Protection against localized overheating
- Durability and reliability of the components
- Anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties
Turbine blades and nozzle assemblies are typically made of heat-resistant nickel-based superalloys, such as Inconel 718, which are highly oxidation-resistant but cannot withstand high-temperature corrosion and erosion. To address these issues, components are coated with a layer of MCrAlY alloy, composed of metals such as nickel, cobalt, iron, or their alloys. These alloys form an internal oxide structure that provides exceptional resistance to hot corrosion and oxidation. The durability of the coating is closely tied to its oxide content, porosity, and adhesion to surfaces and components. Adding yttrium improves the overall oxide structure and enhances the strength of the oxide film.
Certain components operate at temperatures exceeding the material limits of the substrate. This necessitates thermal protection measures for components. Ceramic coatings based on zirconium dioxide are applied on MCrAlY substrates to manage temperature gradients between the gas and the component. With internal cooling, components with such coatings can withstand elevated temperatures of working gases. The thickness of the ceramic layer depends on the gas flow temperature and cooling intensity.