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The Problem
 During
aircraft operation, gas turbine engines are continuously
exposed to erosive media such as sand, dirt and volcanic
ash which is suspended in the air. This phenomenon is
accentuated during take off and landing, especially on
unpaved landing strips and in operation near desert terrain.
This erosive media is extremely damaging to the engine,
particularly the compressor section, which leads to expensive
repairs, reduced performance, increased fuel consumption
and unscheduled down time for the aircraft.
The Solution
A special Erosion Resistant (ER) coating, called MPT-ER-7,
is applied to the compressor section of the engine. The
coating is applied by a proprietary process using Physical
Vapour Deposition (PVD) and is comprised of Titanium Nitride
and other elements which are applied to the compressor
section of the engines.
The ER-7 technology consists of a multi-layered
metallic and ceramic matrix with nanostructures designed to survive
the gas turbine environment. The coating also provides some protection
against small foreign object damage.
The rotor is made up of a "rainbow" pattern of non coated
(gray) and coated blades (gold). The coated blades are intact while
the uncoated blades are severely damaged,which resulted in a 25% loss
in power.
Field Proven – 15 years and millions of operating hours.
Extend Engine Service Life
Proven. Increased on-wing hours by up to
10 times compared to uncoated engines in
harsh climates.
Lower Operational Cost
Proven. Over 1,100 hours of continuous operation
in extremely erosive environments, drastically
reducing repair and overhaul costs. Reduce fuel costs up to 15%.
OEM Approved on Aerospace and Industrial
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The
compressor rotor of a helicopter engine after a rigorous sand ingestion
test conducted by the US Navy. |
Erosion and Corrosion is recognized as a significant problem requiring increasing
efforts to delay or prohibit the onset of this condition. MPT is currently in
the midst of several innovative development initiatives to respond
to this challenge.
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MPT is also involved in the development
and testing of innovative high temperature
coatings for the turbine section
of the engine.
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