OVERVIEW:
Chemcote provided a long-lasting solution to protect and restore a centrifugal pump that had suffered from heavy wear and corrosion. The project included strengthening the anti-swirl veins and applying specialised coatings to improve durability and performance. By addressing issues like surface damage and material erosion, Chemcote ensured the pump could operate efficiently for years to come. With regular maintenance and touch-ups, this solution offers a reliable and cost-effective way to extend the pump’s lifespan.
INDUSTRY
ENVIRONMENT
Ambient Salt Water
SUBSTRATE
Austenitic Stainless Steel
CHALLENGE
The Pump was suffering from intergranular corrosion, severe cavitation around the Anti-Swirl vanes, with the resulting implosions and erosion corrosion had removed most of the material with little remaining. Respectively pump efficiency was found to be significantly reduced.
SOLUTION
Chemcote recommended the use of RB 300 series@ 1200μm nominal thickness and reinforcement of anti-swirl vanes using Kevlar laminating techniques. Topcoat with RP 500 @ 300μm
SCOPE
- Strip and inspect.
- Ensure split halves matched.
- Grind rebates on all flange faces to allow 1.5mm deep and 10mm wide coating of all flange faces.
- Drill and tap bolts in areas where the anti-swirl vanes were missing for additional reinforcement, locking in the composite repair compound.
- Abrasive blast to ISO 8501-1 and apply holding primer.
- RB 332 composite build up and incorporation of Kevlar material to the destroyed anti swirl vanes.
- Application of 3 coats of RB 300 series and topcoat using RP500.
OUTCOME
Chemcote Specialty Coatings successfully restored and protected the centrifugal pump’s efficiency and longevity by addressing severe corrosion and cavitation. Through composite reshaping, Kevlar reinforcement, and the application of RB 300 and RP 500 coatings, the pump’s anti-swirl vanes were stabilized, reducing cavitation and maintaining operational efficiency over multiple maintenance cycles.
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