Repair of Cavitated Main Propulsion Propeller Blades
Cavitation? No problem. Wencon Ceramic Cream combats cavitation damage on main propulsion propeller blades and postpone damage and extend the lifetime.
Main propulsion propeller blades repair
Location
FA Yard
Job and report done by
Thomas Rosenkjær, Wencon
Wencon products used
Wencon Cleaner, Wencon Ceramic Cream
Eight main propulsion propeller blades cavitated
Eight main propulsion propeller blades have been suffering from cavitation damage with the same issue affecting all blades. Cavitation, one of the most damaging phenomena for metals, occurs due to rapid pressure changes in liquids, creating vapor bubbles that implode and generate intense shock waves.
This relentless impact is akin to continuous shot blasting, which no steel or coating can permanently withstand. The challenge is to find a solution that protects these blades from such severe and ongoing damage.
The Wencon application process
Wencon cleaner will achieve
the best conditions for proper adhesion
Due to the extent of cavitation and damage to
the propeller blades, the surface is already
rough and suitable for applying Wencon Ceramic Cream
The 1st layer Wencon Ceramic Cream are worked into all cavitated areas
It creates a mechanical adhesion beside the chemical bonding and herby the best adhesion possible is obtained.
2nd and final layer of Wencon Ceramic Cream applied
The final layer of Wencon Ceramic Cream applied in layer thick enough to ensure level above to original surface has been obtained. Final curing occurs overnight and matching to
original shape and Size can be executed just like working in metals
The dew point is kept above 3⁰C to
ensure a dry surface to be applied to
Throughout the complete application process,distance to the dew point is kept above 3⁰C toensure a dry surface to be applied to. Here a value of 7,6⁰C distance to the dew point
measure.
The original shape and size of the Propeller Blades is recovered
Subsequent to final curing has occurred, the original shape and size of the Propeller Blades is recovered by using grinding tools and ordinary polish tools as normally used to polish the Propeller Blades.
Propeller blades done and ready for action
The final result.
Postponed cavitation attack on the metal after coating
To combat the cavitation damage on the main propulsion propeller blades, Wencon Ceramic Cream was applied. This coating significantly postpones the cavitation attack on the metal, preserving the physical properties of the blades by allowing the ceramic layers to absorb the damage.
While the exact longevity of the Wencon application against cavitation is uncertain, it effectively delays further damage and is an essential part of the maintenance program. By providing a durable barrier, Wencon Ceramic Cream protects the propeller blades from continuous cavitation impacts, ensuring prolonged service life and reliability.
