Centrifugal Compressor Volute Repair for a Coastal Steel Plant
Project Background
A major steel producer in South China operates in a marine climate environment. Two machines’ volutes in the No. 1 air compressor station were damaged by corrosion. After evaluating several repair approaches, the plant selected SIND’s volute corrosion-protection solution for the repair.
Site Damage Assessment
Equipment: SM6000 centrifugal air compressor guide vane
Treatment: First-level volute airway treated with epoxy paint. Second and third-level volutes treated with 316 additive material.
Repair Process
Remove Corrosion Layer
Carefully remove all existing corrosion damage and prepare surface.
Heat Treatment
Pre-heat component to optimal temperature for additive manufacturing.
Additive Manufacturing
Material micro-differential combined with laser cladding technology.
Bottom Layer: Pure Nickel
Pure nickel base layer for corrosion resistance foundation.
Middle Transition Layers
Different proportions of pure nickel and stainless steel transitions.
Top Layer: SUS316L
Final SUS316L stainless steel cladding for superior corrosion protection.
Total: 5 layers, 6mm thickness (varies by location)
Inspection Results and Project Outcomes
Post-Repair Inspection (by client)
Third-level guide vane: Good condition, no defects.
Second-level guide vane: Small micro-pores found. Analysis: preheating temperature and shielding gas parameters caused welding porosity. Impact: micro-pores unlikely to reach base material; corrosive media blocked by the next corrosion-resistant layer.
Overall Performance
The repaired air compressor operates stably and meets project goals. Efficiency and reliability significantly improved. Corrosion issues effectively resolved. Production efficiency enhanced.
Discuss a Similar Project
Contact SINDFigures as reported by the site after commissioning; client anonymised. CO₂ savings calculated at 0.5703 kg CO₂/kWh (China 2022 grid average).