Reviving Corroded Fan Blades: A Belzona 1321 Case Study at a Leading Cement Plant in India
The cement industry in India is a vital contributor to the country’s infrastructure development, but it faces numerous challenges in maintaining and optimizing its operational machinery. One such challenge encountered by a prominent cement plant in India was the corrosion of fan blades. The client sought a cold repair solution that would be both economical and allow for the shortest possible outage window to minimize production disruption.
The Problem:
The cement plant’s fan blades had suffered extensive corrosion due to constant exposure to a chemical environment, which compromised their structural integrity. This corrosion posed a significant threat to the efficient operation of the plant’s cooling system and necessitated immediate attention.
Belzona 1321 Cold Repair Solution
After a thorough assessment, our experienced service engineer identified the fan blades’ corroded surface as the primary issue. In cases where metal surfaces are in constant contact with harsh chemicals, Belzona 1321 proved to be an effective and economical solution for preventing further deterioration and restoring the metal surface integrity.
Surface Preparation and Application of Belzona
Surface Preparation: The corroded fan blades, which were made of carbon steel, were meticulously prepared to remove the damaged and corroded layers. This preparation was achieved using readily available hand tools until a smooth and clean surface was attained. Proper surface preparation is vital for the success of any Belzona application.
A carefully measured and mixed quantity of Belzona 1321, a two-component cold-curing epoxy, was applied to the prepared fan blades. The application was conducted with precision, ensuring complete coverage of the affected areas.
The coating was allowed to cure for a specified period. The quick curing time minimized the downtime, ensuring a swift return to operational status.
The Result and Advantages:
Belzona 1321 proved to be highly effective in restoring the integrity of the fan blades. The cement plant experienced several benefits:
Corrosion Prevention: Belzona 1321 created a durable and protective barrier against further corrosion, extending the fan blades’ lifespan.
Economical Solution: The cost of using Belzona 1321 for this cold repair was considerably lower than the expense of replacing the fan blades or using traditional repair methods.
Shortened Outage Window: The rapid curing time of Belzona 1321 allowed the cement plant to minimize production downtime, ensuring a quicker return to full operational capacity.
Enhanced Reliability: With the fan blades restored to their original condition, the cooling system’s efficiency and overall plant reliability were significantly improved.