Wind Turbine Blade Repaired and Protected

Belzona, a global designer and manufacturer of industrial protective coatings and repair composites, successfully addressed the wind turbine blade damage issue at Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand’s (EGAT) Khao Yai Thiang Windfarm in Thailand.

Figure 3 - Leading edge damaged by erosion — Figure 3 – Leading edge damaged by erosion

Leading Edge Erosion Damage

The windfarm features wind turbines with 40-metre-long (131.2 ft) blades. During routine inspections, evidence of damage measuring 300 cm x 14 cm x 2 mm (118 in x 5 in x 0.08 in) on the leading edge of one of the blades was discovered.

System Selection

Representatives from the 35-year-old Belzona Authorised Distributorship, Pan Mechanic Engineering, recommended the solvent-free, two-part repair paste, Belzona 5711, to reconstruct the damaged area on the blades, followed by the high-performance coating, Belzona 5721, to overcoat the area.

Application Procedure

The application procedure involved surface preparation using an orbital sander, followed by the direct application of approximately 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs) of Belzona 5711 from a self-mixing cartridge onto the blade. The repair area was contoured using a piece of Belzona mixing board.

Figure 4 - Surface preparation using an orbital sander. Figure 5 - Self-mixing Belzona 5711 cartridge — Figure 4 – Surface preparation using an orbital sander. Figure 5 – Self-mixing Belzona 5711 cartridge

After a two-hour curing period, a visual inspection was conducted to ensure the application’s readiness for overcoating with approximately 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) of Belzona 5721. Using a short-bristled brush, this system was then applied to the leading edge and left to cure. The blade was back in service 24 hours later.

Figure 6 – Application of repair paste, Belzona 5711

Figure 7 – Application of high-performance coating, Belzona 5721

EGAT’s technicians were trained at the Belzona Asia Pacific facility to perform the application, with two representatives from Belzona’s Technical Service Department present on site to observe and provide guidance.

Figure 9 – Successful application of Belzona polymeric systems

Figure 8 – Completed repair and protection of leading edge

Commenting on the application, an EGAT representative said: “We are extremely satisfied with the results achieved by Belzona’s leading edge repair and protection system. The application procedure was very simple, and could be carried out quickly, which ensured that downtime was kept to a minimum. We plan to place an order for more Belzona 5711 and Belzona 5721 .”

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Wind Turbine Maintenance Via Polymeric Technology Supports a Net-Zero Future

In order to support the seismic growth of the wind power sector, polymeric technology, such as Belzona 5711 and Belzona 5721, plays a critical role. By safeguarding the integrity of wind turbine blades, this helps to keep windfarms functioning at their optimum efficiency, which in turn, supports a net-zero by 2050 pathway for the planet.

More information about Belzona’s solutions for the wind industry can be found at: http://www.belzona.com/en/industries/wind_power.aspx