Joint Keynote Session: ITSC Keynote, Hugo Hernandez-Alvarez, PHD, PEng, Blue Origin, presents "Thermal Spray Technology: A Greener Future Begins with Small Steps".
Senior Materials & Process Engineer
Blue Engines M & P – Thermal Spray Coating
Blue Origin
Thermal Spray Technology: A Greener Future Begins with Small Steps
For thousands of years, humans have perceived Earth as a vast entity. However, contemporary understanding reveals that this perception is misleading. The planet is, in fact, finite, and humanity continues to expand. Given that Earth’s resources are finite, it is imperative to explore alternative sources of energy to foster a future characterized by abundance and growth for humanity. Concurrently, it is essential to conserve and enhance the existing resources.
Thermal and Cold Spray Coatings were invented in the early 1900’s and 1980’s, respectively. These coatings have been developed and implemented to protect components from various forms of wear, including those caused by friction, abrasion, erosion, mechanical fatigue, chemical attack, and extreme temperature variations, as well as combinations of these factors.
The theoretical framework of the process is straightforward, involving the application of elevated temperatures or pressures to either melt or accelerate a feedstock material onto a substrate, thereby forming a protective coating. Nevertheless, the successful production of a high-quality or satisfactory coating requires a high level of expertise, comprehensive knowledge of spray techniques, and considerable patience. The key question is… In what ways can Thermal Spray Coatings facilitate energy conservation?
One response is that Thermal Spray Coating can safeguard, improve, and extend the service life of components. This results in a reduced necessity for material extraction, as well as eliminating the need to discard, meltdown, or reprocess components. Additionally, combustor machines can operate more efficiently, achieving greater power output with lower fuel usage.
The objective of this presentation is to examine the application of this technology and to demonstrate the environmental advantages of utilizing wear and heat-resistant coating. This will be illustrated through examples from various industries, including mining (ball valves), aerospace (landing gears), and power generation (combustor transitions and baskets), among others.
Significant efforts have been undertaken to promote the conservation of the Earth. Thermal Spraying is gradually emerging as a viable alternative for the protection and preservation of the planet’s valuable resources, as it contributes to the reduction of material waste and enhances energy sources.
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