Erosion programs

Laser-based profilometry systems have also been applied for nondestructive testing and measurement of both smooth-bore and rifled gun tubes. Working through Small Business Innovation Research program, the U.S. Army has developed laser-based profilometry systems for the inspection of the 120mm cannon used on the MI-Al Abrams main battle tank. Systems have also been built to measure the erosion of 25 mm and 155 mm rifled gun tubes. 

In support of the power recovery expander market for fluid catalytic cracking units in refineries, some turboexpander manufacturers have an ongoing program to improve the solid particle erosion characteristics of the machine. Improved erosion characteristics will result in longer blade life, less downtime, and consequently greater profits for the users. 

The following briefly reviews the parameters that affect erosion and the programs instituted by Elliott to obtain basic erosion data. The data from these studies have been integrated into Elliott s erosion prediction program. Table 4-13 lists some of the more important parameters affecting expander blade erosion from solid particles. Many of these parameters directly relate to the particle itself. 

Figure 4-131. Integration of different erosion research programs.

Additionally, the initial contact or suction surface of the blade is of concern. The Elliott program indicates that erosion of the suction surface is almost nonexistent tlierefore, that erosion can be neglected in this instance. This conclusion is substantiated by actual field experience. 

Elliott s erosion prediction program has also been used to analyze all the blade rows of a two-stage expander. This study confirmed that blade life of a two-stage expander is substantially greater than blade life of a single-stage expander. 

VFO works well in gas turbines. In a nine-month test program, the combustion properties of VFO were studied in a combustion test module. A gas turbine was also operated on VFO. The tests were conducted to study the combustion characteristics of VFO, the erosive and corrosive effects of VFO, and the operation of a gas turbine on VFO. The combustion tests were conducted on a combustion test module built from a GE Frame 5 combustion can and liner. The gas turbine tests were conducted on a Ford model 707 industrial gas turbine. Both the combustion module and gas turbine were used in the erosion and corrosion evaluation. The combustion tests showed the VFO to match natural gas in flame patterns, temperature profile, and flame color. The operation of the gas turbine revealed that the gas turbine not only operated well on VFO, but its performance was improved. The turbine inlet temperature was lower at a given output with VFO than with either natural gas or diesel fuel. This phenomenon is due to the increase in exhaust mass flow provided by the addition of steam in the diesel for the vaporization process. Following the tests, a thorough inspection was made of materials in the combustion module and on the gas turbine, which came into contact with the vaporized fuel or with the combustion gas. The inspection revealed no harmful effects on any of the components due to the use of VFO. 

Complete and accurate written documentation of chemicals properties, process teclinology, and process equipment is essential to the PSM program and to a process hazards analysis (PrHA). This information serves many users including the PrHA team. The needed chemical information includes fire and explosion characteristics, reactivity hazards, safety and health hazards and the corrosion and erosion effects. Current material safety data sheet (MSDS ) information helps meet this requirement, but must be supplemented with process chemistry information regarding runaway reactions, and over-pressure hazards. 

Identifying and implementing possible improvements in mechanical integrity programs, such as increasing inspection frequencies for piping in corrosive or erosive service... 

The P Program resulted in total cost productivity of 3.0 billion between September 1997 and September 2003, which was, in effect, money directly to the company s bottom line. However, cost productivity is not only important to improve the company s financial results. Continual cost productivity also puts the company in a good position to continue to grow, i.e. to gain market share, even when market conditions become difficult, such as with overcapacity and price erosion. 

The fill material in natural draft cooling towers is frequently asbestos cement. Erosion of this fill material may result in the discharge of asbestos in cooling water blowdown. In a testing program for detection of asbestos fibers in the waters of 18 cooling systems, seven of the 18 sites... 

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