Frarendi’s Innovative IGT Repair Solutions Enhance Power Plant Profitability
13 March 2008 15:25
Frarendi leadership recently authored a white paper to educate power plant owners, operators and repair specialists about the financial impact of Industrial Gas Turbine (IGT) repair: "Innovative IGT Repair Solutions to Enhance Power Plant Profitability." Frarendi's white paper explores the use of replacement coupon technology as a cost controlling, mechanically-sound repair solution for first stage nozzles.
Frarendi researched and developed the white paper in response to the growing number of new land-based industrial gas turbines and concerns over subsequent increases in operational costs. The document focuses on cost-saving measures for replacing, refurbishing and repairing F-class hot gas path parts. The first stage nozzle, integral to land-based gas turbine functionality, is one of the most expensive to maintain as it is vulnerable to continuous erosion, oxidation, foreign object damage and thermal fatigue. Frarendi’s unique replacement coupons offer an alternative to welding.
"As demand for power increases, so does the number of gas turbines," said Kevin Davis, president of Frarendi. "In order to control operational costs and provide long lasting repair, power plant owners will rely more heavily on alternative solutions. One effective option is Frarendi's replacement coupon technology."
Qualified repair shops and power plant owners must regularly assess the cost-benefit scenario of scrapping versus repairing critical first stage nozzle parts. Procuring entirely new replacement nozzle segments is time and cost prohibitive due to the high price of cobalt, nickel-based investment castings in addition to demanding, quick cycle maintenance schedules. While welding is effective for temporary, simple repairs, it lacks sustainability and is not a long-term solution. To address the challenge, Frarendi strategically designed first stage nozzle replacement coupons that offer significant capital savings to power plants worldwide.
The Frarendi replacement coupon is manufactured as an exact dimensional and metallurgical match to OEM first stage nozzle vanes. Each coupon is made of the same high-quality, castable and weldable cobalt-based FSX-414 alloy used in the original base metal of the nozzle. Frarendi then methodically drills intricate electrical discharge machining (EDM) cooling hole geometry into the coupons to match those in the original vane, ensuring optimal performance. These design elements offer an affordable, high-performing repair method that is also predictable thereby enhancing power plant profitability.
Frarendi offers first stage trailing edge coupons in both partial and complete sets, depending on the requirements of the service shop and the level of repair needed for GE Frame 3, 5, 6B, 7E and 9E gas turbines. The GE Frame 7FA+e coupon is currently available to qualified service shops and can be delivered in as little as four weeks.
For more information on this company:
Frarendi - Replacement Trailing Edge Coupons
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