CAVITATION AND LIQUID DROPLET EROSION PROTECTION

Cavitation erosion and liquid droplet erosion can degrade fluid-handling equipment such as power turbines, pumps, and valves. Protective materials have been discovered primarily through experience, the property or properties conferring erosion resistance remaining unknown despite years of investigation. In recent exploratory research, however, EPRI-funded scientists established a correlation between erosion resistance and materials fatigue properties. On the basis of this finding, two promising protective nickel-titanium alloys were identified; laboratory tests confirmed that they are indeed highly resistant to cavitation and liquid droplet erosion. EPRI work now in progress is aimed at refining bonding techniques to facilitate the practical application of these materials.