Gas and steam turbines operate under extreme mechanical, thermal and chemical stress. Components such as blades, vanes and combustion hardware are continuously exposed to high temperatures, oxidation, erosion and particle impact.
For this reason, thermal spray coatings play a crucial role in ensuring reliability, extending service life and maintaining turbine efficiency.
Challenges in Turbine Operation
Turbine components frequently suffer from:
• high-temperature oxidation
• hot corrosion from fuels or contaminants
• erosion from particulate-laden flow
• thermal fatigue
• wear due to contact and vibration
Without proper protection, these effects reduce efficiency, increase fuel consumption and lead to costly unplanned shutdowns.
Why Thermal Spray is Essential
Thermal spray provides engineered coatings that protect turbine components through:
• thermal barrier coatings (TBCs)
• erosion- and wear-resistant layers
• oxidation and corrosion protection
• dimensional restoration of worn components
These coatings maintain turbine performance even during prolonged exposure to extreme heat and aggressive environments.
Best Coating Solutions for Turbines
Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBC):
Applied via plasma spray, zirconia-based ceramics reduce heat transfer and stabilize component temperature.
Anti-Erosion Carbide Coatings:
HVOF tungsten carbide coatings protect blades, vanes and rings from particle erosion.
Anti-Oxidation Alloys:
Nickel and cobalt superalloys offer long-term oxidation resistance.
Examples of Coated Components
• Compressor blades and vanes
• Turbine rings and casings
• Bearing seats
• Combustion chamber parts
• Shafts and couplings
How TSS Approaches Turbine Projects
TSS develops tailored coating solutions based on each turbine’s operating conditions. The company provides process qualification, in-house testing and certified quality control to ensure consistent, high-performance results.
For more information about gas or steam turbine coating don’t hesitate to contact us.