INVESTIGATION OF HOT SALT CORROSION AT A LAND-BASED GAS-TURBINE INSTALLATION

Many natural gas-fuelled power plants will be situated close to the se a, where salt spray can result in fouling of compressors, and even hot salt corrosion of the turbine blading. This investigative work was ca rried out on corroded nimonic 108 blades, from one of British Gas's RB 211 engines. It showed that the turbines had been running at too high temperature. This combined with the salt, had caused rapid corrosion o f the leading edges and blade shrouds. Alterations to operating proced ures, and the recommendation of more resistant coatings has alleviated the problem.