Leading edge erosion can downgrade the performance of wind turbines and reduce annual energy production
Hempel has launched Hempablade Edge 171, a new coating for leading edge protection of the blades of wind turbines
In a statement, the company said the new product has “the highest rain erosion performance on the market for a liquid leading edge protection solution” and “some of the lowest dry film thicknesses.”
Designed to provide long-term protection against rain erosion, Hempablade Edge 171 is also designed to be easily and quickly applied.
Hempel head of solutions wind blades Lars Rindom Jensen said, “Hempablade Edge 171 is one of the simplest solutions on the market to apply, yet able to withstand the toughest environmental conditions.
“It provides exceptional protection against rain erosion and composite damage. This extends the interval between maintenance and repairs, giving operators more uptime and lower maintenance costs.”
He explained that Hempablade Edge 171 “requires some of the lowest dry film thickness on the market – just 150 microns – and only needs one or two coats to ensure high protection.” This increases application speeds, allowing customers to maintain more blades with the resources available.
A low dry film thickness also minimises consumption of the product, along with application time and drying time, said Hempel, so applicators can work faster. The new product also has a wide application window, from 5-35°C.
Hempablade Edge 171 is Hempel’s first leading edge protection coating developed using the company’s inhouse rain erosion rest facility, which the company uses to optimise the product development.
Riviera Maritime Media has a comprehensive conference programme for the rest of 2022 and will provide free technical and operational webinars in 2023.
