0987822360

Home / Service / Hydropower Industry / Repair and Restoration Process of Hydroelectric Turbine Runner Using Laser Cladding and PTA Technology

Repair and Restoration Process of Hydroelectric Turbine Runner Using Laser Cladding and PTA Technology

In hydropower plants, the turbine runner is a critical component that directly determines the efficiency and operational stability of the entire unit. During operation, it is exposed to high-pressure water containing sand and various impurities, leading to surface wear and cavitation over time.

If not repaired in a timely manner, these damages can reduce power generation efficiency and pose potential risks to safe operation.

Restoration Process at Phuong Dong

1. Inspection and Assessment

After receiving the turbine runner, a comprehensive inspection is carried out to evaluate the extent of damage and determine an appropriate restoration plan.

Penetrant Testing (PT) is applied to accurately detect defects.

Runner rim: erosion and wear
Runner blades: erosion and cracking
PT inspection is conducted to identify hidden defects

2. Surface Preparation

  • Runner rim: Machining is performed to remove all damaged and porous areas, restoring a uniform dimension.
  • Blade root area: Grinding is carried out to remove eroded material.
  • For cracked areas, cracks are fully opened to their depth to ensure complete defect removal prior to welding.

3. Welding Restoration

After surface preparation, appropriate welding technologies are selected depending on the specific location:

  • Laser Cladding: Enables precise control of heat input, minimizes distortion, and produces a uniform coating with strong bonding.
  • PTA Welding (Plasma Transferred Arc): Suitable for deep and hard-to-access areas.

The proper selection of technology ensures high-quality deposits and enhances the durability of the restored component.

4. Machining and Finishing

After welding, the component undergoes:

  • Final machining to meet required dimensions
  • Dynamic balancing
  • Final PT inspection before delivery

PT inspection is also conducted after completion to ensure there are no remaining defects.

PT inspection before delivery

Post-Restoration Performance

After restoration, the turbine runner:

  • Regains its original dimensions and working surface
  • Achieves improved resistance to wear and cavitation
  • Ensures stable and reliable operation
  • Extends service life and reduces replacement costs

Project Results

Before-and-after images of turbine runner restoration clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the repair process.

Before-and-after image of turbine runner restoration
Before-and-after image of turbine runner restoration
Before-and-after image of turbine runner restoration

Phuong Dong Capability

With a strict quality control process and compliance with ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards, Phuong Dong has successfully completed numerous restoration projects for hydropower plants, particularly turbine runners.

All restored components meet technical requirements, ensuring high durability and long-term operational performance, helping customers optimize maintenance costs.

Contact us for consultation and quotation:

PHUONG DONG INDUSTRIAL  AND TRADING CO., LTD
Address: Alley 107, Ga Dong Anh Street, Group 8, Thu Lam Commune, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone/Zalo: +84 987 822 360