E/M Coatings technology at the heart of wind turbine performance
E/M Coatings technology – at the heart of wind turbine performance
Keywords E/M Coatings, Coatings, Lubrication, Corrosion prevention
High performance coatings from specialist manufacturer E/M Coatings Ltd are reported to be playing a key role in the efficient operation of equipment produced by one of the world's leading wind turbine manufacturing companies. The technology is being supplied to Southampton-based Aerolaminates Ltd – part of the NEG Micon AS organisation in Denmark who are widely regarded as the largest wind turbine manufacturer in the world, and features E/M Coatings'Prochem 1426 system. Designed to provide improved lubrication and corrosion protection in aggressive environments, it is said to combine a tough, abrasion resistant base coat with a thermosetting resin binder containing lubricating additives.
The company processes batches of helical gear shafts from Aerolaminates which are used to alter the angle of the top 10 per cent of each turbine blade to enable it to act as a windbreak. The overall objective of E/M Coatings' work is to maximise the integrity of the bond required between the gear mechanism and its corresponding carbon shaft and is achieved by a process of pretreatment and Prochem 1426 application. Importantly, only selected parts of the gear section are coated, with the remaining elements masked off for protection.
Oliver Cumberledge is procurement manager at Aerolaminates and highlights the key role played by the components in the equipment his company manufactures:"We produce two lengths of turbine blade – 23 metres and 31 metres in length", he explains, "and three blades are connected to each wind generator. In both cases, high wind conditions are best accommodated by the top section of each blade rotating through 90° – as a means of stopping the turbine from rotating". Clearly the quality of this particular bond is paramount as the stresses encountered by each installation at such times are at their greatest.
E/M Coatings' work with Aerolaminates is described as an excellent example of the range of industries within which the company is now operating. All work is undertaken at its Evesham premises and reportedly benefits not only from advanced coating application technology and products but also the highly accurate curing capability afforded by a range of ovens on site. In this case,with each gear unit weighing from 30 to 40 kilos and measuring 600mm in length by 150mm in diameter, the largest of the company's curing facilities is used.
"This is a rapidly developing sector", comments E/M Coatings' general manager Barry Woodall. "Indeed, we understand it to be the second fastest growing industry worldwide after telecommunications. This, in turn, brings with it continually developing technology and clearly the quality of our products and services in such a context is crucial. From many points of view it is a project with which we are delighted to be involved", he concludes.
Further details areavailable from E/M Coatings Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1386 47083;Fax: +44 (0) 1386 765410; Web site: www.em-coatings.com
