Energy Efficiency Drives Demand
Land-based turbine manufacturers face similar high-temperature challenges
Nickel magazine, Sep. 01 -- An important nickel-base superalloy is finding increasing
application in heavy-duty, land-based gas turbines. An estimated 25 million lbs. of
N09706 (Alloy 706), which contains 41% nickel, have been used in this application to date, according to
Peter Schilke, manager of materials and process engineering at GE Power Systems of Schenectady, New
York.
The newly deregulated electrical power industry is demanding more land-based gas turbines, particularly in
the U.S., where power utilities have begun to add more efficient, combined-cycle power plants to their
generating capacity.
Companies such as GE Power Systems are responding by creating more efficient gas turbines that operate at much higher firing temperatures (about 1,300ºC). In most cases, the compressor discharge temperature and turbine exit annulus areas of the turbines can be made of N09706. Good mechanical properties, ease of fabrication and good machinability make it the alloy of choice.
However, as firing temperatures move above 1,400ºC in the next generation, increased turbine exit annulus areas will require the use of a more capable material, such as N07718, according to Schilke.
Proceedings Available
A 756-page volume containing the proceedings of the International Symposium on Superalloys 718, 625, 706 and Various Derivatives is available at a cost of US$192 by contacting:
The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society
184 Thorn Hill Road
Warrendale, PA 15086-7228 U.S.A.
Tel: 724-776-9000
E-mail: weissp@tms.org
Web site: www.tms.org
|
GE Aircraft Engines: |
