RENEWABLE ENERGY
will address the second major challenge; applying protective materials in situ.
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS Climatic conditions are often the driving factor when considering an in-situ repair. Te weather will not only affect a technician’s ability to access the blades but also the applicability of the protective materials. Nearly all materials used in LEP will be sensitive to moisture, temperature and humidity. Tese elements are very difficult to control, especially for the duration of the repair. Terefore, a material that is less sensitive to these conditions is ideal for conducting repairs in situ. Temperature is a key factor with any application of a coating or tape system. Te temperature will affect the viscosity, working life (pot life) and eventual cure time. All manufacturers will give recommendations on minimum application temperatures, if used below these temperatures the product will be extremely difficult to handle and apply. Belzona Polymerics manufactures and designs its materials specifically
Completed application of Belzona 1341
Platform on its way to the damaged blades in the Iowa project
to overcome these issues and make application as easy as possible. Tese LEP materials cure without the requirement for external heat or UV, in some cases down to temperatures as low as 5⁰C and the majority from 10⁰C.
Te benefits of using materials that can be applied at lower temperatures
become apparent if we look at a UK case study. In the upcoming Hornsea offshore wind project, set to be the world’s largest offshore wind farm, the average maximum monthly temperature at the nearest weather station in Bridlington varies throughout the year, ranging from less than 10°C to 20°C. Using this data as an estimate of expected temperatures when conducting blade maintenance, Belzona materials can increase the maintenance window of four to five months of the year to approximately nine; an increase of 100%. Teoretically, in the case of Belzona 1111 (Super Metal), maintenance could be conducted all year round. Tis not only makes it easier to schedule O&M activities but could also reduce costs as less equipment will be required to maintain climate controls during certain parts of the year. It is not only the climatic conditions and parameters of a material that make it easier to apply. Tere is also the physical aspect to consider. Te easier it is for a technician to apply, the more likely the system will be effective. Belzona LEP materials all have simple mixing ratios. Belzona 1111, Belzona 1331 and Belzona 1341 have mixing ratios of 3:1, 2:1 and 1:1 respectively. Tese simple ratios make it easy for any applicator to ensure the correct mix is achieved. In addition to this, the materials also come in a variety of unit sizes, which means it is possible that part mixing may not even be required. Additionally, only a brush or roller is necessary for application – no need
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