Ceramic coating provider Chromalloy has confirmed that a new thermal barrier coating is allowing for increased thermal efficiency in Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines in use by a commercial airline in Asia.
Certified by the US FAA in 2010, the company's RT-35 low K coating provides lower thermal conductivity on turbine blades, which translates to higher operating temperatures, higher thermal efficiency and reduced fuel burn.
The thermal barrier, which Chromalloy says provides a 50% lower thermal conductivity, is used in the second stage high pressure turbine on the Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series turbofan engine.
The company says the coating provides a layer of insulation to the base metal component and underlying bond coating surface, allowing for higher operating temperatures but also increased oxidation and corrosion resistance, which extends the life of the blades.
Chromalloy did not disclose the airline using the new coating, though the company's only Asian customer using its blades for the PW4000 series engine is Air India.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
