Cryogenic Action Enhances Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steel

The Tribune India reported that Punjabi University research scholar has found that cryogenic treatment of stainless steel can extend the lifespan of the steel used in turbines of hydropower plants a, cut costs and help produce more energy. The research was completed by Punjabi University Patiala’s Yadavindra College of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical Engineering scholar Mr Munish Kumar as part of his PhD.Mr Munish said “Stainless steel gets eroded due to its poor tribological characteristics. This happens especially during the rainy season when the quantity of sand particles increases in the water stream. Sand particles continuously fall onto the stainless steel blades of the turbines and lead to their erosion. The turbines then need to be stopped and the blades removed. It affects the functioning of hydropower plants across the world as it wastes precious time in changing the blades and increases costs.”His guide Professor Hazoor Singh said “Their research had found that cryogenic treatment to temperatures below minus 190 degree Celsius done on stainless steel refines its internal structure. This then improves the metal’s resistance to erosion, which ultimately improves its life by 15-20%.”The research scholar also prepared a slurry erosion testing rig as per the ASTM standards as part of the research study and found that the treatment helped reduce erosion of stainless steel.

Cryogenic Action Enhances Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steel

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