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Unique Application of an Epoxy Repair Gel to Eliminate Draft Tube Surface Wear and Cavitation, potentially Improving Turbine Power Generation Efficiency

A unique project was completed in Mid-2014 at the Powerhouse #3, Turbine Unit #23 refurbishment, Grand Coulee Dam, located in Washington State. The project scope includes a complete overhaul of the turbine bearings, windings, and critical components. As part of the overall scope, the contractor was charged with the task of coating the entire draft tube surface with an epoxy gel. The Bureau of Reclamation, based in Denver, Colorado, had conducted a site survey which indicated severe wear lines, which result in cavitation and the accompanying backpressure on the exiting water outflow to the Columbia River. 

Product Number: 41216-976-SG
Author: Norm Klapper
Publication Date: 2016
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A unique project was completed in Mid-2014 at the Powerhouse #3, Turbine Unit #23 refurbishment, Grand Coulee Dam, located in Washington State. The project scope includes a complete overhaul of the turbine bearings, windings, and critical components. As part of the overall scope, the contractor was charged with the task of coating the entire draft tube surface with an epoxy gel. The Bureau of Reclamation, based in Denver, Colorado, had conducted a site survey which indicated severe wear lines, which result in cavitation and the accompanying backpressure on the exiting water outflow to the Columbia River. The decision to coat the draft tube with an acceptable product was the result of extensive testing conducted at the USBR concrete lab, Denver, Colorado, location of the Bureau of Reclamation’s engineering department, where well over 50 products were evaluated. This is a very unique application of a specialized repair epoxy gel, which has excellent bond strength and high compressive strength. The gel can be easily and affectively installed in one step, even when installed on a damp substrate. Proper surface preparation using high-pressure water and /or diamond grinding where needed, insured that the single step coating of the epoxy gel gave a uniform and well-bonded surface, using standard trowel techniques.

A unique project was completed in Mid-2014 at the Powerhouse #3, Turbine Unit #23 refurbishment, Grand Coulee Dam, located in Washington State. The project scope includes a complete overhaul of the turbine bearings, windings, and critical components. As part of the overall scope, the contractor was charged with the task of coating the entire draft tube surface with an epoxy gel. The Bureau of Reclamation, based in Denver, Colorado, had conducted a site survey which indicated severe wear lines, which result in cavitation and the accompanying backpressure on the exiting water outflow to the Columbia River. The decision to coat the draft tube with an acceptable product was the result of extensive testing conducted at the USBR concrete lab, Denver, Colorado, location of the Bureau of Reclamation’s engineering department, where well over 50 products were evaluated. This is a very unique application of a specialized repair epoxy gel, which has excellent bond strength and high compressive strength. The gel can be easily and affectively installed in one step, even when installed on a damp substrate. Proper surface preparation using high-pressure water and /or diamond grinding where needed, insured that the single step coating of the epoxy gel gave a uniform and well-bonded surface, using standard trowel techniques.

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