Erosion of metals by flyash particles

The erosion of metal targets by flyash from power station electrostatic precipitators was investigated using a novel test rig. Targets of BG303 stainless steel and HE30 aluminium were used. The effects of target temperature and angle of impingement were studied. The size of particles used was less than 66 μm. The rig utilizes a tube with a fine bore to accelerate particles borne by an air flow; the air flow is then separated from the particle stream with a simple Coanda effect attachment on the end of the tube. The targets are heated indirectly with a high resistance heater element. Target temperatures up to 750 °C were attained. The observed erosion characteristics are consistent with previous work. For stainless steel, the erosion rate increases with increasing temperature above 400 °C. For aluminium the erosion rate reaches a maximum value at approximately 300 °C.