Abstract
Thermal spray coatings applied for aircraft gas turbine maintenance often needs to be stripped and removed. Various methods are used, such as chemicals or a very high pressure water jet. None of them are environmentally friendly and they must be applied with care to prevent substrate damage. Also, these methods can produce a great deal of waste that has to be managed. As regulation gets tougher, a new technology using very high pressure liquid nitrogen could be the future for such treatments. As the worldwide exclusive licensee, over several years Nitrocision LLC has developed and commercialized this technology, which initially was conceived in the late 90s by the Idaho National Laboratory. The NITROJET 6000 can pressurize Liquid Nitrogen up to 4000 bars and to temperatures as low as - 170°C. Various sets of tools can provide single or multiple nozzles on a fixed, or alternatively, a rotary head that provides greater coverage and efficiency. This publication presents case studies of the technology applied to coating removal on aeronautical parts in gas turbines and landing gears.
