Nondestructive Inspection of Thin Plasma-Sprayed Ceramic and Cermet Protective Coatings for Coal Conversion and Utilization Equipment

摘要

Results of a project to develop nondestructive inspection techniques for ceramic and cermet wear- and process-resistant coatings used in coal system compounds are described. The general inspection problem has been analyzed and the difficulties peculiar to plasma-sprayed coatings are discussed. Physical properties, especially porosity, and the nominal 0.25 mm thickness make the inspection of these coatings difficult. The literature has been reviewed for inspection methods and technology adaptable to coating inspection. Several inspection methods have been evaluated for feasibility by laboratory experiments. The basic coating defect conditions considered are cracks or holes, variations in thickness, lamellar separations, and inhomogeneities. Assessment of current technology indicates that a few nondestructive methods can be applied directly to the inspection of coatings with very little development; in most cases, however, considerable development is required. (ERA citation 03:034327)