Rationale for the Technology of Protecting the Metal Surface in the Flow Path of a Hydraulic Turbine to Reduce Cavitation Wear

The relevance of the problem is due to the significant scale of cavitation destruction of hydraulic turbines of many operating hydroelectric power stations and the high economic costs of major repairs of hydraulic units. Methods for restoring surfaces damaged by cavitation in the flow path of hydraulic turbines at hydroelectric power stations are considered. Based on a review and comparison of existing technologies, recommendations are made that significantly increase the periods between major overhauls of hydraulic turbine parts. It has been shown that material damage due to cavitation can be minimized by using cavitation-resistant materials. A feasibility study for a combined method of repairing a hydraulic unit is presented.