Thermal Spray Coatings’ Performance in Geothermal Plant Applications

Corrosion in geothermal plants poses significant economic challenges, particularly in systems using phase change materials (PCMs). This study investigates the use of thermally sprayed aluminum (TSA) coatings on carbon steel to enhance corrosion resistance in molten nitrate-nitrite PCMs at 165 °C (329 °F). Aluminum was selected for its known anodic nature to steel in several environments, its cost effectiveness, and ease of application. Coated specimens were exposed for 450 h and subsequently analyzed using visual inspection, optical microscopy, and SEM/ EDX techniques. Results indicate TSA effectively mitigates corrosion, offering a promising coating solution for geothermal applications involving PCMs, and improving maintenance strategies and operational life.<p></p>