(3rd International Conference on Silting Problems in Hydropower Projects, 27-28 February 2008, New Delhi, India, pp. 227-235)
The need for adequate surface protection of crucial components in hydroelectric power plants was recognized by VA TECH HYDRO (SULZER) in the early eighties. Innovative solutions had been developed and successfully applied, first time in Switzerland, then also in other countries, including India. The HVOF-coating of type WCCOCr is still the most important protection against abrasive wear, leading to a huge increase of time between overhaul, to reduced overhaul cost and to shorter time for overhauls. However, successful application requires not only an excellent knowledge and knowhow in the coating technology but also hydraulic know-how, in order to find the cause of drawbacks and to identify the appropriate remedy.
