Repair Standards for Aero and Industrial Turbine Blades
The maintenance of aero and industrial engines requires components to be refurbished to a level appropriate to their service and overhaul requirements. In some cases, the refurbishment of jet engine blades requires only minor tip restoration, whereas, in other cases, complete remanufacturing and heat treating are necessary. This paper examines the various levels of repair performed on aero and industrial blades, as well as reviewing the influence of these repairs on the reliability and the remaining life of these parts. It is essential that turbine operators recognize that repairs can vary, not only in extent, but in quality and reliability. Therefore, they must specify the appropriate standard of repair and re-certification required for their engines.