Liquidmetal Coatings LLC Releases Findings of a Four-Year Case Study

SPRING, Texas, Dec. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Liquidmetal Coatings, a leader in the research, development, and application of amorphous metal coatings, conducted a four-year case study. The findings showed that Liquidmetal Armacor™ 80 coated tubes at an elevation of less than five feet lost only 30-40% of their original coating thickness and have a life expectancy of 5-6 years. At an elevation higher than five feet, where environments are more aggressive, Liquidmetal Armacor™ 80 coated tubes last for at least four years.

The case study was managed at a biomass fired power plant in California. Due to high concentrations of alkali, agricultural and field crop residues, biofuels contribute extensively to tube thinning in boilers. Corrosion and/or erosion cause wall thickness reduction and, when one or more tubes fail, the facility must be shut down for repairs.

To address the issue of boiler tube erosion/corrosion, Liquidmetal Coatings created a new composition of its amorphous metal coatings family, Armacor™ 80. Extensive testing has confirmed that this unique material has excellent corrosion and wear resistance, and durable coating hardness.

The life, performance, and value proposition of the coating were evaluated by applying Armacor™ 80 next to two other coatings by different manufacturers to the same section of boiler tubes at the same time. Every quarter, the coatings were monitored on-site. After four years of testing, the results showed that boiler tubes coated with Armacor™ 80 needed minimal repair, whereas the competing coatings needed replacement after just three months and twelve months.

"Liquidmetal Coatings provides a financially smart solution for boiler plate corrosion and erosion," said Rick Salas, President. "From an economic standpoint, a plant such as the one described in the case study would save more than 60-95% in coating costs by using Armacor™ 80 versus other competing materials."

Armacor™ 80 reduces operating costs incurred by biomass plant operators by lessening the incidents of unplanned plant shutdowns, downtime, and maintenance costs accrued due to boiler pipe repairs.

Liquidmetal Coatings, the premier solution provider for wear, corrosion and friction, is a full-service provider of coating protection for multiple industries including power generation, oil and gas, pulp and paper, mining, and more.

For more information about Liquidmetal Coatings or their revolutionary Armacor™ 80 product, please contact: Rachel Cui at [email protected]

A copy of Liquidmetal Coatings' white paper explaining the case study in more detail is available here.

SOURCE Liquidmetal Coatings LLC