Air Jet Erosion Tester

A High Temperature Air Jet Erosion Tester (such as Ducom’s Air Jet Erosion Tester, often referenced in similar models like TR-471 series) is a laboratory instrument used to evaluate erosion resistance of materials and coatings by impacting them with a jet of high-speed abrasive particles carried in air — even at elevated temperatures (ambient up to ~1000 °C). It simulates real-world wear from particle impingement such as in turbines, boilers, aerospace parts, and pneumatic systems.

 

Typical Specifications (Ducom Air Jet Erosion Tester/TR-471-1000-type)

Note: There isn’t a publicly available full datasheet specifically titled “TR-471-1000” online, but the Ducom Air Jet Erosion Tester specifications apply and are representative of the high-temp version. 

Key Features

High-Temperature Capability

  • Integrated furnace for testing at temperatures up to ~1000 °C, allowing evaluation of high-temperature materials/coatings under more realistic thermal conditions. 

Adjustable Impact Conditions

  • Variable particle velocity, feed rate, impingement angle, and temperature to simulate different service or environmental conditions
  • Enclosed System with Safety Controls
  • Dust-prevention chamber and air filtration system to capture particles and minimize laboratory contamination.
  • Data & Automation Ready
  • Modern units may include software control and reporting features (e.g., digital assistants like MOOHA) for data logging and integration with lab systems. 

How It Works 

  1. Preparation: A test specimen (metal/ceramic/coating) is mounted inside the test chamber.
  2. Heating: The furnace brings the sample and air stream to the desired temperature (up to ~1000 °C).
  3. Erosion: A controlled jet of air carrying abrasive particles (alumina/silica) impacts the surface at a chosen velocity and angle.
  4. Measurement: Material loss (usually by weight change) and erosion patterns are measured to assess resistance. Comparison across materials/coatings gives ranking of performance. 

Applications  

  1. Erosion mechanism of gas turbine blades in a power plant.
  2. Ranking of wear resistant coatings for edges of turbine blades and helicopter blades.
  3. Wear resistant boiler tubes exposed to fly ash in coal fired power plants.
  4. Erosion resistant coatings in pipes and bends used in pneumatic conveyors.
  5. Erosion protective paints used in the transportation industry