Beneath the surface of seemingly pristine water, an unseen threat silently erodes your hydropower plant's performance and lifespan: sediment and silt.

Defining the Damage: Abrasion vs. Cavitation

To effectively combat the problem, you first need to understand the enemy.

Abrasion: The "Sandblasting" Effect

Abrasion is mechanical wear caused by solid particles in the water. Sand and silt act like sandpaper, constantly grinding down the metal surfaces.

Cavitation: The "Pitting" Effect

Cavitation is damage caused by the implosion of vapor bubbles. These bubbles form in low-pressure zones within the turbine.

The takeaway: If your turbine blades look worn down and smooth, you're primarily dealing with abrasion.

The Right Tool for the Job

Each turbine type has a different vulnerability to these forces.

• Francis/Kaplan: Susceptible to both abrasion and cavitation.
• Pelton: Highly vulnerable to abrasion, less to cavitation.

Protecting Your Investment

The most effective strategy against sediment is prevention. The best line of defense is a well-designed settling basin.