Iran-Made Refractory Bricks Prevent Damage in Power Plants

“We acquired the technical know-how of making bricks by reverse engineering foreign samples. While bricks are usually produced in a kiln, we produce these bricks in a freezer at a very low temperature of about minus 70 degrees Celsius, and liquid nitrogen (minus 196 degrees Celsius) is also used in the process. This unique method gives the bricks special properties,” said Mohammad Hosseinzadeh, the managing director of the knowledge-based company.

“The bricks are pulverized upon impact. This feature prevents the thrown brick fragments from causing damage to the turbine blades,” he added.

Hosseinzadeh explained that the turbine blades that produce nearly 60 megawatts of power can become dislodged if they are hit by a thrown fragment, which could affect the power grid, adding, “There are nearly 240 such turbines in Iran, and over 35,000 megawatts of the country’s power grid is supplied by gas turbines.”

In a relevant development in September, a research by the Iranian scientists at Niroo Research Institute showed that the use of nanotechnology in thermal power plants can increase the efficiency of electricity generation by 30 percent.

Also, the study showed that the use of artificial intelligence in these power plants reduces fuel consumption and the amount of pollutants by 40 percent.

“The use of nanostructured insulators like silica aerogels and advanced nanocomposites significantly reduces heat losses in power plants. These insulators, which are lightweight and resistant to high temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius, reduce maintenance and repair costs and increase the durability of equipment,” said Majid Mirzayee, the deputy director of the Specialized Center for Innovation and Development of Nanotechnology at Niroo Research Institute.

He underlined the role of nanocatalysts and membrane nanofilters in refining diesel fuel, and said, “Nanocatalysts and membrane nanofilters reduce the emission of harmful gases and suspended particles by removing sulfur compounds and heavy metals. Fuel nanoemulsions also increase thermal efficiency by improving the combustion process and reduce the amount of soot and pollutants by up to 40 percent.” Mirzayee also pointed to the use of resistant nanocoatings on turbine blades, compressors and boilers, saying, “These nanocoatings increase resistance to corrosion, wear and heat and prevent premature destruction. Nanofluids also help increase efficiency and reduce resource consumption by improving heat transfer in exchangers and nanofilters by purifying inlet air and cooling water.”

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