Eco-design and reduction of environmental impact
Ethanol is a cleaner, safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to kerosene for HVOF spray systems. Its adoption requires technical adjustments and considerable investment.
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Replacing kerosene with ethanol in a High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) thermal spray system has several benefits in terms of performance, environment and safety.
1. Performance benefits
More uniform flame temperature
– Ethanol burns cleaner, allowing for better flame stability and coating repeatability.
– Less thermal fluctuations, improving deposit quality.
Better deposit efficiency
– Less soot and impurities, which reduces defects in the coating.
– Improved coating density and reduced porosity.
– Increased coating adhesion to the substrate.
2. Environmental benefits
Reduction of pollutant emissions
– Ethanol generates less CO₂, NOₓ and soot compared to kerosene.
– Fewer unburned carbon particles that could contaminate the coating.
Renewable source
– Ethanol can be produced from biomass (beet, sugar cane, corn, etc.), unlike kerosene, which is a petroleum derivative.
– Reduction of the overall carbon footprint of the process.
3. Safety and handling benefits
Reduction of the risk of explosion and emission of toxic vapors
– Ethanol is less volatile than kerosene, reducing the risk of accidental ignition.
– Fewer toxic fumes, improving working conditions for operators.
Easy storage and transport
– Ethanol is easier to handle, does not require such strict precautions as kerosene.
– Possibility of using local sources for supply.