System, method, and apparatus for leaching cast components

摘要

A method includes removing a casting shell and core from a cast component, which may be a gas turbine blade. The method further includes utilizing a focused removal technique, such as a water jet or laser drill, to remove a portion of a virtual pattern cast (VPC) shell from the cast component. The cast component is then exposed to a leaching solution and high pressure water wash to remove an internal core material and a portion of the VPC shell remainder from the cast component. The method further includes exposing the cast component to a high agitation leaching solution and to the high pressure water wash for a minimal time. An electroless nickel-boron coating is then applied to the cast component, and an electrolytic palladium coating is further applied to the cast component. The cast component is further exposed to a high agitation leaching solution for an extended period.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
utilizing a focused removal technique to remove at least a portion of a virtual pattern cast (VPC) shell from a cast component; exposing the cast component to a leaching solution and a first high pressure water wash to remove an internal core material from the cast component and to remove at least a portion of a VPC shell remainder; operating the first high pressure water wash with the cast component exposed to the leaching solution; exposing the cast component to a first high agitation leaching solution, the first high agitation leaching solution comprising a leaching solution subject to intermittent boiling caused by at least one of heating the first high agitation leaching solution and reducing a pressure in a submersion vessel; applying an electroless nickel-boron coating to the cast component; applying an electrolytic palladium coating to the cast component; and exposing the cast component to a second high agitation leaching solution to remove an internal core material remainder, wherein the step of exposing the cast component to the second high agitation leaching solution follows the steps of applying an electroless nickel-boron coating and applying an electrolytic palladium coating.