The Irkutsk Aviation Plant (IAZ) summed up the results of the annual "Give Wings to an Idea" competition. In the "Production Technologies" category, employees of the metallurgical production unit won with a solution aimed at optimizing the descaling process.
The problem was ineffective mixing of the solution in the baths, where at temperatures of up to 140°C a mixture of water, sodium nitrate, and caustic soda is used.
Because of the previous system, sediment formed, crystallization occurred, and the operator had to manually stir the solution for at least an hour before starting the line.
The engineers developed a new design with blades mounted on a movable frame with a gear motor. This made it possible to create a homogeneous solution in 20–30 minutes. Automation reduced energy consumption, minimized manual labor, and improved industrial safety.
The IAZ press service clarified that scale removal is a critical stage ensuring the durability and safety of aircraft parts. A hard oxide crust not only interferes with the application of protective coatings, causing them to peel off, but also becomes a source of hidden corrosion and fatigue cracks.
Recall that the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (part of PAO Yakovlev of Rostec) produces MS-21 civil airliners, Su-30 series fighter jets, and Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft. Earlier, the enterprise completed the reconstruction of the main step-down substation.