Knowledge - The core of PPI competence
Decades of technician experience gives PPI customers a level of quality unmatched anywhere in the world. The thorough overhaul and repair processes perfected by PPI are the industries finest and most respected. Explore the many aspects and capabilities PPI offers during the propeller repair and overhaul process.
Delivery to PPI
Upon removal of the assembly, propellers are shipped to PPI to begin their thorough and extensive process of overhaul and repair, ensuring the unit returns to service having met or exceeded the demands of the original equipment manufacturer.
Disassembly and Washing
Following disassembly, units are thoroughly washed and cleaned.
Non Destructive Testing
Using non destructive testing and inspection techniques, the blades are carefully inspected for damages and defects.
Thrust Ring Grinding
For large propeller assemblies, blade butts are secured onto a thrust ring grinder, carefully machining the thrust ring back into a condition of acceptable tolerances.
Bore Scope Inspection
A state of the art bore scope system is employed to examine and uncover corrosion, pitting or other damage to the taper bore. PPI has been selected by the US Navy to accomplish its PRB 98 program using the sophisticated bore scope system.
Shot Peen
With large aluminum blades, the shot peen process is used to increase strength and reduce stress in the blade’s shank.
Plating and Anodizing
A unique service, PPI maintains a complete anodizing and plating facility for aluminum blades, providing extra protection from corrosion and erosion.
Blade Fillet Cut and Cold Roll
To ensure all wear and corrosion are properly removed from the blade's fillet area, PPI machinists will re cut the blade fillet and cold roll the fillet to enhance the blade's strength. PPI is the only independent overhaul facility to be certified by the FAA, United States Navy, and the United States Air Force to accomplish the cold roll procedure.
Flame Spraying
To recondition the internal bore of propeller control assemblies, PPI utilizes the process of Flame Spraying. Through Flame Spraying, a technician rebuilds the bore walls by bonding new material to the surface, renewing the worn areas. The internal bore is then re-machined to original specifications. PPI is the only facility in the world providing the Flame Spraying process, saving customers significant cost.
Sleeve Set Babbit Repair
The sleeve set babbit repair process offers PPI customers the ability to repair rather than replace this critical component. PPI is highly unique in offering this cost savings process.
PCU Test Stand
PPI has designed and installed a custom manufactured hydraulic test stand for propeller control units. PCU tests are designed to accurately simulate the conditions propeller assemblies face while in service. This attention to detail gives operators the highest level of reliability and safety.
Composite Blade Repair
PPI is a leader in the repair and overhaul of today’s new generation of composite propellers. The depth of PPI’s knowledge comes from an intricate understanding of resins, adhesives, and materials, as well as knowing how composites bond to metals. PPI performs the most difficult composite repairs such as nickel sheath removal and replacement, delamination, and heater repair.
Propeller Assembly
Propellers are carefully reassembled and tested for pitch changes, blade angle, leakage, and balance.
Shipment to Customer
Returned to service, PPI customers are assured their overhauled or repaired propellers will provide reliability throughout their time between overhaul.
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