AkzoNobel accelerates innovation with a Rain Erosion Tester from R&D Test Systems

The new testing technology enables AkzoNobel to triple the number of rain erosion tests and supports their development of products for wind turbine blades.

R&D Test Systems has finalized the installation of a Rain Erosion Tester at AkzoNobel. The new testing technology enables AkzoNobel to triple the number of rain erosion tests and supports their development of products for wind turbine blades.

R&D Test Systems has been busy the last couple of months installing the new test equipment in the newly built building, and last month, AkzoNobel could finally open its new Rain Erosion Test (RET) facility in Felling, UK.

With the opening, AkzoNobel gets access to a proven testing technology that will provide new testing and validation methods for their products. A Rain Erosion Tester from R&D Test Systems is the most precise and standardized way of testing new products of leading-edge protection systems for wind turbine blades. The test setup ensures conditions very similar to real-life harsh weather in an accelerated way while having a proven level of repeatability and reliability. The test machine can simulate 20 years of rain erosion in just a few hours, which gives completely new insights into the performance of a leading-edge coating.

Ralph Slikkerveer, R&D Director of AkzoNobel’s Marine and Protective Coatings business, says in AkzoNobel’s press release. “Bringing this type of world class testing in-house – where we can immediately generate the data, analyze results and prolong testing periods – will transform our contributions to innovation in the wind energy sector. As one of the market leaders, we’ll be able to participate in a more meaningful way in lifetime prediction discussions on protective coating systems for wind turbine blades.”

Jesper Dal Hasager has been the responsible project manager for R&D Test Systems, and Jesper only has positive things to say about the installation and cooperation with the AkzoNobel team. ”We have had a good dialogue and workflow with AkzoNobel from the beginning. Their team has been very solutions-oriented, with skilled project managers and engineers to work with. Once we got to the installation, this went smoothly, and our installation crew enjoyed working with the team from AkzoNobel,” says Jesper Dal Hasager.

With the rain erosion tester installed at AkzoNobel, R&D Test Systems has installed 15 rain erosion testers worldwide.

Picture: From the left, Jesper Dal Hasager, Project Manager at R&D Test Systems, and Christopher Hight, Technical Specialist - Wind, Marine & Protective Coatings R&D at AkzoNobel.

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com.