What are the main maintenance challenges in hydroelectric power plants?

Hydropower facilities play a critical role in global clean energy generation, but they are constantly exposed to severe mechanical, hydraulic, and environmental stresses. These include:

  • Cavitation damage on turbines, guide vanes, and wicket gates
  • Erosion and abrasion from high-velocity water flow, silt, and debris
  • Corrosion of penstocks, steel structures, and valves
  • Moisture ingress and fatigue in damp or submerged systems
  • Concrete degradation in spillways, canals, and control structures

If not addressed effectively, these issues can result in equipment failure, reduced energy output, increased safety risks, and unplanned downtime.

Roof and Repair Protection

How can protective coatings improve the durability of hydroelectric infrastructure?

At UNIQUE POLYMER SYSTEMS (UPS), we offer engineered protective coatings specifically formulated for submerged, high-flow, and chemically aggressive environments.

Our Coating Solutions Offer:

  • Cavitation and erosion resistance – for turbine runners, impellers, and draft tubes
  • Corrosion-resistant epoxy linings – for penstocks, valves, spillways, and water channels
  • Barrier coatings for steelwork – gates, screens, railings, ladders, access platforms
  • Concrete protection systems – for tanks, foundations, surge chambers, and canals
  • Chemical-resistant coatings – for hydraulic fluid bunds, oil containment zones, and chemical exposure areas

These solvent-free, fast-curing coatings are easy to apply and ensure long-term protection with minimal maintenance disruption.

Roof and Repair Protection

What repair solutions are available for damaged or aging hydroelectric equipment?

UPS also provides composite repair systems designed to restore damaged infrastructure quickly and cost-effectively — without equipment removal or hot work.

Composite Repair Applications Include:

  • Metal repair compounds – rebuild turbine housings, guide vanes, pump internals, and valve components
  • Structural reinforcement wraps – reinforce corroded pipework, brackets, and steel support elements
  • Concrete repair systems – restore eroded spillways, surge tanks, channels, and foundations
  • Leak sealing and pipe wrapping kits – maintain pressure integrity and prevent water ingress

These systems extend asset life, minimise downtime, and are ideal for in-situ application during routine maintenance windows.

Roof and Repair Protection

Where are UPS coatings and repairs used in hydroelectric power plants?

Our systems are applied across all major areas of hydroelectric infrastructure:

  • Turbine and generator housing protection
  • Penstock internal coating and sealing
  • Gate and valve repair and protection
  • Concrete restoration in spillways and surge chambers
  • Pipe repair in pressurised and submerged systems
  • Corrosion prevention for ladders, platforms, gates, and railings

Whether for run-of-river, reservoir-based, or pumped storage plants, UPS solutions deliver durable, cost-effective protection.

Roof and Repair Protection

What are the key benefits of UPS systems in hydropower maintenance?

  • Reduce unplanned downtime and energy losses
  • Extend life of critical mechanical and structural components
  • Improve asset safety and operational integrity
  • Lower total maintenance and capital replacement costs
  • Prevent cavitation, corrosion, and structural degradation
  • Maintain compliance with safety and environmental standards
Roof and Repair Protection

Why choose UNIQUE POLYMER SYSTEMS for hydroelectric maintenance support?

Hydropower assets require specialised solutions — and UPS provides proven technologies backed by expert technical support and real-world performance.

We Offer:

  • Full technical consultation and coating specification assistance
  • On-site surveys and application support
  • Solutions for submerged, high-flow, and chemically aggressive conditions
  • VOC-free, environmentally responsible materials compliant with sustainability goals
Roof and Repair Protection