Richard Coldham

Principal Materials Engineer
Melbourne 

Professional Background

Over 35 years' experience in power station metallurgy, chemistry and corrosion and erosion problems. Condition of condensers and heat exchangers. Failure analysis of components experiencing environmental damage.

Areas of Expertise

• Investigations into corrosion related problems in power stations and associated plant.
• Investigations into erosion/corrosion metal loss processes in two phase flow and flow accelerated corrosion, impingement corrosion and cavitation.
• Advice on corrosion mitigation, protective coatings, performance of non-metallic materials, cathodic protection etc.
• Investigations into the relationship between cooling water quality and scaling, erosion, corrosion and fouling in condensers.
• Studies into alternative boiler cycle chemistry regimes and the impact of water quality on power station plant.
• Materials selection and performance in advanced power plant systems.

Relevant Project Experience

• Metallurgical and chemical investigations to determine the root cause and appropriate remedies for major plant failures in power and energy, mining, oil and gas, chemical and fabrication industries.
• Management of structural integrity assessment programs and R&D activities to expand assessment methodologies to elevated temperatures.
• Investigations into corrosion related problems in power stations and refinery plant including: low temperature dew-point corrosion, elevated temperature and fireside corrosion, erosioncorrosion, corrosion-fatigue and general corrosion failure analysis.
• Management and conduct of research programs targeting the performance and specification of appropriate materials for use in advanced power plant, gasification and fluidised bed combustion systems.
• Condition assessment and remaining life optimisation for structures and components experiencing, mechanical, chemical or high temperature degradation and corrosion.
• Investigations into the mechanisms, consequences and remedies for erosion/corrosion metal loss processes in two phase flow and flow accelerated corrosion in boiler and process systems.
• Determination of fitness for service of components and equipment.
• Advise on corrosion mitigation, protective coatings, performance of non-metallic materials, cathodic protection etc. for power station and transmission operations.
• Investigations into the relationship between cooling water quality and the deposition, scaling, erosion, corrosion and fouling in condensers and other heat exchangers and the development of water treatment strategies for local cooling systems.
• Studies into alternative boiler cycle chemistry regimes and the impact of boiler water quality on power station plant.
• Examination and assessment of condition and degradation processes in concrete piping and civil structures.

Qualifications

• B Eng (Metallurgy)
• M Eng Sci

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Member of Australian Corrosion Asc.