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Wind turbine demolition: how to do it
The life cycle of wind turbines is often a hotly debated topic, particularly their demolition and disposal. In fact, many national and international newspapers, such as Il Manifesto , Idee Green , and Euronews, have covered the topic.
Wind turbines: how they are made
Wind turbines consist of a trunk that can reach over 150 meters in height and three blades whose length varies depending on numerous variables. While the central trunk has a nearly eternal lifespan, the blades lose their mechanical properties after prolonged use. Dismantling the blades is a truly difficult task as the material they are made of is hard yet highly flexible. This material is fiberglass, with thicknesses ranging from 20 to 2 cm. Some blades also have layers of carbon fiber inside them.
Demolition of fiberglass wind turbine blades
- The specific properties of fiberglass are well known. It is precisely its flexibility that makes the demolition of wind turbine blades very long and laborious. Due to cost constraints, the blades cannot be transported in their entirety, so sectioning is essential. This process facilitates transportation and, consequently, disposal at the cement plant.
- Many demolition and disposal companies have attempted to dissect wind turbine blades with traditional tools such as the pliers and hammers supplied with standard excavators. However, the specific properties of fiberglass guarantee truly incredible flexibility. The hammer and demolition pliers have the strength to modify the structure but not to break it.
- You'll understand that this equipment achieves the opposite effect. The force of impact shatters only the surface layers, which are carried away by the wind and dispersed into the environment.
Case History: Demolition of wind turbines with diamond blades
Nord Srl has finally developed a formula of diamond blades ranging from Ø800 to Ø1600 mm suitable for prolonged cutting of fiberglass. Diamond blades for fiberglass allow companies to perform wind turbine demolition work by cutting and sectioning the material itself.
Cutting with our diamond blade makes the job cleaner and less polluting, as the water reduces dust, preventing it from dispersing into the environment. Obviously, the company must have tanks to collect the cutting water. The work also becomes much more precise, as the blade's cutting depth can be very precise for handling and transport.
Resin glass cutting with the Echidna machine
What equipment is used to cut wind turbine blades? Diamond blades can be used with easily reusable equipment. However, when dealing with blades longer than 50 meters and with diameters exceeding 2 meters in height, special equipment is required.
The Australian echidna machines are hydraulic tools that can be used with any type of excavator. These machines allow for the use of our own large diamond blades (over 2 meters). Today, the combination of the echidna and the La Nord Srl diamond blades allows for the demolition of wind turbines in short times and with maximum precision.
Want to learn more? Contact us at sales@lanordsrl.it
