Hot Isostatic Process (HIP)

A gas turbine blading rejuvenation process in which internal structural voids and cracks created due to creep are eliminated through a combination of plastic deformation, creep deformation, and diffusion bonding. During the HIP process, turbine blades are inserted into a high-pressure containment vessel and are then subjected to both an elevated temperature and isostatic gas pressure. The pressurizing gas is typically an inert gas, such as argon, so no chemical reaction can occur. Pressure inside the HIP vessel is developed by simply raising its temperature.