Meet two of Liburdi's outstanding engineers, Nathaniel Derby (left), Repair Engineering Lead – Senior Engineer, and Justin Ashby (right), Project Engineer – Gas Turbine Repair. These individuals transformed a challenging issue into an innovative solution for our clients and developed the groundbreaking FT8 fuel nozzle repair. The FT8 fuel nozzle repair has saved many of our clients from expensive part replacements while extending the life of their turbines.
Other shops saw these nozzles as beyond repair, but Nathaniel and Justin found a way to bring them back to full functionality. "The main problem was leaks that caused fuel line blockages and forced unplanned outages." Nathaniel explains, "Instead of replacing the nozzles, we inspected the parts, pinpointed the leak, and devised a repair process that involved removing material and welding to correct the issue." Through continuous improvements in machining and coating processes, this solution has not only fixed the leaks but also reduced repair cycle times, making it even more efficient.
For Justin, tackling the intricate internal design of the FT8 fuel nozzles has been an immensely rewarding challenge. "The internal fuel passages are intricate, so it was crucial to avoid disrupting them during the repair," he says. By minimizing prep work and carefully controlling the welding process, their team ensured that repaired nozzles performed like new, leading to fewer downtime issues for clients and restoring performance.
Nathaniel and Justin stressed that this repair was a true team effort. A dedicated group of machinists, welders, technicians, and engineers worked closely together, demonstrating their unwavering commitment and passion for their work. "We're fortunate to have a collaborative environment here at Liburdi," Nathaniel adds. "Everyone's input was crucial in making this repair possible."
Outside of their roles at Liburdi, Nathaniel enjoys spending time with his three children, reading sci-fi novels and playing cards with friends, while Justin finds fulfillment in his faith, attending Bible studies and working out four to six days a week. He's also taking on a substantial project—restoring a 1976 GMC C15 in his garage—a reflection of his dedication to overcoming challenges both at work and in his personal life.
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Deputy Project ES&H Manager
5moWelcome to the team!