Leak detector boosts turbine efficiency

Chell Instruments' third generation AIM provides real time measurement of air ingress, enabling trends to be picked up at an early stage and allowing relevant remedial action to be taken.

Excessive air in-leakage and ineffective noncondensable gas removal can lead to condenser inefficiencies of over 20%.

One generator recently estimated the cost of air in-leakage on a 500MW turbine to be in excess of GBP 1000 per millibar per week.

In addition to this increased generation cost, the man-hours taken to locate the source of leaks were also of major concern.

Chell Instruments' third generation AIM provides real time measurement of air ingress, enabling trends to be picked up at an early stage and allowing relevant remedial action to be taken.

Once air in-leakage is detected, comparison with historical data of the individual measured parameters under differing plant load conditions and with other plant measurements is useful in indicating the most likely source.

Additionally, the AIM assists in the diagnosis of tube fouling and air blanketing of the condenser.

An averaging pitot tube with integral PRT temperature sensor is installed downstream of the condenser and is connected to a locally mounted AIM by two flexible 0.5in diameter hoses and the PRT cable.

Continuous output of all the measured parameters via 4-20mA signals and the RS232/485 interface allow data logging, further analysis of the information or integration into the plant management system.

There is an overwhelming economic case for the installation of an AIM after each condenser where inefficiencies are suspected and payback can be as short as a week.

Chell provides full after-sales support including calibration in its ISO17025 accredited UKAS laboratory No 0687.

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