Actuators to aid emission control

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 1, 2005

Rotork Jordan electric linear actuators have been selected for the operation of specialised dampers at the centre of an environmental upgrade project at the EdF West Burton power station.

Rotork Jordan electric linear actuators have been selected for the operation of specialised dampers at the centre of an environmental upgrade project at the EdF West Burton power station at Retford in Yorkshire.

West Burton is already equipped with a flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) plant that removes 90% of sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from boiler gases in accordance with forthcoming legislation and is now reducing its oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions ahead of the EU Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD) that comes into force in 2008.

This is achieved by installing separated over fire air (SOFA) systems, involving specially designed injectors, ducting and dampers on the generating plant.

The contract has been recently awarded to GEEER of Ohio USA, and the work is now proceeding on the first of the station's four units.

Jordan LA2000 range electric linear actuators have been selected for the automation of the dampers on this particularly harsh duty.

The actuators are controlled by a 4-20mA signal, fed to the Jordan digital amplifier, which can be remotely mounted to enable the actuator to operate in ambient temperatures up to 108C.

This, combined with a modulating duty rating of 600 starts per hour and precise positioning, makes the LA2000 an ideal, low maintenance solution for many power station applications.

Jordan actuators were recommended by Rotork subsidiary Exeeco, which worked closely with GEEER on the project.

Sales Director Ian Elliott enthuses: "This is a major move forward for West Burton as the existing hydraulic actuators caused problems during operation and incurred large maintenance costs during plant outage shutdowns".

"The introduction of Rotork Jordan actuators will remove this expensive and unpredictable maintenance cost as well as improving the operation of the secondary air damper control, which is critical for successful emissions reduction".