How do you calculate the efficiency of Air pre heater (APH) in Boilers??

 

APH is an auxiliary used in steam generators or boilers to increase the Boiler efficiency and to reduce the fuel consumption.

There are different types of air heaters. Major types are tubular & regenerative air preheater.

These may be installed horizontally or vertically as per requirement.

In some design of APH air flows outside the tubes and flue gas inside the tubes where as in some cases air flows inside the tubes and flue gas outside of the tubes.

The main functions of APH is to reduce the flue gas temperature to allowable limit that is coming out from Boiler and to increase combustion air temperature.

The efficiency of the APH are calculated from two ways one is from air side other from gas side.

APH gas side efficiency

ηAPHg = (Flue gas inlet temp.Tfi-Flue gas outlet temp.Tfo) X 100 / (Flue gas inlet temperature tfi-Air inlet temperature Tai)

 

APH air side efficiency

ηAPHa = (Air outlet temp.Tao-Air inlet temp.Tao)) X 100 / (Flue gas inlet temperature tfi-Air inlet temperature Tai)

 Read power plant O&M reference books

Calculate the APH gas side & air efficiency if its flue gas inlet and out let temperature are 230 deg C and 145 deg C and air inlet and out let temperatures are 28 deg C & 180 deg C respectively.

ηAPHg = (Flue gas inlet temp.Tfi-Flue gas outlet temp.Tfo) X 100 / (Flue gas inlet temperature tfi-Air inlet temperature Tai)

 

ηAPHg =(230-145) X 100 / (230-28)

ηAPHg = 42.1%

ηAPHa = (Air outlet temp.Tao-Air inlet temp.Tao)) X 100 / (Flue gas inlet temperature tfi-Air inlet temperature Tai)

 

ηAPHa = (180-28) X 100 / (230-28)

ηAPHa = 75.24%

Read Economiser efficiency calculation

A Tubular type APH is having air side efficiency 79%, its flue gas and air inlet temperature are 225 deg and 30 deg C respectively, calculate the APH outlet air temperature

We have,

ηAPHa = (Air outlet temp.Tao-Air inlet temp.Tao)) X 100 / (Flue gas inlet temperature tfi-Air inlet temperature Tai)

 

79% = (Tao-30) X 100 / (225 – 30)

Tao-30 = 0.79 X 195

Tao = 184.05 deg C

A Tubular type APH is having gas side efficiency 39%, its flue gas and air inlet temperature are 225 deg and 30 deg C respectively, calculate the APH outlet flue gas temperature

We have,

ηAPHg = (Flue gas inlet temp.Tfi-Flue gas outlet temp.Tfo) X 100 / (Flue gas inlet temperature tfi-Air inlet temperature Tai)

 

39% = (225-Tfo) X 100 / (225-30)

0.39 X 195 = 225-Tfo

Tfo = 148.95 deg C

Read power plant and calculations

Reasons for Priming, Foaming and carryover in Boilers

 

Priming:

1. What do you mean by the term Priming?

Priming means carryover of water particle in the steam

2. What are the reasons for Priming?

Reasons for priming;

  • Improper design of Boiler and steam drum
  • Maintaining high drum level
  • Boiler load fluctuation
  • Sudden load raise due to steam demand
  • Foaming in feed water
  • Miss operation of Boiler
  • Sudden lifting of Boiler safety valve or start up vent CV
  • More impurities in Boiler water

3. What are the impacts of Priming?

Impacts of Priming;

  • Lower steam efficiency
  • Water hammering
  • Super heater coil failure due to thermal shock
  • Turbine high vibration & blade failure

How do you avoid priming in Boilers?

Priming can be avoided by;

  • Proper operation of boiler
  • Maintaining drum level in between 45 to 55%
  • Avoiding foaming
  • Avoiding sudden load fluctuation
  • Proper designing of Boiler

Carryover:

What do you mean by the term carryover?

Carryover is the carryover of solid, liquid & gaseous contaminants with water and steam leaving the drum due to incomplete separation of water and steam in steam drum.

What are the major reasons for carryover?

Reasons for carryover;

  • Defects in steam and water separators
  • Foaming
  • Boiler load fluctuation
  • Higher drum level
  • Boiler steam drum construction defects

What are the effects of carryover on Boiler components?

Contamination in steam leads to deposition of solid scale on Super heater coils & control and regulating valves.

Foaming:

What do you mean by the term foaming?

Foaming is the formation of unbroken bubbles on the surface of the boiler water inside the boiler drum.

The bubbles may be in thin layer with few bubbles overlying each other or it may build up throughout the steam space.

What are the reasons for foaming?

  •  High suspended solid concentration
  •  High alkalinity concentration
  •  High dissolved solid concentrations in the boiler water
  •  Oil and organic contaminants in the boiler water
  • High impurities
  • High dosage of chemicals
  • High water level

How do you avoid foaming?

  • Timely blow down & maintaining desired water quality
  • Maintaining constant load on Boiler
  • Avoiding high water level
For more articles read Power plant and calculations

Combustion air in Boilers and related calculations

1. What do you mean by combustion air?

The amount of air required for complete combustion of fuel in furnace is called as combustion air. The efficiency of the Boiler or furnace depends on efficiency of combustion system.

2. On what parameters the requirement of combustion air depends?

Combustion air requirement depends on;

  • Type of fuel burnt
  • Type & quantity of its elemental constituents
  • Type of Boiler and furnace
  • Amount of moisture content in it

3. What is the relation between moisture content in the fuel & combustion air required?

Combustion air requirement increases as the moisture content in the fuel increases and vice versa

4. What is the relation between carbon & Hydrogen content in the fuel & combustion air required?

Combustion air requirement increases as the % of carbon & Hydrogen content in the fuel increase and vice versa.

5. What is the relation between oxygen content in the fuel & combustion air required?

Combustion air requirement decreases as the % of oxygen content in the fuel increases and vice versa.

6. Do content of sulphur & Nitrogen in the fuel affect combustion air requirement?

Increase and decrease in sulphur & Nitrogen content in the fuel does not affect much on combustion air requirement.

7. What is meant by total air of combustion?

The total air supplied to the Boiler combustion chamber is divided into two parts Primary air and secondary air.

Primary air supports the flame and takes part in the initial combustion process. The second part is called as secondary air. Secondary air is admitted into the furnace from top to create turbulence in furnace and to ensure complete combustion of the fuel.

8. What are the functions of Primary and secondary air in Travelling grate, pulverized coal fired and FBC Boilers?

In case of travelling grate Boilers Primary air is supplied below the grate to support flame & combustion stabilisation. And secondary air from top of the furnace as over fired air to create turbulence for complete combustion. And also secondary air is used to spread the fuel in furnace

In case of Pulverized coal fired Boilers, Primary air is used to carry the pulverized coal into the furnace.

In case of FBC Boilers Primary air is used to carry fuel and fluidisation. Secondary air is supplied above the bed to ensure complete combustion

9-What is meant by theoretical air & excess air in combustion?

Theoretical air: Amount of air required to burn the fuel. It is stoichiometric air, it does not ensure complete combustion.

Excess air: Amount of extra air given for complete combustion

10-Calculate the Theoretical air required to burn imported coal having carbon 55%, Oxygen 8.2%, Hydrogen 3.3% and sulphur 0.32% in it

Theoretical air is calculated by using below formula

Thair = (11.6 X %C + 34.8 X (%H2-%O2/8) + 4.35 X %S)) / 100

Thair = (11.6 X 55 + 34.8 X (3.3-8.2/8) + 4.35 X 0.32)) / 100

Thair = 7.18 kg/kg of fuel burnt

In the above formula, you can vary the % of Carbon, Hydrogen & Sulphur to observe changes in air requirement

11-How do you measure % of excess air supplied?

Excess air is generally measured from Oxygen analyser installed at the out let of Boiler (Economiser)

It is to be noted that, excess air & excess oxygen are not same. Air has around 21% of oxygen in it by volume. So, 100% excess air is roughly equals to 10.5% of oxygen.

12-What is the significance of excess air?

For combustion, if less air is supplied it leads to incomplete combustion forming CO instead of Co2. And if more excess air is supplied it leads to reduction of combustion efficiency by cooling the furnace & carrying the heat through flue gas.

So, it is important to adjust the air supply in such a way that complete combustion will take place without much extra air.

13-Calculate the % of excess air required if oxygen measured in flue gas at economiser outlet is 5.5%.

Excess air = O2% X 100 / (21-O2%)

Eair = 5.5 X 100 / (21-5.5)

Eair = 35.48%

14-Calculate the total air required for complete combustion of coal if Theoretical air supplied is 7.1 kg/kg of coal and O2 measured in flue gas is 6.4%

Actual or total mass of air supplied = (1 + Excess air / 100) X theoretical air

We have

Excess air = O2% X 100 / (21-O2%)

Eair = 6.4 X 100 / (21-6.4)

Eair = 43.84%

Actual or total mass of air supplied = (1 + 43.84 / 100) X 7.1

Actual or total mass of air supplied = 10.21 kg/kg of coal

15-How do you control the excess air?

Excess air is controlled by;

  • Optimizing the moisture content in the fuel
  • Improving combustion chamber performance
  • Auto control of fuel feeding
  • Continuously monitoring O2 content in flue gas
  • Incorporating auto combustion control
  • Incorporating VFD drives to ID, FD, PA & SA fans

16-Among Bagasse, coal and Natural gas, which fuel needs more excess air?

Bagasse, since it has more moisture content

17-A boiler has supplied 27% excess air, calculate % of O2 in flue gas

Excess air = O2% X 100 / (21-O2%)

27 = O2% X 100 / (21-O2%)

27 X 21 -27 X %O2 = 100 X O2%

567= 127 O2%

O2% = 4.46

Read Powerplant & calculations


Reasons for priming, foaming and carryover in Boilers

How do you carryout performance Guarantee (PG) test of power plant equipments??

 





What do you mean by performance Guarantee (PG) test?

 It is a test carried out to measure the performance of an equipment as guaranteed by the manufacturer.

What are the equipments on which PG test is carried out in power plants?

Generally all the equipments should met manufacturer guarantee performance value, but in Power plant, Boiler, Turbine & Generators are the major & critical equipments where PG tests are carried out.

When & who do carryout PG test?

PG test is carried out after erection & commissioning of the equipments and before hand over of the equipments PG test is carriedout.PG test is carried out. It is carried out by Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

How do you carryout PG test?

For conducting the PG test, some parameters are measured & compared with standard design & operating values. Before conducting PG test, it is mutually agreed between OEM & Owner what parameters to be measured & means of measurement. And also it is mutually agreed that, how much time this test will be conducted. In some cases PG test is conducted for 8 hours, in some cases 24 hours.

And also the frequency of parameters measurement is decided before commence of PG test.

Procedure for PG test.

Testing Methodology: Standard testing methodology is decided

Testing equipment: Type of equipment, its measuring accuracy & calibration reports

Tolerance: The margin of error.

Ambient temperature: It is most important for conducting PG test since all the equipments & systems are designed on the basis of atmospheric temperature.

Parameters Log sheet & List of Operation team to be involved in PG tests are decided before the test.

Once the PG test completes, log sheets are collected & should be signed by owner & OEM for future reference.

What is the significance of carrying out PG test in Boilers?

PG test is carried out to ensure following key performance Indicators (KPIs) of Boiler

  • Specific fuel consumption of the Boiler or steam to fuel ratio (SFR)
  • Steam Purity
  • Steam pressure & temperature at various operating condition
  • Boiler efficiency
  • Load stability during various load demand
  • Stack gas quality
  • Minimum & maximum rating
What parameters are measured during Boiler PG test?
  • Steam pressure & temperature
  • Steam flow & feed water flow
  • Fuel consumption
  • Attemperator/Desuper heater water flow
  • Feed water parameters like pH, conductivity, silica, Hydrazine
  • Boiler Water parameters like pH, conductivity, silica, Phosphate
  • Steam parameters like pH, conductivity, silica etc
  • Feed water temperature at Deaerator outlet
  • Feed water temperature at Economiser inlet
  • Exhaust flue gas temperature
  • Excess air & O2% in flue gas
  • Flue gas parameters like SPM, SOx, NOx etc
  • ESP & APH inlet & outlet flue gas temperature for air leakage test
  • Combustion air temperature after APH
  • Unburnt level in ash
  • CBD water flow
  • Drum level
  • Boiler auxiliary power consumption
  • Operating % of load Fans& fuel feeding system at various Boiler load.

In this test, a boiler is allowed to generate steam at various load conditions. Its capability to generate steam at required parameters and required efficiency is checked.

Note: While conducting Boiler PG test, input parameters like fuel moisture, GCV etc kept as per design values

What is the significance of carrying out PG test in Turbines?

PG test is carried out to ensure following key performance Indicators (KPIs) of Boiler

  • Specific steam consumption (SSC)
  • Exhaust steam temperature
  • Condenser vacuum
  • Heat rate & efficiency
  • Turbine bearing vibrations & temperature
  • HP valve demand during various load demand
  • Turbine Noise level
  • Stability during sudden load cut off
  • Steam pressure & temperature of extraction & bleed steam
  • Turbine auxiliary power consumption

What parameters are measured to conduct PG test of steam Turbine?

  • Turbine inlet steam pressure & temperature
  • Turbine inlet steam flow
  • Auxiliary steam flow
  • Condenser inlet & outlet cooling water temperature
  • Turbine & Gear box all bearings & vibrations
  • Noise level around turbine
  • Load on Generator
  • Oil cooler inlet & outlet water & oil temperature
  • HP & LP valve lift & demand
  • Turbine casing thermal expansion
  • Wheel chamber pressure
  • Pressure, temperature & steam flow of extraction & bleed steam
  • Exhaust steam pressure, temperature and flow

What parameters are checked for PG test of Generators?

  • Generator output power
  • Terminal voltage
  • Frequency
  • Current
  • Power factor
  • Winding & air temperature
  • Air cooler inlet & outlet water temperature

 

 Read.

Power plant equipments SOP

Power plant & calculations.

 

 

Standard Operation Procedure of Oil filter & oil Cooler change over

 

SOP: Oil Filter Change Over

Follow the below mentioned steps for changeover of filter.

This procedure is valid for duplex filter.

  • Ensure Filter DP is high enough to change the running filter to stand by filter.
  • Ensure that stand by filter is provided with filter element, which is cleaned or replaced with a new one.
  • Open the vent of the standby filter.
  • Crack- open the filter equalizer line.
  • See that air is coming out of filter, close vent as soon as full bore liquid comes out of it.
  • Operate change over mechanism.
  • Observe that filter DP has come down to minimum DP position in the indicator.
  • Close the equalizer line.
  • Clean the choked filter & keep ready for immediate use.

SOP: Cleaning of Choked oil Filter Element

Follow below steps to clean or replace filter element.

  • Open drain and vent of choked filter.
  • Ensure complete draining of filter body.
  • Open the filter flange and remove the filter element(s).
  • Clean the filter body from inside.
  • Clean the filter element with fresh water/ petrol and dry it with dry air, if it is a reusable filter or use new cartridge if it is a non-reusable one.
  • Close the filter flange.

Oil Cooler Change Over

This procedure is valid where duplex type oil cooler is provided. When running cooler is required to do maintenance due to leakage, non-performing etc., it needs to change over to standby one. Proceed as per below mentioned steps for cooler change operation.

  • Ensure stand-by one ready for operation.
  • Ensure stand-by oil cooler vents on both tube and shell side of the cooler is open.
  • Ensure the cooler drains are closed.
  • Charge Cooling water in the cooler and close waterside vents after removing entrapped air.
  • Open cooler oil equalizer line. It takes some times to fill a cooler.
  • Close oil vent once entrapped air is completely removed.
  • Operate change over mechanism.

Check all the parameters of oil and cooling water.

Control oil temperature by operating CW valve.

Power plant equipments standard operating procedures (SOP)

 











SOP: Standard Operating Procedures

SOP is to provide a harmonized organizational framework for the operation of equipments and system.

Objectives of SOP

SOPs are detail-oriented documents and provide step-by-step instructions as to how employees within an organization must go about completing certain tasks and processes.

SOP of Centrifugal Pumps:

START:

For starting of a centrifugal pump proceed as stated below. However, when a pump is put on remote & auto, its suction and discharge valves are normally kept open unless specific logic and protection is implemented.

  • Ensure there are no work permits on equipment & equipment is in normalized condition.
  • Ensure tank level is normal.
  • Ensure suction valve is open & suction pressure is normal.
  • Ensure field all instruments are in service.
  • Ensure proper lubrication for pump bearing
  • Ensure cooling water flow & pressure to bearings & mechanical seal (If provided)
  •  Ensure Discharge valve is closed.

Note: For high discharge head pumps, normally discharge valve is in closed condition and there will be minimum recirculation valve. And low discharge head pumps discharge valve is in open condition

  • Ensure that all the protection and interlocks are in service.
  • Prime the pump by opening air vent from pump body or discharge vent.
  • Give start- command by operating LPB or from DCS.
  • Once pump achieves normal speed, open discharge valve slowly.
  • Check current, vibration, bearing temperature, any noise etc. and record.

SOP STOP:

  • To stop a centrifugal pump follow below mentioned steps.
  • Keep integral by pass open & close discharge valve, .
  • Issue stop command either from local push button or from DCS.
  • Keeps cooling water flow some more time to gland cooling etc.
  • If the pump is kept as stand by, don’t close CW line valve
  • If the pump is stopped for maintenance, isolate suction valve, discharge integral bypass, minimum re-circulation line valve and balancing leak off line valve.
  • Stop cooling water flow to pump gland.

SOP of positive displacement pumps:

Plunger pump, reciprocating pump, screw pump& gear pump are such pumps in this category. MOP, LDO pump are gear pumps, lime dosing pump etc. are of screw pumps.

Pumps like HP/LP dosing pumps are plunger pump which are normally used in power plant.

START:

  • Follow the steps below for startup of such pump.
  • Ensure there are no work permits on equipment & equipment is in normalized condition.
  • Ensure normal tank level.
  • All field instruments are in service.
  • Ensure proper lubrication for pump bearing.
  • Ensure suction & discharge valves are open.

Note: Positive displacement pumps should be always started with discharge valve open

  • Ensure that integral pump relief valve & that of on discharge line are not gagged.
  • Ensure that all the protection and interlocks are in service.
  • Prime the pump by opening air vent from pump body or discharge vent.
  • Give start- command by operating LPB or from DCS.
  • Check current, vibration, bearing temperature, any noise etc.. and record the data.

SOP STOP:

 Switch off keeping all the valves on.

Reference books for power plant O&M

Cooling Water Pump/Tower

To take cooling tower in service, proceed as stated below.

  • Ensure that Cooling Tower sump is filled with makeup water up to operating level.
  • Tower distribution header valves are opened.
  • CW return water line valves are open.
  • CW pumps are available for operation and free to rotate.
  • CT fans are available for operation.
  • CT fan gearboxes are filled with requisite lube oil (LO) and up to operating level.
  • Protections for CWP and CT fan are in service.
  • Ensure field instruments are in service.
  • Open suction valve for selected pump, keep discharge valve close.
  • Prime pump by opening air release valve on pump.
  • Start CW pumps and gradually open the discharge valve.
  • Charge cooling water in condenser, lubricant oil (LO) cooler, and generator cooler.
  • Check discharge pressure, vibration, bearing temperature and motor current.
  • Check distribution of cooling water in tower and adjust deck valve to make it uniform.
  • Maintain sump level. Put other cooling water pump on auto.

Note:

 Before putting any pump on auto, ensure that pump’s suction and discharge valves are open and priming of the pump is done.)

SOP Lube Oil cooler & Oil filter change over

SOP Boiler Feed Water Pump start up

Follow the steps given below 

  • Ensure there are no work permits on equipment & equipment is in normalized condition.
  • Ensure Deaerator level is normal
  • Ensure pump suction pressure is normal
  • Pump and Motor bearings are properly lubricated and oil cups contain oil.
  • Ensure suction strainer differential pressure is normal
  • All protection and interlock are in service.
  • All field instruments are in service.
  • CW line for bearing cooling & gland water cooling is open.
  • Open suction valve, keep discharge valve close.
  • Ensure minimum re circulation and balancing leak off line valves are open.
  • Start pump by operating Local start Push Button or from DCS.
  • Ensure pump has reached 50% RPM in just 10 seconds to avoid bearing failure & rubbing of balance & counter balance discs.
  • Gradually open discharge valve. If integral by pass valve is provided, open by pass valve first. Once Feed line is pressurized, main discharge valve can be opened fully.
  • Check all parameters, bearing temperature, vibrations, suction / discharge pressure, balance leak off pressure, motor winding temperature etc.
  • Put other pump(s) on auto.

SOP Instrument Air Compressor (Reciprocating)

Follow the steps given bellow to start a compressor

  • Ensure there are no work permits on equipment & equipment is in normalized condition.
  • All protection and interlock are in service.
  • All field instruments are in service.
  • Sufficient lubricant oil (LO) is present in crank sump.
  • CW is charged in compressor and after cooler and flow switch is reset.
  • Moisture Traps are in service.
  • Suction air filter is cleaned.
  • Discharge valve is open.
  • Start compressor.
  • Check loading and unloading of compressor.
  • Record loading unloading current and pressure.
  • Check discharge temperature.

Pump Change Over SOP:

  • Ensure that stand by pump is available for operation.
  • Prime the pump after opening its suction valve. (Where minimum re circulation line is provided, open re circulation line valve).
  • Start pump either from local or from remote.
  • Open discharge valve and close minimum re circulation line valve.
  • Gradually close discharge valve of previous pump. (where minimum re circulation line is provided , open re circulation line valve before closing discharge valve)
  • Ensure that incoming pump is maintaining all parameters like discharge pressure, bearing temperature & vibrations.
  • Switch off the previous pump.

Boiler Gauge Glass Operation

Initial line up SOP

  • Crack open the steam cock. Wait for some time till the gauge glass is heated slowly.
  • Crack open the water cock.
  • Close the drain cock & vent valve.
  • Open the steam cock and water cock fully.

SOP for Gauge glass flushing

  • Close the water cock and open the drain cock for some time.
  • Close the drain cock and open the water cock.

Note: Water should return to its normal working level quickly. If this does not happen, then there is a blockage in the waterside

  • Then Close the steam cock and open the drain cock for some time.
  • Close the drain cock and open the steam cock.

Note: If the water does not return to its normal working level quickly, then there is blockage in the steam side.

Charging of Main Steam Line

This procedure is applicable when main steam line is depressurized and first boiler is coming into service. Proceed as follows for charging main steam line.

  • Ensure that boiler has achieved at least 60% of its rated pressure
  • (for detail operations of boiler refer boiler operation from OEM manual).
  • Ensure that that all the drain line valves are open along with stream trap by pass.
  • Open MSSV by pass partially so that line steam pressure is at 5 kg/ cm2.
  • Heat up line at least for 10 min.
  • Increase pressure up to 10 kg/ cm2 for another 10 min. To control main steam pressure line, warm-up vent can be opened and regulated.
  • Once dry steam is observed  coming out from all the drains, close the steam trap by pass and keep all the traps in service.
  • Increase pressure of the steam line near about the boiler pressure and open MSSV. Before operating MSSV, care to taken that steam pressure before and after MSSV is more or less same. To match the steam pressure warm up vent can be throttled.
  • Increase pressure and temperature as required for turbine start up.
  • It is to be noted that increase of temperature up to 300 deg C should be 3-5 deg C per minute. Above 300 degC the increase of main steam line should be 5-7 degC per minute.

SOP Ejector System

Normally ejector system consists of one set of Hogger and 2 main ejectors. For ACC ejector system there is

One set of Hogger system and 2 set of service ejector. Each service ejector set consists of 2 nos of ejectors, 1 in 1st stage and 1no ejector in 2nd stage.

To take Hogger ejector in service follow following guidelines

  • Ensure auxiliary steam is available at desired pressure and temperature
  • Ensure vacuum breaker valve fitted on steam condenser is closed
  • Ensure cooling water is circulating in the condenser and the turbine gland is charged fully at 0.1 kg/cm2
  • Note: During cold start up gland sealing is charged after taking hogger into line (after vacuum pulling) i.e say at vacuum -0.2 to -0.5 kg/cm2 & During hot start up gland sealing is charged before taking hogger into line (before vacuum pulling).
  • Ensure live steam line to ejector steam lines drain are kept open.
  • Charge the main steam line to ejector steam & temperature control valve.
  • Ensure the rated pressure (10 kg/cm2 or as specified by OEM) and temperature.
  • Once the rated parameters are reached open the steam valve of starting or hogger ejector.
  • Observe the steam is vented to the atmosphere.
  • Then open the ejector airline valve.
  • Observe vacuum inside the condenser increasing slowly and will reach 60 to 70% of rated vacuum within 20 minutes

 Read More SOPs.

Emergency operation guide in power plants

Slop fired Boiler SOP

Turbine oil flushing SOP

Coal handling plant SOP

Boiler refractory dry out SOP

Boiler feed pump start/stop SOP

Steam turbine cold, warm & hot start up SOPS

Boiler Alkali Boil out SOPs

Boiler Hydraulic test SOP


15-Emergencies in power plant operation

 

Emergencies in power plant operation: Following are some of the emergencies that are normally faced during operation of power plant.

1.Tripping of boiler: Following are the main cause of tripping of boiler

  • Low drum level
  • High furnace pressure
  • High/ low bed temperature
  • Tripping of boiler due to failure of FD, PA, SA  and ID fan
  • Electrical fault in Boiler MCC

2.Tripping of Boiler; Case: 2 Boilers & 2 Turbines

Actions to be taken:

  • Reduce load at turbines so that inlet pressure to turbine maintains at operating value.
  • Share load equally on both the turbines.
  • Close main steam stop valve of the tripped boiler.
  • Ensure that all coal feeders (fuel feeding system) and fans are stopped on tripping of boiler.
  • Maintain drum level.
  • If required stop one boiler feed pump (BFP).
  • Check the cause of tripping of boiler and try to rectify the fault.
  • If boiler fault is rectified, start the boiler with startup compartment and gradually increase boiler pressure and temperature (Follow hot/warm start up curve)
  • Synchronize the boiler with the running boiler.
  • Start one more BFP
  • Take compartment one by one into line and increase the load
  • Maintain the equal load on both turbines as per requirement
  • Finally stabilize the power plant operation.
  • If the boiler fault cannot be rectified immediately, decision of stopping of one boiler can be taken after due consultation with station manager.

3.Tripping of Turbine

Followings are some of the causes of tripping of turbine

  • Any one of the protections or interlocks of turbine or generator generally initiates tripping of turbine.
  • In some of the cases spurious tripping is caused due to mal functioning of instruments.
  • Due to mal operation of the operating staff.

4.Non-availability of Fuel (Normal Shut Down): (Case: 2 Boilers & 2 Turbines)

Take planned shutdown of power plant in following ways.

  • Reduce station load by switching off export feeders.
  • Stop one turbine and put it on turning gear once turbine speed comes to zero.
  • Stop one boiler by slumping the compartments one by one. Slumping of compartment is done in the reverse direction i.e. 5th compartment is slumped first and so on.
  • Reduce further load by switching off the auxiliaries.
  • Finally, one turbine runs on auxiliary power load. If STG running on synchronized condition, generator breaker can be opened on auxiliary load. If STG runs on islanding mode, synchronize STG with DG or grid and transfer auxiliary load to DG or grid before opening Generator breaker at minimum STG load.
  • Stop the turbine and put on turning gear in due time.
  • Stop ACC fans or CT fans, CEP etc. in due time.
  • Keep open main steam line & other process steam line drains.
  • Once fuel is made available, restart power plant as per cold start up procedure

5.Non-availability of DM Water

  • Plan for normal shut down.
  • Build up DM water in DM storage tank and restart Power plant as per start up procedure

6.Fuel handling / Fuel feeding system Break down

  • Causes of Fuel handling & fuel feeding system failure
  • Belt cut
  • Mechanical equipments like gear box, coupling & pulley failure
  • Electrical equipments like motor & feeders failure

Take following actions

  • Inform the station Manager & reduce the steam demand
  • Switch off the export feeder
  • Trip the Turbine & put it on turning gear as per SOP
  • Stop the other fuel feeding & fuel handling system
  • Stop the fans sequentially
  • Hot box up the Boiler as per SOP
  • Attend the breakdown
  • Re-start the plant as per SOP

7.Boiler feed pump incomer supply failure

  • Causes of incomer supplier failure,
  • Breaker trip
  • Relay malfunction

Take following actions

  • Reduce the steam demand, trip the export feeders
  • If supply is not restored within minute,trip the Boiler & Turbine manually
  • Hot box up the Boiler
  • Put STG on turning gear as per SOP
  • Stop the fuel handling system
  • Identify & troubleshoot supply failure
  • After restoring the BFP incomer power supply, stat the Boiler feed pump & maintain drum water level
  • Start the Boiler as per SOP (Hot or Warm)

8.Main steam line leakage

  • Probable Causes of main steam line leakage,
  • Leakage in welding joint due to corrosion & rusting
  • Uneven expansion
  • Water hammering

Take following actions

  • If leakage is heavy inform the station Manager & reduce the steam demand
  • Switch off the export feeder
  • Trip the Turbine & put it on turning gear as per SOP
  • Stop the fuel feeding & fuel handling system
  • Stop the fans sequentially
  • Hot box up the Boiler
  • Identify & arrest the leakage
  • Analyze the causes of leakage
  • Start the Boiler & STG as per SOP

9.Turbine HP valve gland leakage

Probable Causes of HP valve gland leakage,

  • Turbine Load hunting
  • Ageing
  • Poor fitment of gland packings during overhauling

Take following actions

  • If leakage is heavy inform the station Manager & reduce the steam demand
  • Switch off the export feeder
  • Trip the Turbine & put it on turning gear as per SOP
  • Stop the Boiler as per SOP
  • After cooling, attend the gland leakage
  • Start the Boiler & Turbine as per SOP

10.Tripping of Auxiliary Transformer

  • Following are the probable cause of tripping of auxiliary transformer.
  • Heavy earth fault in any of the LT drives.
  • Tripping on transformer protection like low oil level, high oil/winding temperature, Buchholz relay operation etc.

On tripping of auxiliary transformer, total power plant will trip. Proceed as follows to tackle the emergency.

  • Resume auxiliary power immediately.
  • Ensure STG have got tripped and shutdown safely
  • Ensure boilers are tripped.
  • Close MSSV.
  • The drives, which were put on auto, take all of them on manual.
  • Close all the control valves.
  • Once auxiliary power is available, start one BFP and take water into boilers.
  • To resume auxiliary power stand by Auxiliary transformer can be taken to service if HT voltage available in bus or by closing PCC bus coupler.
  • Put STG on turning gears after starting AOPs.
  • Start the power plant as per hot start up procedure.

11.Tripping of Export Transformer

  • Following are the probable causes of tripping of export transformer.
  • Heavy earth fault in any of the LT drives.
  • Tripping on transformer protection like low oil level, high oil/winding temperature, Buchholz relay operation etc.

On tripping of export transformer,power plant will come to Island mode operation. Proceed as follows to tackle the emergency

  • Ensure Turbine has not tripped on high pressure
  • Maintain Boiler operating pressure by controlling start up vent control valve
  • Operate Boiler & STG on home load
  • If process needs steam, charge the steam from PRDSH as per SOP
  • Maintain Boiler load as per steam process demand
  • After troubleshooting the transformer, synchronize the Turbine with grid & start to export the power
  • Slowly cut off the PRDSH steam to process & charge the process steam line through Turbine extraction steam.

 12.Tripping of Export Feeder

Probable cause of tripping of feeders are,

  • Over load
  • Earth fault
  • Maintain main steam header pressure
Take following actions

  • Ensure that dumping system has acted to cope up increase in pressure. If dumping system is not available, maintain Boiler pressure by operating start up vent CV & also take combustion system in manual mode to reduce firing as per requirement
  • Reduce load on boiler, if required slump one compartment of a boiler or both the boilers.
  • Ensure that dumping system ceases to operate and system is stabilized at reduced load.
  • Analyze the cause of tripping of feeder and rectify.
  • Once problem is sorted out and rectified, take export feeder in service after due consultation with consumer.
  • Gradually increase load on power plant and stabilize.

13.Turbine Oil Leakage

  • Causes of oil leakage in turbine area,
  • Leakage in oil line caused by failure of joints or flanges or due to vibration in oil line.
  • Spillage through centrifuge due to seal break.

Take following actions

  • If it is in Lube oil (LO) oil or hydraulic oil line, plan for safe shut down.
  • Try to attend leakage under emergency plan.
  • Analyze the cause for oil leakage to avoid future leakages
  • Do leak testing and restart the turbine
  • If it is in other area like in Centrifuge, isolate centrifuge.
  • Top up oil in MOT, if required.

 14.DCS failure

  • Probable Causes of DCS failure,
  • DCS power supply failure
  • DCS controllers failure
  • DCS other accessories like card, switch & SMPs etc failure

Take following actions

  • During DCS failure, DCS operators cannot judge the plant operating condition so need to take following actions.
  • If Turbine not tripped automatically, trip it manually through emergency push button provided in Governor panel.
  • Trip the Boiler manually (Stop Fuel feeding system, Boiler fans & fuel handling system) & close MSSV manually
  • Start Turbine Lube oil pump manually & put STG on barring gear.
  • Start BFP manually & operate the control valves manually in field.
  • Observe drum level from local level gauge glass
  • Analyze the cause of DCS failure.
  • After troubleshooting start the DCS as per SOP
  • Then start the plant as per SOP (Hot or warm)

15.UPS  failure

  • Probable Causes of UPS failure,
  • UPS battery failure
  • UPS cards failure

Take following actions

  • After UPS failure, DCS also gets fail & DCS operators cannot judge the plant operating condition so need to take following actions.
  • If Turbine not tripped automatically, trip it manually through emergency push button provided in Governor panel.
  • Trip the Boiler manually (Stop Fuel feeding system, Boiler fans & fuel handling system) & close MSSV manually
  • Start Turbine Lube oil pump manually & put STG on barring gear.
  • Start BFP manually & operate the control valves manually in field.
  • Observe drum level from local level gauge glass
  • Analyze the cause of UPS failure.
  • After troubleshooting of UPS start the DCS as per SOP
  • Then start the plant as per SOP (Hot or warm)

 

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15-Emergencies in power plant operation

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