The Monitor

Topics: Power, Steam & Water

The thermal management of sample coolers is critical to the proper function of a steam and water analysis system (SWAS). Extreme temperatures can lead to erratic or unreliable data, equipment damage and unscheduled downtime. As the EPRI standard states, the goal of a sample system is to “transport and condition a sample without altering the characteristics of interest. The system parameters which need to be controlled are velocity, pressure and temperature.”

Topics: Power, Steam & Water

The goal of a steam and water analysis system (SWAS) in power generation is to properly condition the sample so that it is representative of the process. Secondary sample cooling provides a way to eliminate measurement uncertainty issues by removing the variable of temperature from the measurement. Secondary cooling also provides a temperature “cushion” when primary cooling systems are undersized or underperforming.

Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Combined steam and power facilities, also known as cogeneration plants, use heat recovery steam generators or traditional boilers to provide both high-quality steam and electric power from one fuel source. With natural gas achieving about 30-40% efficiency for power only, creating and sampling your process steam enables combined cycle cogeneration plants to operate at efficiencies between 65-90%.

Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Many industrial processes require the addition or removal of heat and heat exchangers are often used to do this. There are many heat exchange applications within processing plants such a process heating and cooling, vapor condensing to sample conditioning. Ensure you are meeting your application needs by selecting the right specialty heat exchanger. 

Topics: Any Application, Steam & Water

Cycle chemistry is an often overlooked, but critical, process in a power plant that helps provide and maintain the protective layer on equipment and surfaces. Monitoring your cycle chemistry starts with sample conditioning. 

Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Organic cycle chemistry based on film-forming substances (FFS) is being considered more frequently as an alternative to conventional corrosion-treatment programs. Here’s what you need to know about using FFS to inhibit corrosion throughout the water and steam circuits of fossil and combined cycle/heat recovery steam generator plants.  It should be noted that a well controlled, traditional chemistry program is a heavily favored, first choice for most plants.

Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Extracting and refining seeds, legumes and sometimes the “fruit” into oils, such as olive, avocado and vegetable oils, can be complicated. Processed oils need to be consistent in color and taste, and free of impurities that could negatively affect its quality. Automatic sampling can help optimize sampling accuracy and repeatability in every step of the extraction process, while ensuring a safe and delicious final product.

Topics: Food & Beverage, Liquid & Slurry

The technical design specification is the first step in designing a steam and water analysis system (SWAS) that operates accurately, reliably and safely for your plant’s conditions. Understanding the different possible configurations when designing your SWAS can help you choose one that will maximize efficiency and output while protecting plant assets, operators and the environment.

Topics: Power, Downstream, Steam & Water

The full version of this information can be found in the January 2020 of Hydrocarbon Engineering.

A well-designed steam and water sampling system can give you the critical insights you need to monitor steam and condensate quality, cycle chemistry (power production) and identify potential problems in your Hydrocarbon plant.

Topics: Power, Downstream, Steam & Water