The Monitor

Production Process Insights

How to Match Pressure and Flow Valves to Your SWAS Application

Posted by AJ Percival on 9/28/20 8:00 AM

Chemical analysis of water and steam samples in utility plants requires precise control of flow and pressure. A common element of the steam and water sampling system is a pressure reducing valve to control the pressure of the sample. However, using an incorrect valve can not only damage plant and sampling equipment, but possibly injure operatorsThat’s why it’s essential to match plant applications with the correct pressure reducing valves. 

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Prevent Sampling Errors with Secondary Cooling Systems

Posted by John Powalisz on 9/8/20 8:00 AM

 

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.

 

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

How to Maximize Your SWAS Instrumentation

Posted by AJ Percival on 8/31/20 8:00 AM

A well-planned and designed steam and water analysis system (SWAS) with the right instrumentation can help provide the critical insights you need to monitor cycle chemistry, protect equipment and ensure safe operation.

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Problematic Sample Flow? Here's How to Solve It

Posted by Jason Thomas on 8/24/20 8:00 AM

Sample flow is a primary factor that affects the results from a steam and water analysis system (SWAS) in a cycling power plant. When sample flow is inconsistent, so are analyzer measurements – which can lead to catastrophic equipment failures. Controlling flow in a SWAS requires the appropriate equipment to eliminate analysis compensation and sources of error in measurements to improve chemical feed accuracy and cost savings.

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Accurately Control Your SWAS Temperatures

Posted by AJ Percival on 8/10/20 8:00 AM

 

A steam and water analysis system (SWAS) conditions, analyzes and monitors the chemical properties of the steam and water used to generate electricity. One of the primary factors that affect the results from a SWAS is sample temperature. Controlling temperature in a SWAS requires the correct equipment to eliminate analysis compensation and sources of error in measurements to improve chemical feed accuracy and cost savings.

 

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Why Should You Sample in Cogeneration Plants?

Posted by John Powalisz on 7/27/20 8:00 AM

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%.

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Match the Right Heat Exchanger to Your Application

Posted by John Powalisz on 7/20/20 8:00 AM

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. 

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Topics: Any Application, Steam & Water

How to Succeed with Sample Conditioning

Posted by John Powalisz on 5/26/20 10:00 AM

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. 

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

What Are FFS and Are They Right for Your Plant?

Posted by John Powalisz on 3/16/20 8:00 AM

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.

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

How to Choose the Right SWAS Configuration for Your Plant

Posted by John Powalisz on 2/24/20 8:00 AM

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.

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Topics: Power, Downstream, Steam & Water