On-line Measurements in Power Plants
Three Reasons Why They Reduce Corrosion, Shutdowns, and Repairs
The growth of renewable energy sources is having many consequences for traditional fossil plants. Not least, there is the impact of frequent cycling. Startups and shutdowns stress plant components and provide opportunities for water/steam contamination. This short guide outlines three critical advantages of implementing on-line measurements in power plants to monitor ions in the water/steam cycle and keep contamination to a minimum.
Real-time measurements from on-line chloride/sulfate, silica/phosphate, and sodium analyzers allow plants to take rapid corrective actions, leading to reduced corrosion, fewer repairs, and more uptime.
Increased measurement accuracy: To keep corrosion under control, you need to know precisely what ion contamination levels you are dealing with. Compared with off-line analysis, on-line analyzers significantly reduce potential contamination sources that can impact results. They also ensure measurements are conducted the same way every time, resulting in high measurement accuracy.
Increased measurement frequency: A lot of time is required for collecting, preparing, and measuring grab samples. This means plants only monitor for corrosion once a day or a few times a week, giving corrosive conditions a chance to take hold. On-line measurements provide critical information in real-time, enabling plants to take action as soon as out-of-spec levels are detected.
Maximized efficiency of plant personnel: In recent years, power plants have experienced a significant reduction in workforce. To sustain productivity, plants must now operate more intelligently, not just harder. Automated, unattended on-line measurements in power plants enables continuous monitoring of corrosive contaminants, all while minimizing the need for extensive staffing.
