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Hotwell Level and Condensate Management

The document outlines various operational issues and corrective actions related to a turbine system, including managing hotwell water levels, preventing choking and water hammering in condensate flow, and addressing vacuum drops. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring and adjusting system parameters to maintain efficiency and prevent damage, such as tripping the turbine during lube oil pressure drops or addressing steam line leaks. Additionally, it highlights the need for careful inspection and maintenance of components like valves, pumps, and condensers to ensure proper functioning.

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shehryarnaeem1119
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19 views2 pages

Hotwell Level and Condensate Management

The document outlines various operational issues and corrective actions related to a turbine system, including managing hotwell water levels, preventing choking and water hammering in condensate flow, and addressing vacuum drops. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring and adjusting system parameters to maintain efficiency and prevent damage, such as tripping the turbine during lube oil pressure drops or addressing steam line leaks. Additionally, it highlights the need for careful inspection and maintenance of components like valves, pumps, and condensers to ensure proper functioning.

Uploaded by

shehryarnaeem1119
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

(1) Increase/Decrease in hotwell level

If the level of water in hotwell increases then a dump valve is used to allow the excess water to flow
into a condensate storage tank. If the level of water in hotwell decreases then the make-up water
pump is used to bring in extra water.

(2) Increase in condensate flow (choking and water hammering)

When condensate passes through the most narrow passage of the valve, its velocity becomes
maximum while its pressure becomes minimum. When flow rate is increased, the maximum velocity
also increases which leads to a drop in the minimum pressure. If this minimum pressure goes below
the vapour pressure of water then bubbles form. This process is called choking and it is similar to the
cavitation phenomenon of pumps.

Water hammering occurs due an abrupt change in pressure of the liquid which sends a shockwave
through the entire piping system.

To prevent these the valves should be opened and closed slowly to avoid abrupt pressure changes.

(3) Condenser vacuum drop:

Identify and rectify causes like air ingress or cooling water issues; maintain vacuum by checking
ejectors and condenser cleanliness.

Operate the turbine at reduced load if vacuum cannot be restored immediately.

(4) Lube oil pressure drop:

Trip the turbine immediately to prevent bearing damage.

Inspect lube oil pumps, filters, and system leaks before restarting.

(5) Gland steam obstruction:

Check for blockage or valve malfunction in the gland steam line.

Ensure proper sealing steam pressure to prevent air ingress and steam leakage.

(6) Gland steam condenser issue:

Inspect for cooling water failure or condensate accumulation.

Maintain proper condenser vacuum and drain condensate continuously.

(7) Decrease in ST load (300MW → 280MW):

Adjust steam control valves and monitor steam flow and pressure stability.

Verify load demand, grid conditions, and coordinate with gas turbine output.
(8) Return of gland steam not condensed:

Check gland steam condenser operation and cooling water flow.

Prevent hot steam venting and restore condensation to protect vacuum.

(9) Bypass opened in running condition:

Monitor for sudden steam flow or pressure variations.

Gradually close bypass and stabilize turbine operating parameters.

(10) Differential pressure of seal oil disturbed:

Adjust seal oil pressure to maintain positive differential over hydrogen or air side.

Investigate pump or regulator malfunction to avoid bearing contamination.

(11) Leakage in steam line:

Isolate the affected section immediately and depressurize safely.

Repair the leak and inspect for pipe integrity before resuming operation.

(12) Vacuum breaker opened:

Turbine should trip or load should be reduced instantly to prevent overspeed.

Check for malfunction or unintentional actuation of the vacuum breaker valve.

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