Steam turbines provide a valuable opportunity for many industries in South Africa to self-generate more of their own power requirements, often from alternative fuels produced as a byproduct of their processes. According to manager of Steam Turbine Energy Systems, Rudolf van Pype, this technology offers benefits that include energy cost reductions, a more stable supply of power and a lower carbon footprint.
A leading South African firm taking advantage of these opportunities is Sappi Saiccor. Its mill at Umkomaas in KwaZulu-Natal is one of the world’s largest producers of dissolving pulp for viscose staple fibre. This is used mainly in the production of textiles, but also in other household, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications. Gas produced from this process represents a fuel source which generates steam for electricity production. “A 45 MW extraction backpressure steam turbine from WEG will be adding to Sappi Saiccor’s energy generating capacity at its MgO3 plant,” says van Pype. “The power generated will be used for internal consumption.”
He explains that steam turbine technology is also becoming increasingly versatile to accommodate the specific requirements of different facilities. At the Sappi Saiccor mill, for instance, there is the need to have 15 different load points served by the turbine, where in the past it was usual to have just two or three load points.
“It is now possible to provide many more load points, each one with its own inlet steam flow conditions,” he says. “The steam turbine design can cater for a steam flow range that varies considerably. For the new unit at Sappi Saiccor, this range will be from 75 to 300 t/h.”
As the leading manufacturer of steam turbines in Brazil, WEG has supplied a number of units of this turbine model to customers in the market there. The company’s factory in Brazil will design and manufacture the new unit bound for South Africa, and WEG will conduct the installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance next year. The Sappi Saiccor mill will also use a 50 MVA, 11 kV; WEG alternator, which will be coupled to the steam turbine.
Van Pype highlights that there is significant interest in steam turbine technology among South African companies who produce steam as part of their industrial processes – especially those who have alternative fuel sources. He notes that loadshedding has limited the productivity of many firms, and they are now looking for longer-term solutions.
“We receive regular enquiries from companies who operate boilers for their operations, looking for opportunities to reduce their operating costs, while raising their production levels through a more reliable supply of electricity,” he says. “We are able to conduct an assessment of their steam flows and pressures to advise on the most suitable turbine size and the amount of energy they could generate internally.”
He adds that WEG also has a depth of local expertise and supporting infrastructure to service steam turbines of various makes, and can provide maintenance contracts to give customers peace of mind. In addition to this, WEG offers its customers access to a complete set of spare parts, all of which promote high equipment availability levels.
Power supply with scalability optimised Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has introduced the Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular to the South African marketplace. This robust uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed to protect critical loads while offering third-party verified Live Swap functionality.
Read more...Prioritising arc flash safety Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.
Read more...Energising South Africa ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
With South Africa facing a critical juncture in its energy transition – needing to meet rising demand while reducing emissions – energy storage is key, promising stable grids, and integrating renewables.
Read more...How to measure frequency
Electrical Power & Protection
Circuits and equipment may be designed to operate at a fixed or variable frequency. They may perform abnormally if operated at a different frequency than specified.
Read more...Power audits – an important step in the sustainability journey in Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Sustainability has become a global imperative, with countries and businesses worldwide striving to reduce their environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote long-term viability. In the context of Africa, the sustainability journey is particularly crucial.
Read more...Enhanced distribution transformer monitor Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest announced that the INCON Distribution Transformer Monitor (DTM) from Franklin Electric Grid Solutions has been updated to include new transformer life prediction functionality, enabling service and maintenance forecasting. This leverages predictive algorithms to estimate the remaining lifespan of transformers, streamlining operations.
Read more...WEG to debut at Electra Mining Africa WEG Africa
News
WEG has maintained a formidable presence on the African continent for over four decades, consistently demonstrating its industry-leading capabilities at Electra Mining Africa under the Zest WEG brand. This year, a rebranded WEG is poised to make a powerful debut with a renewed focus on innovation and sustainability.
Read more...A guide to spotting solar scams and choosing reliable providers
Electrical Power & Protection
With solar energy an increasingly popular and vital component of our national energy strategy, the simultaneous rise of unregulated and substandard fly-by-night service providers poses a significant risk.
Read more...ACTOM Distribution Transformers builds first 66kV transformer ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM Distribution Transformers recently completed the manufacture of its first 66 kV transformer, and says it is ready to become the dominant force in the supply of HV small power transformers on the African continent.
Read more...Rack mount on-line UPS improves user interface and lead time Emerson Automation Solutions
Electrical Power & Protection
Emerson has announced the new Series D update to the family of proven SolaHD industrial rack-mount online uninterruptible power supplies. The new SolaHD S4KD Series offers significant user interface improvements and other design upgrades to increase reliability and product availability.
printer friendly version