April 2017Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Chloride and sulphate are the most corrosive ions in the water/steam cycle in a power plant. Through pitting, stress corrosion cracking and other corrosion mechanisms, chlorides and sulphates can damage expensive power plant components. Such damage to components like turbines, boilers and steam generator tubes can lead to unplanned shutdowns and extensive maintenance costs.
For these reasons, chloride and sulphate monitoring is essential and has been identified as a key measurement in monitoring power plant chemistry. Various industry organisations around the world, such as EPRI, VGB, IAPWS and TPRI, have specified limits for these contaminants ranging between 2 and 3 ppb. To control contamination at such low levels, there is demand for an analyser that can provide trace-level detection so that preventive measures against corrosion can be taken.
Increasing need to measure chloride and sulphate
With the unpredictability of solar and wind power generation as contributors to the power grid, thermal power generation has to compensate to meet demand. This leads to frequent cycling conditions in a growing number of power plants, with frequent load changes, startups and shutdowns. Shutdowns involve air intrusion which aggravates corrosive conditions. Startups are often rushed to meet demand, leading to a trade-off between maximising return and controlling corrosion. This leads to plants operating for extensive periods of time in corrosive conditions. Monitoring chlorides and sulphates during startup can help determine when contaminant levels have fallen below limits and the plant can be brought online to start power generation.
It is also critical to control corrosive contaminants during regular operation of power plants. Consistently elevated levels of chlorides and sulphates can lead to damage of key components over time and expensive maintenance at more frequent intervals. Direct online measurement of these contaminants allows for identification of specific contaminant levels and offers the opportunity to take preventive action.
The solution
The Mettler Toledo Thornton 3000CS analyser provides online, trace-level chloride and sulphate measurements for continuous monitoring and corrosion control. With its innovative microfluidic capillary electrophoresis technology, this analyser provides a measurement every 45 minutes.
The analyser requires minimal operator intervention and combines ease of installation, use and maintenance with predictive diagnostic features. An easy to use touchscreen interface offers a single screen display of the measurements and the analyser status with trend graph capability to monitor contaminant levels over time.
The analyser is available in a fully enclosed cabinet for dust and drip protection.
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