SAIMC: Secunda branch
June 2018
SAIMC
On 5 April, Hannes Kruger and Hendrik Strauss from Moore Process Controls gave an informative presentation on turbine speed control applications.
Johan Maritz (left) thanks Hannes Kruger and Hendrik Strauss after the presentation.
A steam turbine is a device that extracts thermal energy from pressurised steam and uses it to do mechanical work on a rotating output shaft. There are two main types of turbines: impulse and reaction turbines.
Turbine control is important to prevent catastrophic failures. The inputs used for turbine are: speed; steam valve output; team valve feedback; upstream steam pressure and temperature; downstream steam pressure and temperature; steam flow; and turbine casing temperature.
Up to three speed measurements can be used for speed control and will most commonly be implemented as follows:
• When three inputs are available – use the midrange one.
• When two inputs are available – use highest one.
• When one input is available – use that measurement.
• When 0 inputs are available – trip the turbine.
Hannes mentioned that it is important to start a turbine in auto to ensure that each start-up is similar. A turbine has three start-up sequences: hot, warm and cold start-up. The sequence that will be used is dependent on the downtime of the turbine.
Hendrik wrapped up the presentation with a demo of turbine speed control.
The branch thanks Hannes Kruger and Hendrik Straus for this informative presentation.
All instrumentation and control related mechanicians, technicians and engineers are welcome to attend the monthly technology events. The planned dates for the rest of the year are as follows: 7 June, 5 July, 2 August, 6 September, 11 October and 1 November.
All presentations earn CPD points for ECSA registered persons. Enquiries can be directed to branch chairman Johan Maritz at [email protected] or 082 856 3865.
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