FEED BACK No.

13

PROJECT SUBJECT

: :

SIMHADRI STPP - 2 X 500 MW MODIFICATION TO IMPROVE DRAIN VALVE RELIABILITY

Various systems of Thermal Power Station are cleaned during precommissioning for early stabilization of the unit. Further, the total cleanliness of systems achieved over a period of time of initial operation. The system debris from the equipments and connected piping are likely to get dislodged and collected at low point and flushed through drain valves. Because of the above said reason, the premature failure of drain valve internals are. being experienced. In certain cases due to power demand, units are operated with passing valves and the condition is deteriorated causing considerable amount of loss in energy. In most of the projects, valve passing problem remain a major complaint from customer and product (valve) quality is criticized.

M/s. Siemens's practice is to install dynamic separators, as shown, in turbine and extraction drains to protect the valve. At Simhadri 2 x 500 MW project, the above improvement has been provided by PEM to critical piping drains which are leading to turbine flash tank. However, the same provision is not envisaged in drain lines (PEM scope) which are having bypass trap provision. Though site wanted to implement the similar modification, it could not be carried out for want of material. It was decided to remove trap internals in initial stage and drain the system to atmosphere to achieve cleanliness and to prevent damage to the connected drain valves.

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But the above practice is not followed in boiler system, although the phenomenon is more prevalent. The matter was discussed amongst commissioning engineers at site and it is suggested to Trichy to implement the system as shown in the sketch 2 of the following page.

The above provision not only prevents valve damage during initial & subsequent operation of the unit, but also facilitates terminating temporary connections for precommissioining operations such as alkali boil out and acid cleaning. Presently the drain lines are cut at a suitable point after completing the drain lines upto the drain header and normalized after completing the pre-commissioning process. The above suggested provision would reduce the preparation and normalization time and ensure drain line cleaning up to drain header and thereby prevent drain valve damage.

SKETCH 1 =TURBINE DRAINS RECOMMENDED BY M/s SIEMENS AG

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