Problems with the vacuum system at startup?
Thread Content
Let’s talk about the problems encountered by each unit’s vacuum system during startup, as well as the solutions used, to provide an opportunity for everyone to exchange ideas and share experiences. First, let me mention the problem we faced during our last startup: there were 4 large units in total, and the vacuum level wouldn’t rise during startup. After investigating, it was determined that poor heat exchange in the intercooler might be the cause. However, once all 4 units were started up, the vacuum level improved. At present, this issue hasn’t been fully resolved yet; I’d like to hear everyone’s opinions: handshake
I guess the turbine that LZ is referring to is a condensing steam turbine, right? The purpose of evacuating the system before startup is to remove as much air as possible from the condenser. An insufficient vacuum level has nothing to do with the cooler itself; it depends mainly on whether the vacuum system is functioning properly and on the quality of the system’s sealing. After the unit starts up, the function of the vacuum system is to remove non-condensable gases from the steam as well as any trace amounts of air that may have entered due to poor sealing in the system. Maintaining an appropriate vacuum level depends primarily on the efficiency of the condenser (i.e., how much the volume of the steam decreases after it condenses) It’s easy to understand, right?). What LZ said – the increase in vacuum level after the unit was started indicates that there is no problem with the condenser; it’s necessary to check the vacuum system and the seals of the system.
Thanks for the advice from above! When there were problems with the vacuum at that time, the first things to check were all the seals and areas where leaks might occur, but no issues were found. The only possibility seemed to be that there was something wrong with all the intercoolers (due to an incorrect cleaning procedure when the machine was stopped). I talked about this issue with my colleagues the day before yesterday, and I also think the cause definitely isn’t related to that. Hehe, I’m not an expert in machinery; I’m not professional enough. I just wanted to share this with other sailors so that we can learn from each other~~:lol