Salt deposition in turbines
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Can salt deposition in steam turbines be removed without shutting down the turbine?
Why has salt formed again? Is the steam quality poor?
Some time ago, at our factory, when an adequate supply of medium-pressure air was available to the turbine of the compressor, it was found that the turbine’s speed could not be increased. It was suspected that the main valves were fouled; reverse flushing using low-pressure steam proved to be very effective. The material discharged as a result of this flushing was brown in color. Regular sampling and analysis of the condensed water resulting from the flushing showed that its salt content was significantly above the acceptable levels. The analysis shows that the reason is improper quality of the medium-pressure gas, as well as substandard steam generated by the power units or auxiliary boilers. Over time, scaling forms on the main steam valves and turbine blades, which leads to a decrease in rotational speed and reduced efficiency.
The only option is to shut down the system for backwashing!
It’s simple: the quality of the steam is not up to standard. Once the quality of the steam is improved, there will be no problems.
It’s simple: the quality of the steam is not up to standard. Once the quality of the steam is improved, there will be no problems.
Is there any technology that involves adding a additive to the inlet pipeline of the turbine (at a point further away from the turbine’s inlet) to remove salt deposits?
What kind of salt is used for making knots? Carbonates of calcium and magnesium, or silicates. The quality of this steam is really too poor; it’s a life-threatening situation. The turbine blades rotate at high speeds, and if the scale buildup is uneven, it is extremely dangerous. It is recommended to shut down the plant for desalination and then check the quality of the feedwater; it is essential to ensure that the water quality meets the required standards.
Based on the analysis results of the condensate water before the machine, it can be determined what type of scale is present. If it is sodium salts that can be removed by high-temperature water, then saturated steam can be used to flush the rotor assembly and the areas within the cylinder stator vanes during the machine’s startup process. There’s also online cleaning; there are companies that specialize in this. :(