The steam flow rate of the turbine varies significantly. What’s the reason?
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Recently, the inlet flow rate of the steam turbine in our equipment has changed significantly. Previously it was 34 t/h, but now it has risen to 36–38 t/h. Meanwhile, the inlet flow rate of the compressor generally fluctuates between 27,000 and 28,500. What could be the reason for this? Also, the steam quality of our equipment isn’t very good
Has the back pressure of the turbine increased?
The quality of steam plays a crucial role; if the steam pressure or temperature changes, the gas consumption also fluctuates accordingly.
Have there been any changes in the inlet and exhaust steam temperature and pressure? Is there any blockage at the compressor inlet? Has the outlet pressure increased? If none of the above is the case, then it must be that the turbine blades are fouled!
I wonder if there is salt buildup on the impeller. Have there been any recent changes in the process?
Reply to 3# sean816: There is no significant change in the pressure and temperature of the steam
The composition of the compressor medium may have changed, meaning that the density or molecular weight of the gas has increased
If there are no significant changes in the compressor operating conditions and the quality of the steam is poor, then salt deposition on the turbine’s stationary and rotating blades must be severe. This leads to an increased gas consumption.
Your operating conditions have not been fully specified, so a conclusion cannot be drawn. 1. Have the parameters of the steam itself changed, such as a decrease in temperature or pressure? 2. Condensing steam turbines may consume large amounts of steam due to increased exhaust temperature and pressure. 3. Scaling on the turbine rotor increases steam consumption. 4. Check and verify whether the flow meter is incorrect.
Any or all of the three reasons may apply. 1 relates to mechanical aspects, such as blades and valves, etc. 2 relates to the medium itself, primarily changes in its composition. 3 is due to steam conditions; a decrease in pressure and temperature will directly result in an increase in steam flow rate. It’s best to carefully analyze the specific circumstances to determine the underlying cause and then take appropriate measures. If it’s due to the latter two reasons, it’s easy to handle; if it’s due to the former reasons, it becomes troublesome.
1. A constant process flow does not mean that the compressor load remains unchanged; the gas composition must be considered – as the molecular weight increases, the load increases as well. 2. The air intake volume is directly related to the speed setting; has the speed been increased? 3. Has the steam pressure decreased? 4. To determine whether the flow meter is working properly, it is recommended to calibrate it.