Problems with the steam turbines in air separation units
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Dear friends: Why are the turbines in air separation units rarely of the back-pressure type...
Although the efficiency of condensing steam turbines is lower than that of back-pressure turbines, they operate at lower steam pressure levels, are easier to control, and provide more stable control over the equipment driven by them, preventing issues such as overspeeding~~Personal opinion~~
It has excellent quality, which helps to protect the final-stage turbine impeller and facilitates stable operation conditions
Back-pressure turbines have higher efficiency, but lower operational flexibility. Condensing turbines operate at lower steam pressures, offer greater operational flexibility, and are easier to control under various operating conditions
I’m not entirely sure of the specific reasons, but as you said, our facility’s air separation unit uses condensing steam turbines, while the turbines that drive the circulation water pumps are back-pressure type turbines
Study*. Study*. :):):)
The operating conditions are easy to control; however, if back pressure is used and there are fluctuations in the back pressure network, it has a significant impact on the unit, which is not conducive to the stability of air separation