Product category:
Gas monitoring and analysis
News Release from: Emerson Process Management | Subject: Rosemount Analytical CAT 100
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 01 June 2006
On-line analysis of hydrogen cooled
generators
A special configuration of the Rosemount Analytical CAT 100 continuous gas analyser meets all of the measurement requirements for hydrogen cooled turbine generators in electrical power plants
Emerson Process Management has introduced a special configuration of the Rosemount Analytical CAT 100 continuous gas analyser transmitter to meet all of the measurement requirements for hydrogen cooled turbine generators in electrical power plants The on-line thermal conductivity TCD analyser is typically set up with three measuring ranges
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 8 Sep 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The first and primary range (80-100% H2) is to monitor the hydrogen purity during normal operation, the second (0-100% H2) and third (0-100% CO2) measuring ranges allow safe opening of the turbines for maintenance.
On-line gas analysis is used to maintain a high concentration of hydrogen coolant to ensure cooling efficiency and maintain safe conditions.
During normal operation, the hydrogen purity is monitored in an 80 to 100% H2 range (with air as background gas) to expose air leaks or hydrogen supply problems.
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Keeping the hydrogen as pure as possible is critical for the efficient operation of a turbine.
Every 2% reduction in the purity of the hydrogen coolant increases windage losses in the turbine and the cost of running an 800-megawatt generator is increased by up to US$775 a day.
Contaminants in the hydrogen can also be very dangerous and air is the most common impurity due to leaks.
When the oxygen in the air is mixed with hydrogen, this can create an explosive condition.
However, hydrogen does not support combustion in a nearly pure state (90%) with the balance of air.
By using the Rosemount Analytical CAT 100 continuous gas analyser transmitter to constantly monitor the hydrogen purity, any potentially hazardous condition can be avoided, enhancing safety and maximising efficiency and profitability.
When the turbine needs to be opened for maintenance, the hydrogen is first replaced with inert CO2 and this process is tracked with the second measuring range in the analyser, 0-100% H2 (with CO2 as background gas).
Once all of the hydrogen is removed, air is injected to displace the CO2 and this is tracked with the third measuring range 0-100% CO2 (with air as background gas).
When all of the CO2 has been replaced with breathing air, it is safe to open the turbine.
To restart the turbine, this process is reversed.
By accurately determining when each purge cycle is complete, the Rosemount Analytical CAT 100 continuous gas analyser transmitter minimises down time.
Plant safety is enhanced by ensuring that the right conditions exist before personnel can open the turbine for maintenance. Request a free brochure from Emerson Process Management ...
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