2014 Combined Cycle Users Group: Issue #1

Users tap range of expertise at CCUG annual meeting

There was no drought of shared experiences at the Combined Cycle Users Group in San Antonio, Tex, as dozens of combined-cycle plant managers and staff gathered August 11-13 with key vendors and consultants to tackle a wide range of plant challenges-including issues associated with control systems, advanced monitoring and diagnostics (M&D), transformers, and NERC compliance. An overview of discussions on that subject matter is presented here, with water treatment, fast-start experience, HRSGs, and attemperator replacement experience reserved for future issues of CCJ ONsite. more 

Stator endwindings in resonance can fail when improperly damped or braced

Stator-endwinding resonance and high levels of endwinding vibration are a significant issue that affects many generators and can lead to premature conductor strand fatigue, cracking, arcing, and eventual failure, Bill Moore, Director of Technical Services for National Electric Coil (NEC), told attendees at the 2014 International Conference of Doble Clients. This can occur because of insufficient or faulty bracing systems, a lack of bracing or blocking materials, or loose or dry ties. more
Improve pump performance with cost-effective repairs, upgrades
Dr T Ravisundar (a/k/a Dr Ravi), chief engineer for projects at Chicago-based Hydro Inc, which specializes in pump repairs and upgrades, called CCJ's offices a couple of weeks ago expressing surprise that the quarterly rarely published articles on pumps. The editors explained that the starting point for virtually all of the magazine's articles is either a user-group meeting or a plant visit, and pumps aren't mentioned very often during either. more
Accurately measuring iron key to controlling cycle chemistry

Doing right by your plant's steam/water cycle chemistry just got a little easier. Any added expense is minimal or negligible, according to at least one expert, although one user notes the cost of the program is "significant" but well worth it.

     The IAPWS has issued a technical guidance document, Corrosion Product Sampling and Analysis for Fossil and Combined Cycle Plants, which, for the first time, supports a common baseline for plants worldwide to validate results and maintain low-risk cycle chemistry. Major HRSG manufacturers were involved crafting the document, so there are few worries of getting cross with your vendor.  more 

With a new year fast-approaching, many industry user groups are announcing dates and venues for 2015 conferences and technical forums. Owner/operators and vendors alike can visit this page for updates, contacts, and links. CCJ will be there; will you? more

Developing and Implementing an Effective Generator Assessment Program
Presented by Phil Karwowski, EthosEnergy Group

 
The generator is routinely overlooked when developing an O&M program. As fleets mature, the potential for availability-limiting events caused by the generator continues to increase. However, if an O&M program is developed early to coincide with the outage windows of the turbine, forced outages can be minimized and availability requirements managed. EthosEnergy offers such a plan with our Generator Assessment Program (GAP). Key benefits include risk management and life cycle optimization. more 

  
  
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Date posted: 09/15/14