SteamPAC Surveys Steam Valves and Traps While in Service

Handheld leak detection system  from Mistras/Triple 5 identifies and quantifies through-valve loss of normally-closed steam valves for power generation.

The closed loop design of a boiler directs the steam through the most efficient path for producing electricity. Thermal efficiency in a plant is the amount of steam produced versus the amount of steam that ultimately reaches the turbine. Each leaking valve along the path contributes to a reduction in efficiency. These losses require more fuel to provide the same energy at the turbine, increasing costs and stack emissions.

As the power fleet ages, so do the primary components of the plant. From isolation and stop valves to vent and relief valves, continual repair and replacement of these components is necessary to keep plants operating at optimal efficiency. Identifying the valves that are allowing the greatest loss is a critical tool in the financial management of a plant.

SteamPAC, with a powerful formula for estimating leak rates, is used in fossil fuel plants to survey the entire inventory of steam valves and traps while in service. This results in positive impacts on Heat Rate and CO2 stack emissions.

The SteamPAC sensor “listens” to the turbulence created during expansion of high pressure liquids and gasses passing through a small opening.

High frequency detection is not susceptible to normal operating background noise and vibration, virtually eliminating false positives seen by airborne detection.

SteamPAC uses a proprietary algorithm to identify through-valve gas losses and estimates leak rate. Using the readings along with the valve type, size and differential pressure, the calculations are performed within the handheld or the supplied software.