Humidity control for turbine preservation in sugar industry is crucial to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of these essential machines. Turbines play an important role in power generation and extraction processes in the sugar industry. Generally, Sugar mills use turbines to convert the energy contained in steam into mechanical power, which is then harnessed to drive various machinery involved in the sugar production cycle. However, the impact of excess humidity during turbines’ idle time or when not in use can be detrimental.
Implementing effective humidity control measures helps prevent these issues, ensuring the turbines are always ready for optimal performance when needed.
Impact of Excess Humidity on Turbines
Turbines are intricate machines with precision components, and high humidity levels can lead to corrosion, rust, and degradation of internal parts. Moisture-laden air can infiltrate the turbine system, causing damage to blades, rotors, and other critical elements. This not only compromises the turbine’s structural integrity but also reduces its overall performance efficiency, leading to high replacement costs.
General Recommendation
During shutdown, Relative Humidity should be maintained at less than 40% (35+/-5%) RH at ambient temperature to minimize the loss due to corrosion.
Bry-Air Solution
There are two types of turbines:
A. Condensing type
B. Extraction type
Preservation of turbine is done for both types with the help of desiccant- based dehumidifier.
A Bry-Air dehumidifier is installed near the turbine, extracting the ambient air from its process inlet and supplying dry, moisture-free air into the turbine from the process outlet. This connection is established at the relief valve/ drain pipe/ cross overhead pipe in the turbine, or any other available outlet. The introduction of dry air ensures that the turbine remains optimally preserved, effectively controlling moisture during idle times or shutdowns in the sugar plant.
The process outlet of the dehumidifier is strategically connected, such as at the relief valve or any suitable opening. In the case of a condensing-type turbine, the outlet is directed through the condenser. This preservation method maintains the turbine under low moisture conditions, free from dust. The best way to check humidity is by measuring the turbine’s outlet air humidity, indicating the optimal conditions sustained within the turbine.
Benefits
- Continuous circulation of dry air through the steam turbine prevents the occurrence of any remaining condensate, ambient air ingress, and moisture condensation.
- The internal components are consistently exposed to sweeping dry air, thus restricting corrosion.
- The presence of technical manpower helps in prompt installation and ensures efficient humidity control.
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