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9 - Crockett APP Presentation
9 - Crockett APP Presentation
Thermography
&
Ultrasonic Acoustics
Presented by:
APP Site Visit
Matthew Crockett, Engineer
October 30 November 4, 2006
Plant Engineering Programs
Background
Detecting leaking fluids, whether it be steam,
water or different types of gases, is of major
concern at AEP power plants. These leaking
fluids can affect safety, operation, maintenance,
heat rate, and work performance. Detecting leaks
can be difficult in a power plant environment.
AEP has discovered that the combined application
of Infrared Thermography and Ultrasonic
Acoustics as part of a plant Predictive
Maintenance Program can efficiently identify
leaks in many areas.
Infrared Thermography
Infrared Thermography (IR) can be used to detect
leaks on the following equipment/systems :
1. Leaking Process Valves
2. Steam Traps
3. Condensers
4. Heaters
5. Safety Valves
6. Boiler Casing
Valve leakage
396.0F
400
All boiler, turbine, stop
300
valve, valve chest, etc.,
200
drain lines need to be
checked for leak
SP01: 393.3F
100
93.7F
600
Make sure a valve is
SP01: 533.9F
500
400
totally closed before
300 inspecting.
200
176.6F
350
200
monitor).
118.6F
100
SP01
cycle of operation.
95
90
115
Check all bolts,
AR01: 100.8F
140
120
SP02: 173.9F
100
67 C
o
79oC 80
75.8F
Condenser Air In-leakage
Using IR for air in-leakage requires a small
temperature span since the leakage cools the
downstream piping only by a few degrees.
Changes in surface conditions (paint, rust,
etc.) must be accounted for or false
positives can result.
Using ultrasonics or other methods to
confirm any leak is highly recommended.
Heaters
180
Vacuum pumps, LP drain
pumps, and other types
160
SP01: *156.6F
140
120
should be checked.
100
93.1F
SP01
Example of a
Good Valve
Test Point A = 50 db
Test Point B = 40 db
Test Point C = 17 db
Test Point D = 8 db
Ultrasonic Acoustics
Ultrasonic valve and steam trap inspection is considered
a "positive" test in that an operator can instantly identify
sound quality and intensity differentials and thereby
determine operating condition accurately. A steam trap
troubleshooting guide is usually available from the
factory upon request.
Ultrasonic Acoustic is best when used with Infrared
Thermography to find leakage.
Newer equipment can record Ultrasonic Acoustic wave
patterns and sound levels.