TPT November 2008

T echnology U pdate

features including multi-channels, multi- frequencies, frequency range from 10Hz to 10MHz, a supervision system which allows control of all peripheral devices, sorting management and reporting. Reports provide information on defect location, type, number of good and bad parts and different rates, with a virtually unlimited number of parameter sets. Remote control via the internet offers the possibility of supervision or support from anywhere in the world. The Zet@premium and the Zet@Micro complete the range, providing flaw detection, material sorting, hardness or surface treatment inspection. A complete range of accessories is also available. Controle Mesure Systemes – France Fax : +33 3 85 94 14 15 Email : contactcms@cmseddyscan.com Website : www.cmseddyscan.com Tube Tech International Ltd, UK, has employed technically-advanced methods to achieve high standards of condenser cleanliness at the Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station, near Warrington, UK. The company’s contract for the operation at the power station gave it a dual role – the cleaning of two condensers and inspection of one. Two of the main condensers at the power station were operating at reduced efficiency as a result of deposits on the inside of the tubes. Cleaning is a huge task in itself as there are a total of 81,480 tubes (40,740 in each condenser). An additional function for Tube Tech technicians was to check the tube-wall thickness of one condenser and to establish if any required replacement or plugging. It was vital that downtime be kept to a minimum, as the turbines were undergoing overhaul and the condenser cleaning operation was being carried out at the same time as other work. Tube Tech employed a combination of a new Conco condenser bullet cleaning system and Tube Tech’s own Rotaflex. In this operation, metal scraper bullets are propelled down the tubes using high volume water, removing the offending deposits on Bullet cleaning system for condenser tubes

their way. This was followed by eddy current inspection, in which an electromagnetic probe measured tube-wall thicknesses and highlighted any excessive wear. The benefits of the Conco bullet system include uniform cleaning of each tube and a high level of safety, as no high- pressure water is used. The system cleans effectively, resulting in extended tube life through improved surface conditions. Tubes cleaned with this method are claimed to have a better vacuum and an improved heat transfer rate.

The power station reported increased output accompanied by cost savings through lower fuel consumption. American Electric Power (AEP) was able to report lower CO 2 emissions through less fuel being burnt. Checks on the tube walls revealed that none needed replacement, and the cleaning and inspection operation was successfully completed within agreed time scales. Tube Tech International Ltd – UK Fax : +44 1268 786998

Email : webinfo@tubetech.com Website : www.tubetech.com

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