New Re-Sleeving Technology Saves Finned ACC Tubes

摘要

Afrequent problem plaguing power plants with finned air-cooled condenser tubes is erosion of the tube walls due to influences ranging from feed water chlorination to extreme temperature fluctuations and header condensation. Holes in these elliptical tubes allow air to leak into the sealed steam system, resulting in turbine backpressure with a corresponding decrease in megawatt output. The usual solution is to plug the failed tubes, taking them out of operation. Of course, this reduces the efficiency of the condenser and if too many tubes are plugged, entire tube bundles may need to be replaced at a cost reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Rosebud Operating Services Inc. in Billings, Mont., was particularly concerned when leak testing indicated more than 100 tube leaks were adversely affecting their turbine's performance.