HRSG Design, Operation and Maintenance Considerations is Hot Topic on Sept. 2, 2010
Heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) are a tool to improve the efficiency of any combustion process in any industry and consequently reduce pollutant and GHG emissions per unit of energy produced. HRSGs use the waste heat in the exhaust to produce additional steam to drive a steam turbine for power generation, provide heat for facilities, provide steam or heat for industrial processes and even produce water by desalinization. HRSGs are available from many manufacturers in a wide variety of shapes, designs, configurations, arrangements and capacities to suit every application. Available types include, but are not limited, to vertical or horizontal gas flow, single, dual and triple pressure with reheat, fired and unfired, modular or packaged.
The question for every operator of a combustion process that is considering adding a HRSG and for the purchaser or designer of a new combustion plant is - Which HRSG design is best for my plant and what is the key criteria I need to consider when specifying a HRSG?
HRSGs can pose unique operational challenges based on the application. For example, when used with gas turbine exhaust in combined cycle operations, rapid startup requirements and subsequent thermal stresses can cause more frequent tube failures. When used with heavy oil-fired engines or boilers, the carbon in the exhaust can cause fouling or coating of the tubes; plastics in waste incinerators can also cause fouling. When used with coal-fired boilers, the contaminants in the exhaust gases as well as the particulate load can cause problems. In addition, the challenges or potential problems can change when operating conditions such as load on a power generator, heating demand, fuel used in the primary combustion process or even ambient conditions change. Since it is difficult for plant owners and operators to predict future operating requirements and conditions, a HRSG that can accommodate a wide variety of conditions while maintaining efficient, cost effective operation can be valuable.
The following speakers will address the issues related to the design, installation, operation and maintenance of HRSGs for various applications, provide suggestions for reducing acquisition, installation, operation and maintenance costs while improving efficiency and update us on new technology or designs under development to improve the performance and reliability of HRSGs.
Gary Gong, PhD, P.E., Senior Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Component Engineering at Siemens Energy, Inc. will discuss HRSG design challenges and present Siemens's solution for HRSG design to achieve fast start-up. The majority of the combined cycle power plants were designed for cycling operation in recent years. For the plants designed for peak and cycling operation, the plant owners often require that the plants be capable of fast start-up to match up the grid load. Fast start-up can save plant owners millions of dollars in fuel cost and emission non compliance cost, but put a lot of challenges on HRSG design.
Peter Allison, Aftermarket Sales Manager and Jake Holvey, Manager of Field Services at Vogt Power International, Inc will present a brief review of some common issues with HRSGs, including the potential for future damage and repair strategies. A good inspection is critical for maintaining a HRSG, in particular when it was designed for base-load operation and is now being cycled, as in most applications.
To register for the "Hot Topic Hour" on September 2, 2010 at 10 a.m. CDT (Chicago time), click on: http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/FGDnetoppbroch/Default1.htm
Bob McIlvaine
President
847 784 0012 ext 112