SteamPAC™ Surveys Steam Valves and Traps While In Service Identifying Valve Leaks!

This Handheld leak detection system identifies and quantifies through-valve loss of normally-closed steam valves for power generation.

“In 2007 a major mid-west utility with a 690-MW unit, found and repaired leaking cycle valves with SteamPAC™. This improved the condenser’s back-pressure allowing them to realize a reduction in overall heat rate resulting in a savings of $1.6 Million in 2008.”

“The SteamPAC™ device does an excellent job of leak detection, but also quantifying the magnitude of the leak. Quantification is critical for proper prioritisation of valve maintenance. During the initial training on the use of the SteamPAC™ device we identified a leaking valve that resulted in an annual cost of $50,000”.

The closed loop design of a boiler directs the steam through the most efficient path for producing electricity. Thermal efficiency in a plant is the amount of steam produced versus the amount of steam that ultimately reaches the turbine. Each leaking valve along the path contributes to a reduction in efficiency. These losses require more fuel to provide the same energy at the turbine, increasing costs and stack emissions.

As the power fleet ages, so do the primary components of the plant. From isolation and stop valves to vent and relief valves, continual repair and replacement of these components is necessary to keep plants operating at optimal efficiency. Identifying the valves that are allowing the greatest loss is a critical tool in the financial management of a plant.

SteamPAC™, with a powerful formula for estimating leak rates, is used in fossil fuel plants to survey the entire inventory of steam valves and traps while in service. This results in positive impacts on Heat Rate and CO2 stack emissions.

The SteamPAC™ sensor “listens” to the turbulence created during expansion of high pressure liquids and gasses passing through a small opening.

High frequency detection is not susceptible to normal operating background noise and vibration, virtually eliminating false positives seen by airborne detection.

SteamPAC™ uses a proprietary algorithm to identify through-valve gas losses and estimates leak rate. Using the readings from SteamPAC™ along with the valve type, size and differential pressure, the calculations are performed within the handheld or the supplied software.

The route-based user interface is simple and intuitive. A single button press will store readings from a valve. Wirelessly transferring the readings to a computer provides trend analysis and leak cost equivalents to justify repair and replacement.

MISTRAS | Triple 5 has been identifying boiler tube leaks for over 25 years. The System is installed in over 100 power plants around the world, has identified 1000’s of leaks, saving plants millions of dollars.