This case shows how a small defect in a multimedia filter caused major downstream consequences, compromised the integrity of reverse osmosis membranes, and demonstrated the importance of a robust, reliable design. What Was Observed The featured image was taken at the inlet of a reverse osmosis (RO) pressure vessel. It shows the multi-orifice protection cover
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Failures during commissioning activities such as chemical cleaning or steam blowing may remain hidden for the first months of operation, yet they can have a direct and lasting impact on power-plant performance. This case examines damage to the regeneration system of a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant and explains how it reduced plant productivity. Solar
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Corrosion risk must be considered carefully during chemical cleaning. A few months after completion of a combined-cycle power plant, the plant was forced to shut down because of operational instability and pressure loss in the steam generator. Inspection and Laboratory Findings A detailed inspection identified multiple leaks on the evaporator tube side and an unusual
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Precommissioning Problems Read More »
Consulting About Steam Blowing A few days ago, we were consulted about a very interesting case that I would like to share my opinion as it would be useful for engineers involved with commissioning: Can carryovers and/or water droplets affect the target plate during steam blowing? Yes indeed. Carryovers can affect final results, specifically magnetite
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Kraft Recovery Boilers The Kraft process is a conversion reaction in which wood chips are digested in a batch reactor, at high alkaline water solution of NaOH and Na2S, to break up the lignin that holds the wood fibers together while obtaining almost pure cellulose, the main component of paper. The waste stream produced from
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Some Insights About Steam Blowing Introduction The science behind steam blowing involves the optimization of the drag force of the steam and the chemical conditioning for corrosion control. Fludization Aspects The fluidization potential (drag force) can be enhanced by minimizing the boundary layer thickness of the fluid, all along the surface of the pipe, as
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Common Boiler Deposits Description Deposition in power plants is most likely the least understood aspect of the operational cycle chemistry applicable to these units during commissioning. Having a complete understanding of the subject is a key factor for the performance of an effective chemical cleaning and the chemical treatment program to be applied. This will
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Ineffective Chemical Cleaning? Introduction Ineffective chemical cleaning? Not really… we have encountered situations where engineers and operators complaint about the cleanliness of the boiler as they see a black liquid coming off the blowdown system during first fire. It´s not difficult to get carried away by a first impression and put into question the effectiveness
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Chromatic Changes Recommendation Chromatic interactions are a great indicator of the kinetic and chemical reaction throughout the course of a chemical cleaning. It is of significant importance to collect samples from different part of the system during the treatment operation as color changes provide reliable information about the evolution of the reaction taking place. Explanation
