Closed-Loop Steam Cleaning for Power Plant Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cleaning power plant components, particularly steam turbines, are inefficient and require significant resources, including demineralized water and complex facilities, and cannot be performed continuously due to limitations in water supply and particle detection at high temperatures and pressures.
Innovation Solution
A closed circulatory steam cleaning method where condensed steam is routed through plant components in a continuous flow circuit, with a pressure-resistant and temperature-resistant measuring device to test purity, allowing uninterrupted cleaning and reducing water usage and facility complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional steam cleaning methods are used with demineralized water, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but water consumption and facility complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop system where steam is condensed back into water and reused continuously. The cleaning steam that flows through the power plant components is condensed in a condenser, and the resulting water is fed back into the system to generate more cleaning steam. This eliminates water loss and removes the need for continuous demineralized water supply, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the water supply dependency from the cleaning system by implementing a self-sufficient closed-loop. The system takes out the need for external demineralized water supply by condensing and reusing its own steam, thereby eliminating the constraint of water generation capacity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If conventional steam cleaning methods are used, then particles can be removed, but the process cannot be performed continuously due to water supply limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous cleaning operation by implementing a closed-loop steam system. The steam is continuously generated, condensed, and reused without interruption. The measuring device continuously monitors particle levels in real-time, allowing the cleaning process to run continuously until purity requirements are met, without being stopped by water supply limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a measuring device that continuously monitors the particle content in the steam and provides feedback about the cleaning progress. This feedback mechanism allows the system to operate continuously and adjust the cleaning process based on real-time measurements, ensuring particle removal effectiveness while maintaining continuous operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If demineralized water is used for steam generation, then cleaning purity is achieved, but dependency on water generation capacity limits productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system self-sufficient by condensing and reusing its own steam in a closed-loop. The system no longer depends on external demineralized water supply facilities. The steam is continuously condensed and reused, allowing the cleaning process to proceed at maximum speed without being constrained by water generation capacity, thus improving productivity while maintaining steam purity.
4Reliability
If complex cleaning facilities with multiple components are used, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cleaning facilities into a single integrated closed-loop system. The steam generator, cleaning components, condenser, and water feed system are combined into one continuous circulation system. This integration maintains thorough cleaning capability while simplifying the overall facility structure and reducing the number of separate components required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables continuous cleaning without water loss, independent of demineralized water generation capacity, reduces cleaning time, and simplifies facilities, allowing for uninterrupted operation and reduced sound emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the measuring device (16) comprises, for testing the steam purity, a measuring apparatus (M) which can be introduced directly into an operational steam line (4.1a, 4.1b)
Implementation Method 2
measuring device for measuring the degree of purity of the medium
Implementation Method 3
steam condensed in the condenser is routed continuously in a closed flow circuit through one or more plant parts to be cleaned
Implementation Method 4
steam generated by the evaporation of water of highest purity (demineralized water) in the boiler
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cleaning plant components of a power station, wherein a medium is continuously passed through one or more plant components for cleaning a closed circuit and a check of the medium for degree of purity is carried out in at least one operating plant component.