Turbine Storage

Impact of Uncontrolled Humidity

Uncontrolled humidity can wreak havoc on turbines, power generators, boilers, condensers, and other critical equipment. This moisture can lead to rust and corrosion, both during operation and while in storage.

Consequences of High Humidity

● Corrosion of Metal Parts: Expensive metal components such as rotors, compressor parts, bearings, buckets, blades, and gearbox parts can corrode, necessitating frequent repairs and replacements. This results in high maintenance costs and significant downtime.

● Brittleness and Uneven Heating: Steel blades may become brittle, and corroded steel blades do not distribute heat evenly, causing unsatisfactory vibrations.

● Reduced Structural Integrity: Rust weakens materials, reducing their ability to withstand stress and temperature variations. This compromises safety as the materials lose their extra strength.

Malfunction of Electronic Components: Corrosion of electronic and electrical components can lead to serious malfunctions.

● Cracks in Turbine Discs: Low-pressure steam turbine discs can crack, a common problem in rotors used in nuclear and fossil fuel power plants.

● Increased Corrosion in Condensing Turbines: Condensing turbines are particularly affected by corrosion due to the accumulation of water condensate.

● Accelerated Corrosion with Pollutants: When relative humidity exceeds 40%, industrial pollutants like sulfur dioxide further accelerate rusting and corrosion.

Additional Effects

Corrosion of components not only leads to operational inefficiencies but also compromises safety and results in substantial financial losses due to equipment failure and downtime. This is especially critical in offshore sites where environmental control is more challenging.

Causes of Uncontrolled Humidity

● Proximity to Water Bodies: Power plants (nuclear/thermal) located near water bodies or those consuming large amounts of water for processes like waste heat treatment face higher humidity levels.

● Ambient Environmental Factors: Humid climatic conditions contribute significantly to the presence of moisture.

Recommendation

 

To prevent corrosion and ensure the longevity of turbines and other expensive equipment, it is recommended to:

● Maintain Relative Humidity Below 40% : Restricting relative humidity to below 40% can help preserve equipment in optimal condition.

● Use Dehumidification : Dehumidifiers are essential to prevent corrosion, mold, and mildew growth, and to protect equipment from deterioration.

Solution

Josem Solution

Josem provides advanced dehumidification solutions to ensure smooth operation and immediate online availability of turbines and other equipment by controlling humidity levels effectively.

● Dehumidifiers : Josem Dehumidifiers can maintain relative humidity as low as 1% or even lower, ensuring the ideal environmental conditions for turbine storage and power plant layup. They operate efficiently regardless of ambient conditions.