As
fossil fuel plants cycle, the plants’ components go through unavoidably large
thermal and pressure stresses which cause damage. Changing operating mode from steady state
operation to varying modes of cycling can substantially affect condenser
performance and life expectancy. This Surveillance article is the first of
a two-part series summarizing the CEATI Thermal Generation Interest Group’s
report: Best Practice Guidelines
for the Operation and Maintenance of Steam Condensers and Their Auxiliaries.
It provides concise information on the fault mechanisms of steam condensers and
their auxiliary systems.
Related report:
