Wireless transmitters prevent unplanned shutdowns at SSE 13 July 2012

SSE has successfully extended the use of Emerson Process Management's smart wireless technology at its Slough Heat and Power energy facility in the UK.

Emma Wilcockson, electrical, control and instrumentation technician at SSE, says that Rosemount Analytical 6081C wireless conductivity transmitters were installed six months ago and have been reliably detecting changes in boiler condensate conductivity that could be caused by cooling-water leaks in the turbine's condenser.

If left undetected, the contaminated feedwater would cause hydrogen embrittlement of the furnace tubes, resulting in tube failures.

Indeed, the 80MW CHP (combined heat and power) plant previously relied on manual sampling and laboratory analysis of turbine condensate, with the usual delays leaving leaks undetected and occasionally resulting in boilers being shut down for repairs.

"If we detect a change in conductivity, maintenance can be scheduled before the problem leads to an unplanned shutdown or damage to the plant," confirms comments Wilcockson.

Emerson had previously supplied a Smart Wireless Starter Kit for the boiler house, and SSE's experience with this application was, she says, a major factor in selecting wireless for this latest project.

In addition, the costs and time required to run power and signal cables to each instrument made a conventional solution impractical.

Emerson recommended the best positioning for the conductivity probes, transmitters and gateway, and SSE installed the conductivity transmitters in the condensate extraction lines.

The transmitters send data to a PLC-based control system, with Emerson's AMS Device Manager predictive maintenance software being used to manage the smart wireless network.

Despite the harsh environment of the turbine basement, which is surrounded by metal structures that can obstruct wireless signals, Wilcockson says the network was quickly established.

Brian Tinham

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