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Steam studies are evaluations of steam process performance using a high-fidelity, dynamic process model where the model emphasizes specific plant equipment, such as a steam generator, steam turbine, feedwater system, and other balance of plant components. TRAX puts the model through a series of tests that stress the modeled process equipment and controls to evaluate system function.
A steam study is customized to meet the specific requirements and objectives of each client, but the fundamental process typically follows a defined roadmap. To learn more, see our in-depth description.
Study ProcessDuring transient conditions, flow rates and pressures within the balance of plant can deviate significantly from their steady-state design values. These deviations can lead to imbalances in the system due to control system responses and pump and valve performance characteristics.
A steam study provides insight into these complex plant interactions through dynamic process tests that simulate real-world scenarios and provide insights into how the system behaves under varying conditions. By conducting these tests, engineers can better understand the system's performance characteristics and optimize its operation for improved efficiency and reliability.
As part of every analysis, TRAX assesses plant controls for compliance with NFPA-85 industry code for the prevention of fire, explosion, and implosion. In addition, we explore controls strategies to optimize plant operation and mitigation strategies for explosion and implosion protection. These strategies are tested on the plant model and tuned for optimal performance while avoiding nuisance trips. Conducting a furnace draft study during an equipment or controls upgrade is an important part of ensuring the safety and reliability of the plant with new configurations. It can help a plant achieve NFPA 85 compliance while avoiding nuisance trips and implosion of equipment that will improve plant safety, reliability and efficiency.
Turbine Bypass Study
See how a steam study helped one client validate the design for a turbine bypass system, boiler safety valves, and associated balance of plant equipment by conducting a dynamic study with ProTRAX software.
Steam Turbine Reliability
In considering future process changes, a U.S. utility contracted TRAX to analyze a combined cycle power plant’s dynamics during startup, shutdown and load maneuvering events. This client considered adding the GE Steam Turbine Agility system with the intent to improve the plant’s startup time and reduce fuel consumption. Using dynamic modeling, TRAX helped identify process and controls changes to optimize plant operation and minimize cost before these investments were made.
Steam Turbine Performance Study
In considering future process changes, a U.S. utility contracted TRAX to analyze a combined cycle power plant’s dynamics during startup, shutdown and load maneuvering events. This client considered adding the GE Steam Turbine Agility system with the intent to improve the plant’s startup time and reduce fuel consumption. Using dynIn this study, TRAX created a high-fidelity model of the major portions of one of Southern California Edison’s combined cycle units. TRAX analyzed plant dynamics during startup, shutdown and load maneuvering events to determine suitability of applying a thermal blanket to the steam turbine to heat the turbine shell for startup as well as to keep it warm while offline in standby mode. With the thermal blanket turned on in the model, TRAX observed that the Gas Turbine (GT) Inlet Guide Vane didn’t need be closed to the minimum full speed position, prior to loading up the GT. As a result of testing, TRAX recommended changes to loading rates and time for the turbines and their relationship to rotor stress calculations.amic modeling, TRAX helped identify process and controls changes to optimize plant operation and minimize cost before these investments were made.
