Power Plant Operation: Power Management Institute Noida
Power Plant Operation: Power Management Institute Noida
Power Plant Operation: Power Management Institute Noida
POWER PLANT
OPERATION
2. Boiler 9
3. Turbine Auxiliaries 46
4. Turbine 57
6. Generator 97
1 MILLING SYSTEM
1.1 Most efficient way of utilising coal for steam generation is to burn it in
pulverised form. The coal is pulverised to a fineness such that 70-80%
passes through a 200 Mesh sieve. Normally low speed ball mills or medium
speed vertical spindle mills are employed in power station for this purpose.
The factors that affect the operation of the mill (whereby reducing the output)
are as follows:
1.2 The trend normally, these days, is to use medium speed vertical spindle mills
with pressurised system. The typical checks for starting a milling system are
described below:
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2. PRE START CHECKS (Typical: Raymond Bowl Mill)
2.1.2 - R.C. feeder and mill properly boxed up and no maintenance staff
working.
2.2 Take out emergency push button and give clearance to UCB for
starting.
2.3.2 - Ensure at least one P.A. fan and a seal air fan is in service. Check the
header pressure for both primary and seal air is normal.
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2.3.4 - Check that mill start permissives as per FSSS are satisfied (for the
help of operator these permissives are written on FSSS panel and
when the condition is satisfied it is indicated by a glowing bulb).
2.3.5 - Ensure E.P. zones have been charged (for first mill) .
2.3.9 - Inform the local operator to be near mill for start up.
3.1 Local
3.1.3 - Check all the rollers are rotating and the rate of reject is normal
(after the mill is loaded).
3.2 U.C.B.
3.2.1 - Check mill starting time and current. Ensure that they are normal.
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3.2.4 - Start the RC feeder and load the mill gradually
3.3 - As the pressure, temperature of main steam shoots up with coal firing
proper check should be kept on these parameters. (Especially for first
mill).
DRAFT SYSTEM
4. FAN OPERATION
4.1 The Operation of fan depends on the type of fan to be started but there are
several common prestart checks.
4.2 For large units, the fan start up is invariably sequence controlled, wh ich
means that once the button is pressed, an automatic checking system
ensures that all systems associated with the fan are in good working order.
Nevertheless a considerable number of 'on line' interlocks must be satisfied
before the main motor is energised. (Refer fig.1 for typical fan operation).
4.3 The common prestart checks which are essential are as follows:
5.1 Generally inspect the fan. Ensure no maintenance staff working and all
manholes etc. closed.
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5. 3 Check Regulating vanes minimum.
5.4 Ensure lub oil tank level is normal. Start lub oil pump. Check auto operation of
standby pump. Check lub oil pressure, flow and temperature. Charge lub oil
coolers.
5.5 Check control oil pressure, adjust if necessary. (for reaction fans).
5.8 Take out emergency push button and given clearance to UCB for starting the
fan.
6.3 Ensure discharge damper closed, regulating vanes minimum, lub-oil pressure
O.K. (UCB indications).
6.6 Ensure fan protections and interlocks have been checked and are O.K. (this
is to be done if fan is being started after long shutdown).
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FIG. 1
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6.9 Ask the local operator to be at site and inform him when the fan is to be
actually started.
6.11 Check that fan discharge damper opens on interlock after preset time delay.
Check the operation of interconnecting dampers. (If dampers provided are
manual then the discharge damper is to be opened and interconnecting
dampers to be closed manually).
6.12 Check locally for bearing vibrations, abnormal sounds etc., they should be
within normal limits.
6.13 The above checks can only be regarded as examples, as fan operation vary
from station to station and the correct operating procedure as suggested by
Manufacturer must be followed.
6.14 It is important to note that the fans take heavy starting current and long
starting times. So always allow the fan amperage to fall to minimum value
before starting the next fan. Starting fans in rapid succession can result in
transformer overload.
7. ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS
7.1 The boiler pressure will be raised initially on oil burners, as P.F. mills can not
be commissioned until the air heaters are fully in service and combustion air
temperatures are adequate to ensure good combustion. Electrostatic
precipitators are not normally taken into service (i.e. the zones are not
changed) when firing on oil only (Oil vapour deposits are not conducive to
good EP efficiencies) and, if possible, the EP should be bypassed whilst firing
on oil only. This is done to prevent oil deposition on electrodes which can
reduce E.P. efficiency drastically.
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7.2.1 If EP bypasses are not fitted, the gas flow should be limited to one of the main
passes during the initial oil firing stage of the pressure raising. The other
passes should be kept isolated during this period. In this way we can ensure
that at least remaining passes are not affected by oil vapour. But the E.P.
rapping mechanism shall be put in service prior to commencement of oil
firing. Anti-condensation heaters of the insulators be taken into service well
before boiler light up is initiated. Also it is observed that main cause of poor
E.P. performance is high hopper level and this condition is aggravated by
moisture when a cold boiler is being lighted up. The hopper heaters, if
provided must also be taken in service. Sometimes the hoppers on modern
plant are lined up with smooth materials such as fibre glass and ceramics to
facilitate the flow. The practice of 'thumping' the hoppers with rods or bars to
get the dust flowing should be discouraged as it can damage these linings.
7.3 The EP zones must be taken into service just before coal firing is started in
the boiler. The frequency of rapping should be properly adjusted and their
operation must be locally checked.
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2. Boiler
A. PRE-START CHECKS, START-UP & LOADING
1. Pre-Start Checks
1.1 Check that all maintenance permits concerning the boiler pressure parts, flue
gas and air side paths are cancelled.
1.2 Check that all the manholes, inspection doors of furnace, flue gas and air
path, drum, deaerator, fuel storage tank, C.B.D. tank, I.B.D. tank, fans, mills
etc. are tight closed,
1.3.1 Reserve Power and D.C. control system supply is established to 6.6 KV
station buses and unit auxiliary buses; 415 volts supply to station service
switch gears, unit service switchgear, E.P. switch gear, off-site plant switch
gears. Boiler M.C.C., compressor M.C.C., Miscellaneous service M.C.C., soot
blower M.C.C., V.D.D.C., F.S.S.S. panels etc.
1.3.2 220 V.D.C. board, 220 volts DC supply to control panels relay panels,
emergency lighting, FSSS etc. is established.
1.4 Check that all the fuses in control and relay panel are intact.
1.6 Check that instrument air compressors are in service and air supply is
established for all, Boiler controls (viz secondary air control, Burner tilt control,
R.H. Steam temperature Control, burner retract mechanism, milling system
pneumatic valve/damper, actuators etc.)
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1.7 Check that station air compressors are in service and air supply is established
to Boiler and auxiliaries area and Air heaters air motors.
1.8 Check that clarified water pump (s) is/are in service and clarified water supply
for cooling is available for all Boiler auxiliaries.
1.8.1 Check that clarified water booster pump is in service and cooling water supply
to sample coolers, air heater lub. oil coolers is available.
1.9 Check that Hydrazine dosing and Phosphate dosing system are ready for
taking in service.
1.10 Check that adequate D.M. water is stored in D.M. water tanks.
1.11 Check that Auxiliary steam supply header is charged through interconnection
from running Units. (Care should be taken to inform adjacent unit from which
steam is being taken prior to charging the header)
1.12 Check that H.S.D. and Heavy oil system are in service on recirculation.
Heavy oil temp. is adequate (> 100 0 C).
1.14 Check that Impulse safety valve is in service condition and that its isolating
valve is open.
1.15 Check that Drum, S.H.,R.H., Deaerator, C.B.D. safety valves gags, test plugs
have been removed and safety valves are in service condition.
1. 15.1 Check that drum, superheaters and M.S.line vents are open.
1.16 Check that constant load and constant spring hangers of ducting, down
comers, M.S.lines, C.R.H.lines, H.R.H.lines and Feed and condensate lines
are unlocked and their settings are not disturbed.
1.17 Check that all drives of valves and dampers are in perfect condition and can
he operated from remote as well as from local wherever possible/required.
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1.18 Check that Boiler Drum level gauge glasses and remote drum level indicators
are in service.
1.20 Check that all the controls and interlock circuits have been checked and are
ready for operation. Check that all protection circuits have been checked and
are OK.
1.21 Check that bottom ash hopper and seal trough have been filled and constant
over flow is maintained.
1.22 Check that all fly ash hoppers have been evacuated and ash handling water
supply is established to all the fly ash hoppers.
1.23 Check that E.I.Ps have been cleaned and are ready for operat ion.
1.25 Check all wind box secondary air dampers and burner tilt for free operation
and burner tilt is in horizontal position. Check their operation from remote.
1.26 Check all H.O. guns, warming up guns and ignitors and ignitor spark plug
assemblies have been cleaned, inserted back and held tight by coupling bolt.
1.27 Ensure that all guns are in retracted position. Check that fire fighting system
is ready.
1.28 Ensure that scraper conveyors and clinker grinders available. Ensure bottom
ash trough is filled with water & furnace seal has been established.
2.2 Boiler steam & water system is lined up and Boiler is filled up to working level
of gauge glass.
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2.3 B.F.P. on Recirculation.
2.4 Boiler air & flue gas system is lined up and start A.P.H.'s. Both the Air heaters
should be taken into service if available.
2.5 Take lube oil system of I.D. Fans in service and take oil systems of F.D. fans
in service.
2.6 Start one I.D. fan and start one F.D. fan. Start second set of fans if available.
(follow the fan start-up procedure as explained earlier).
2.7 Maintain 30% Air flow and -5 to -10mm WCL furnace draft. Airflow shall not
be more than 40%.
2.8 Put secondary air damper control system on "Auto" & check that auxiliary air
dampers are modulating to maintain 35-40 mm WC Windbox to furnace
differential pressure, check fuel air dampers are modulating with aux. air
dampers.
2.9 Start E.P. rapping mechanism, check that E.P. insulator heaters were
switched on 24 hrs. before Boiler light up.
2.10 Start Scanner Air Fan A/B and start ignitor Air Fan A/B.
2.11 Select Burner tilt control on manual, keep burner tilt in horizontal position and
ensure that Heavy oil system is in recircu1ation, Light oil system is charged.
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ix) All the warm up and heavy oil nozzle valves at all elevations are
proven closed.
x) All auxiliary air dampers modulating to maintain adequate wind
box to furnace differential pressure.
xi) All purvarizers are off.
xii) All feeders are off.
xiii) All hot air shut off gates are fully closed.
xiv) All cold air dampers are less than 5% Open.
xv) All elevation flame scanners show NO FLAME,
xvi) No boiler trip command is present.
2.13 Check that atomising air lines for igniters & W.U. oil guns are lined up &
charged and make ready each W.U. oil corner individually.
2.14 Start furnace purge by pressing start purge push button at F.S.S.S. console
and after 5 minutes check that purge complete light comes on.
2.15 Open ignitor trip valve from F.S.S.S. console insert Open P.B. and open light
oil trip valve from FSSS console insert open P.B. and select light oil firing
from FSSS insert control P.B. for AB elevation.
NOTE: Wherever start up LDO guns are not provided HFO guns are taken
into service directly.
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FIG. 2
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FIG. 3
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2.17 Start AB elevation one pair of L.O. guns by depressing pair start P.B. on
FSSS insert console, check associated AB elevation at least 3 out of 4
igniters are proven on, check that selected pair of L.O. guns are proven on in
time sequence and maintain warm up oil pressure, through pressure
regulating valve.
2.18 Start second pair of L.O. guns A.B. elevation by depressing start PB or FSSS
console, maintain warm up pressure through regulating valve and check that
at least 3 out of 4 L.O. guns are proven on in timed sequence.
2.19 Control firing rate during initial warming up such that boiler starts steaming
after 45 minutes and keep C.B.D. control valves fully open during warm up.
(As per boiler start up curve. Refer fig. 2 and fig. 3)
2.20 Control flue gas temperature at furnace exit below 538°C by controlling firing
rate till adequate flow is established through Reheater. This is done to protect
the Reheater. Temperature is measured with the help of furnace temperature
probe.
2.21 When boiler starts steaming throttle S.H. vents & drains, Warming up should
be slow. Steaming should start after 45 to 50 minutes of lightup.
2.22 When drum pressure reaches 2 Kg/cm2. Close drum vents and outlet header
vent and close steam cooled wall extended side outlet header vents.
2.23 Close S.H. Desuperheater link vent valves and close platen S.H. outlet link
vent valves.
2.24 Do not close these drain valves fully before rolling the turbine, and check that
M.S. line drains are opened (near turbine).
2.25 Throttle start up vent valves to control pressure rise, do not close them fully
until turbine is under light load/or HP & LP by pass system is taken into
service (Refer fig.4). Close reheater vents and drains before vaccum raising.
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3. Boiler Loading
3.1 Boiler lighted up & main steam pressure & temperatures are 5 Kg/cm2 &
190°C.
3.3 Check auxiliary steam header is charged through interconnection and check
auxiliary steam line F.O. heaters & tracing steam lines are charged.
3.4 Check H.O. system is in service on recirculation before H.O. pressure heaters
and check atomising steam lines are charged.
3.5 Take SCAPH corresponding to running F.D. Fan in service & maintain
average cold end temperature above acid dew point (90°C).
3.6 Check auxiliary steam is given to feed storage tank heating & deaerator
pegging.
3.7 Put H.O. on recirculation through F.O. trip valve F.O. burner headers, check
H.O. temperature at burners is 110°C, proceed to take H.O. elevation in
service and establish H.O. elevation start permit.
3.8 Depress associated elevation pair start P. B. check H.O. pair is placed in
service in programmed sequential order.
3.9 Maintain H.O. burner header pressure above 3 Kg/cm2 and temp. 110 to
130°C, increase H.O. firing rate through H.O. regulating valve and maintain
oil/steam ∆P (Roughly 1 to 1.5 Kg/cm2)
3.10 Warm up oil guns can be taken out once the boiler is warmed up and heavy
oil elevation is in service, at least 3 out of 4 H.O. guns at one elevation should
be in service.
3.11 Check that vacuum is raised in the condenser by the time M.S. parameters
come to 6 Kg/cm2 (ab) and 275°C approx. After raising the vaccum, charge
MS lines gradually.
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FIG. 4
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3.12 Take H.P. and L.P. bypass system in service when Condenser vacuum =
540mm Hg. Main Steam Pr=6 ATA, M.S.Temp.=225°C, ensure B.F.P. and
condensate pumps are in service.
3.13 Close start-up vent valves and when flow is established through bypass
system give clearance to start turbine rolling.
3.14 Throttle Main Steam line drain valves, take drum level protection in service.
Warm-up M.S. lines, C.R.H., H.R.H. line & transfer lines. Check M.S.
Parameters of E.S.V. are 12-14 Kg/cm2 (g) and 240-260°C. Check M.S. Pipe
metal temp. is above 150°C and C.R. pipe metal above 100°C. H.P. transfer
pipe line metal temp=150°C and I.P. transfer pipe metal temps=100°C, Boiler
Parameters are raised to M.S. Pressure =16 to 18 Kg/cm2 Temperature
=250°C-260°C.
3.15 H.P. and L.P. bypass system is cut out and turbine rolling is started, close
M.S. lines drains and C.R.H. line drains to condenser.
3.16 After the machine is synchronised and 5-10 MW load is taken, check furnace
temperature probe is retracted automatically when flue gas temp crossess
540°C.
3.18 Maintain average cold end temp. at A.P.H. outlet above acid dew point by
controlling steam flow to SCAPH, Check air temperature before and after
SCAPH. Check flue gas temp., after A.P.H.
3.19 Check that E.P. rapping mechanism is in service and prepare for charging the
fields.
3.20 Inform chemist to check the quality of Boiler water and Feed water as
frequently as possible, check phosphate dozing to Boiler water. Maintain
Boiler water alkalinity.
3.21 Before increasing the drum pressure ensure that silica content in boiler water
is within permissible limits at operating pressure.
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3.22 Prepare for coal firing, start one PA Fan and charge electrostatic precipitators
fields.
3.23 Make S.H. spray control system ready and make R.H. spray control system
ready.
3.25 Increase firing rate and pick-up 30 MW load. M.S. Pressure 65 Kg/cm2,
Temp.430°C R.H.S. Temp. 420°C. Before E.S.V./I.V. take main feed control
valve in service and isolate low load valve when low load control valve is 80%
open.
3.26 Make ignition energy available to the lowest mill to be taken in service. Start
first mill. Preferably lowest and start its R.C. feeder. Put mill air temperature
and flow control on auto, check mill outlet temp=65-75°C, air flow = 54 t/hr
3.28 Monitor furnace flame stability, increase the feeder speed upto 50% of rated
and check ash handling system is taken in service. Check mill differential
pressure is less than 200mm, switch on E.P. hopper heaters.
3.29 Increase the main steam/R.H. steam parameter as per cold start curve,
maintain S.H. steam temp. control by spray water control and maintain R.H.
steam temperature by burner tilt.
3.30 Increase the load on generator as Boiler output increases and maintain boiler
pressure.
3.31 Start second mill when first mill is loaded to 80%, start associated mill feeder,
when mill is warmed up.
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3.32 Increase the feeder speed. Equalise the loading on both the feeders, boiler
parameters: M.S. Pressure = 82Kg/cm2 M.S. Temp = 475°C Load = 60MW.
3.33 When load on unit is 70MW check H.P. heaters are taken in service. M.S.
pressure 105 Kg/cm2 (g) At boiler outlet. Check heater drip pump cuts in
automatically at around 70MW load.
3.34 Start 2nd I.D. fan at 60 MW load and equalise loading on both I.D. fans.
3.35 Start 2nd F.D. Fan and equalise loading on both F.D. Fans.
3.36 Maintain necessary total air flow and furnace draft, check stack exhaust
colour for proper combustion and take SCAPH corresponding to second F.D.
Fan in service if necessary, Check O2 and CO, CO2 content in flue gas.
(Refer fig. 5).
3.37 Check that auxiliary air and fuel air dampers are modulating and necessary
windbox to furnace differential is maintained, at 30% load furnace to windbox
differential should be 40mm wcl.
3.38 Start 2nd P.A. Fan and equalise loading on both P.A, Fans. Put P.A. pressure
control on Auto, maintain P.A. Pressure above 600 mm Wcl.
3.39 Check that 2nd condensate pumps and 2nd boiler feed pump are started,
before starting standby BFP it must be warmed up.
3.41 Inform laboratory to check Boiler and Feed water quality, for intermittent
phosphate dozing if situation demands.
3.42 Take 3rd pulverizer and its feeder in service when loading on running
pulverizers exceeds 80% and equalise loading on all the 3 pulverizers.
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3.43 Increase load on the generator and simultaneously increase Boiler firing rate
and boiler pressure 120 Kg/cm2 M.S. Temp 530°C Load 120MW, put M.S. &
R.H. Steam temp, control system on Auto.
3.44 Put B.F.P's Scoop tube control on auto and put Main feed control valve on
Auto position. Check that drum level is maintained by the controller.
3.45 Put both I.D. Fans and inlet vane control i.e. Furnace Draft control on auto,
check that -10mm furnace draft is maintained.
3.46 Put total air flow control on auto. F.D. Fan impeller vanes control, check 02,
CO and C0 2 content in flue gas at APH inlet by Orsat. Ensure that sufficient
excess air is maintained.
3.47 When load on running mill is above 80%, take 4th mill and its feeder in
service and equalise loading on all 4 mills.
3.48 Flame support H.O. guns can be removed once boiler loading is above 60%
and more than 2 mills are in service at 50% loading and at least two adjacent
mills are in service.
3.49 SCAPH's can be cut out when flue gas outlet temps. increases to 130°C or
when H.O. is removed. Put Thermal load control on "Auto".
3.50 Increase load on generator. Check that Thermal load control maintains Boiler
Parameter by controlling firing rate, check M.S. & R.H. steam and tube metal
temperature.
3.51 Increase load on generator to 210 MW, check the Boiler Parameters and
drum pressure 145 Kg/cm2 M.S. Pressure 138 Kg/cm2 (ab) M.S. Temp.
540°C + 5°C R.H. Steam Pressure 24Kg/cm2 (ab) R.H. Steam Temp. 540 +
5°C Feed Water temperature 245°C.
3.52 Check M.S. temperature low trip interlock comes in service when M.S.
temperature goes above 520°C.
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B. NORMAL SHUT DOWN TO COLD
1. Suitable for shut downs of medium duration when Boiler or Turbine inspection
is planned when Unit is operating at 210 MW with combustion control, fuel
control, total air control, Feed water control, steam temperature controls
Furnace draft and all other control on 'Auto'
1.1 Take "Combustion control" on "Manual" mode, take "M.S. Temperature low"
trip protection out and isolate initial steam pressure unloading gear.
1.2 Gradually reduce load on the unit reducing firing rate. MS/HRH steam
temperature and MS pressure shall be reduced at the rates permitted by the
turbine but not exceeding the rate of saturated steam temp drip of 83°C/hr.
Rate of load drop may be about 2 MW/min. Carefully monitor turbine
conditions and adjust the load, temp., pressure drop rates such that HP/IP
rotor differential expansion, vibration, eccentricity, shell differential
temperatures, turbine cylinder top/bottom metal temps, Left/Right cylinder
flange temp. diff. are within limits.
1.4 Load Reduced to 150 MW Approximate parameters at Turbine inlet are: M.S.
pressure=120 Kg/cm2 (g), M.S. Temp=520°C, R.H.S., temp=520°C.
1.5 While reducing load, check that following conditions are maintained.
1.5.1 Total air flow is reduced in proportion with load upto 30% load.
1.5.3 Check S.H. & R.H. steam temperatures are maintained at set points.
Furnace draft is maintained.
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1.6 When the load on mills is reduced to 40%, prepare to take upper most mill out
reduce the feeder speed to minimum.
1.7 Take upper elevation oil guns in service, simultaneous with this transfer load
on other mills in service. Stop the upper most feeder and take the upper mill
out of service after cooling it down to 44°C and emptying it out completely.
1.8 When load on unit is reduced to 100 MW. M.S. Temp.=510°C M.S. Pr = 112
Kg/cm2 (g) H.R.H.S. Temp.=510°C, check that deaerator steam supply is
switched over from 2nd extraction to Aux. steam header.
1.9 At 100-90 MW take out one boiler feed pump from service. Check that full
load is smoothly transferred on running B.F.P. before stopping the pump,
before stopping B.F.P. take the standby B.F. P&S on working from Auto.
Ensure that auto standby B.F.P. does not start on stopping of running BFP
through interlocks.
1.10 Continue reducing firing rate steam temperature and pressure alongwith drop
in load. (Refer fig.4) .
1.11 When the load on mills is reduced to 40% take next upper elevation oil guns
in service and take heavy oil guns associated with remote elevation mill in
service.
1.12 Prepare to take the next upper elevation mill out. Reduce feeder speed to
minimum & stop feeder. Stop the mill after cooling down to 44°C and
completely evacuating it, see that load is transferred on the running mills.
1.13 Take Heavy oil guns at lower elevation in service and take out next higher mill
from service when loading on mills is reduced to 40%.
1.14 Take M.S. and R.H. steam temp, control on Hand and continue reducing firing
rate steam pressure and temp. with reduction in load.
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1.16 Take drum level control on manual & maintain drum level.
1.17 Stop one PA Fan after transferring full load on running P.A. Fan, stop lub. oil
pumps of tripped P.A. Fan motor and fan bearings after oil bearing
temperature is reduced.
1.18 Stop one F.D. Fan corresponding to P.A. tripped. Check furnace draft and air
flow, before stopping F.D. Fan increase load on other F.D. Fan and reduce
load on this fan to minimum.
1.19 Stop one I.D. Fan corresponding to tripped F.D. Fan check furnace draft,
transfer load from this I.D. Fan to other and completely unload this I.D. Fan
before tripping it.
1.20 Switch off supply to the Electrostatic precipitators associated with tripped I.D.
Fan, carry out soot blowing of complete boiler.
1.21 Unit load reduced to 30% Maintain 30% air flow at all loads below 30% check
that secondary air dampers set point is ramped to maintain windbox to
furnace differential pressure of 35-40 mm Wcl.
1.22 Firing rate is reduced further and when load on mill is reduced to 40% reduce,
feeder speed to minimum stop the feeder. Cool down mill to 44°C & evacuate
it completely and shut it down.
1.23 When load is reduced to 40 MW take low load Feed Control Valve in service
and isolate main Feed control valve, open low load control valve of feed
control system.
1.25 Unit at 25-30 MW with H.O. firing and change over auxiliary electrical supply
from U.A.Ts to station transformer.
1.26 Stop P.A. Fan, check that seal air fan trips on interlock. Check the P.A.
damper operation, Close sealing air valves to mills from station air system.
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1.27 Reduce load on unit to 5-7 MW M.S. Pressure Boiler outlet 90 Kg/cm2 (g)
M.S. Temp. Boiler outlet 465°C R.H. Steam Temp 465°C.
1.28 Charge Auxiliary steam header from running units through interconnection,
isolate Auxiliary P.R.D.S. unit.
1.29 Trip the unit through M.F.T. Push Buttons on F.S.S.S. console/or Through
Protection, When boiler is to be tripped, trip it through protection. Maintain log
of protection used each time is stopped. Use different protections each time
so that all are checked and check that H.P. cylinder evacuation valves Open.
1.30 Check that Boiler fire is completely out, check that all the flame scanners
sense no flame & check boiler actually from peep holes & ensure that fire is
completely out.
1.31 Maintain 30% air flow and purge the boiler for at least five minutes, check that
turbine coasts down safely and see bearing lubricative system.
1.32 Check that all the feeders and mills are off, break the vaccum when turbine
speed comes to zero, put turbine roter on barring geat Check that F.C.N.R.
Vs in Extraction lines are closed.
1.33 Individual burner H.O., M.V. oil, Atomising air and steam nozzle valves and
Ignitors valves (air/oil) are closed.
1.34 Check that Attemperation SH & RH isolating valve and its bypass valve are
closed, close isolating valves of SH. and Reheater spray control valves.
1.35 Open S.H. Start-up vent isolating valves partially open S.H. start-up vents
reduce pressure, rate of pressure drop must not exceed the limits specified to
limit Saturation temp. drop rate to less than 83°C.
1.37 Close Boiler Main steam stop valves and their bypass valves.
1.38 Open M.S. line drains valves open C.R.H. & H.R.H. line drains.
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1.39 Shutdown - H.O. System.
1.40 Top up the drum level upto + 180 mm, stop Boiler feed pump.
1.42 Cut off deaerator Pegging steam supply by closing the valves.
1.43 Do not stop A.P. Heaters till Flue gas temp. at A.P.H. inlet is less than
205°C, and air Flow through furnace shall be controlled to effect the desired
cooling rate and it can be controlled by :(1.) Opening S.H.H. vents (2.) Air
Flow through boiler.
1.44 Boiler is to be forced cooled fast after shut down, keep I.D. Fan and F.D. Fan
in service. Regulate airflow to effect desired rate of cooling, open starting vent
valves.
1.45 Bring up drum level to +180mm when it drops to -180, start Boiler Feed pump
for topping up the level. Stop Boiler Feed pump afterwards.
1.46 Open vents and drains of S.H. at low pressure (2 to 3 Kg/cm2 g) At 1.8 kg/cm
drum pressure. Open drum vents.
1.47 Stop F.D. Fan and I.D. Fans when flue gas temperature at A.P.H. inlet is
reduced to below 205°C and boiler is cooled. Check that A.P.H. do not stop
on interlock take de-interlocking switch is on "de-interlock" position before
stopping F.D./I.D. Fan.
1.48 If required, stop Air preheaters otherwise keep them rotating, check that
A.P.H's lube oil pumps stop on interlock when oil temp, goes below 40 C.
1.49 When Boiler water temperature goes below 94°C, drain the Boiler or preserve
it according to the circumstances/instructions.
© PMI, NTPC 28
C. UNIT SHUT DOWN TO HOT STANDBY
1. In this case it is presumed that the Boiler is to be shut down for a relatively
short period of time and existing pressure and temperature conditions are to
be maintained substantially to facilitate quick hot restart without developing
undue thermal stresses.
Before tripping the unit turbine cylinders E.S.V's, IVs body metal temperatures
are reduced to the extent that after shut down time i.e. at the time of re-rolling
the turbine, exact matching parameters are obtained using 30% capacity H.P.
and L.P. bypass system.
1.1 If it is expected that unit will be restarted in a very short time in which turbine
metal temperatures will not decrease appreciably, it may be desired to cool
the turbine regulating stage metal temp. to below 427°C by reducing the
steam temperature and pressure.
1.2 Initially load may be reduced at the rate of 3 MW/min. at rated steam
parameters upto load of 140/120 MW.
1.3 Subsequent load reduction alongwith temperature and pressure drops should
be decided by turbine limitations.
1.4 During Boiler M.S. pressure drop the saturated steam temperature drop rate
shall not be more than 83°C/hr.
1.5 When the desired pressure at which boiler is to be held is reached and load
on machine is reduced and then unit is tripped.
1.6 After tripping the unit Boiler may be boxed up by keeping all S.H. drains and
vents, Boiler stop valves closed.
© PMI, NTPC 29
Reheater vents (if condenser vacuum is broken) and drains are kept open.
1.7 After stopping I.D. Fan and F.D. Fan, close all flue gas dampers secondary
air dampers and windbox dampers.
1.8 A.P.M. can be stopped when flue gas temperature at A.P.H. inlet is below
205°C. But it is preferred to keep A.P.H. rotating even below 205°C
temperature (Flue gas inlet to A.H.)
© PMI, NTPC 30
D. ROUTINE CHECKS
1. Checking Procedure
1.1 A round of the complete boiler and auxiliaries area is to be taken for checking
the following at least once in a shift to ensure the healthiness of the boiler and
Auxiliaries.
1.1.2 Inspect the complete Boiler pressure parts for any leakage.
1.1.3 Inspect the flue gas and Air paths for any leakage through ducting and
manholes etc.
1.1.4 Inspect the running auxiliaries like F.D. Fan, I.D. Fan, P.A. Fans, mills, A.P.H.
etc. for any abnormal sound, high vibration, high lub oil/ bearing temperature,
lub. oil pressures etc.
1.1.5 Check the unit operating parameters and compare with the predicated
readings and previous records. Any deviation should be reasoned out and
corrected.
1.2 Drum gauges glasses may be blown once a day and compare Drum level
readings of local gauge glass remote level gauge glass and U.C.B.
instruments (to be done by charge hand/18m Boiler operator).
1.3 Compare local instrument reading with remote U.C.B. mounted instrument
once a day and if any appreciable discrepancy is observed bring it to the
notice of C&I division.
1.4 Check the steam, boiler water, feed water and make up water quality and
ensure that it is maintained in the recommended regime.
© PMI, NTPC 31
1.5 Check the steam, boiler water, feed water and make up water quality and
ensure that it is maintained in the recommended regime.
1.6 Check that a continuous flow of sampling water is maintained through sample
cooler. Also check for sufficient flow of cooling water through sample cooler.
1.7 Get fuel combustion completeness checked once a shift by analysing flue gas
by Orsat Apparatus. Check O2%, CO%, CO 2%. Take corrective action for
excess air adjustment.
1.8 Check stack emission visually. A white smoke indicates high excess air and
black smoke indicates insufficient air flow, both should be avoided.
1.9 Check pressure drop & temperature along the flue gas path primary &
secondary air path. Compare with past record, reason out any abnormal
deviation and take corrective action.
1.11 Check R.H. & S.H. tube metal temperature and ensure that no overheating of
tubes is existing.
1.12 Check steam temperature at various stages of S.H. & compare with
predicated values.
1.13 Carry out soot blowing operation at regular intervals or as and when found
necessary.
1.14 Carry out soot blowing of A.P.H. elements at least once in a shift.
1.15 Get ash samples Bottom/Fly ash analysed once in a day for Carbon content.
Accordingly classifier adjustment must be done.
1.16 Check the fineness of pulversed coal from each mill once a day. Carry out
necessary adjustments.
1.17 Get the raw coal analysis done once a day or wherever necessary.
© PMI, NTPC 32
1.18 Check for any choking in bunker if any reduction of coal flow from R.C.
bunkers is observed, take corrective action.
1.19 Check individual pulvariser for coal air temperature, high differential pressure
across bowl, air flow, classifier setting, abnormal sound, high vibration and oil
temperature etc.
1.20 Check raw coal bunker levels are normal while unit is in operation and empty
out bunkers if unit is planned to be shut down for a few days or more.
1.21 Check the continuous and satisfactory operation of slag scraper conveyor,
slag crusher.
1.22 Check for continuous and satisfactory operation of fly ash system.
1.22.1 Check electrostatic precipitator operation. (Field voltage, current, spark rate).
1.22.4 Check that reheater temperature is controlled by burner tilt and reheater
attemperation is avoided as far as possible.
1.23 Check that igniters spark plugs are kept cleaned for immediate starting
whenever required.
1.24 Check that flame scanner show constant "Flame on" condition. In case of
flickering "Flame on" and "Flame off" light check furnace flame condition, take
oil support.
1.25 Check that pu1verisers are loaded to 80% capacity with reserve 20% capacity
for handling emergency conditions.
1.26 Check that loading of parallel running I.D. Fans, or F.D. Fan or P.A. Fans are
equal as far as possible.
© PMI, NTPC 33
1.27 Check H.O. temperature, burner header pressure, Atomising steam pressure
& temperature are maintained normal.
1.28 Check W.U. oil headers pressure and Atomising air header pressure are
maintained normal
1.30 Check that bottom ash hopper sealing is maintained & water overflows
through seal trough.
© PMI, NTPC 34
E. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
Given in this section are probable reasons for major emergency situations in Boiler & Aux.
Areas and suggested actions.
1.1 One I.D. Fan tripped or Mal-operation Take running I.D. Fans control on
of control vanes of I.D./F.D./P.A. Fans manual & increase for loading. Check
or closing of damper the cause of I.D. fan tripping and try to
restart it if everything is normal. Check
gas dampers indication & Draft read ing
along Flue gas path. If some damper is
closed try to open that damper.
1.2 Unstable furnace flame conditions. Take F.D./P.A. fan control on manual.
Sudden starting of coal mill. Low Check con trol damper operation. Adjust
windbox pressure (under normal F.D. air flow. Check air for correct flow.
fans loading conditions), improve air Check Combustion regime openings of
distri bution at elevations or too high Auxiliary air and fuel air dampers,
fuel air. fuel air. windbox pressure. See cold air and hot
air damp ers. Watch Furnace flame. Trip
Boiler if flame is very much unstable.
Purge out explosive mixture by
maintaining high air f1ow.
1.3 Un-equal burner tilts at corners or Check Burner tilt at all corners is equal.
Burner Adjust Burner tilt between +10 to -10
and check control air pressure
1.4 Fouling in Air heater, air heater See air-preheaters are rotating. Restart
tripped. tripped air preheater and do A.H. soot
blowing
© PMI, NTPC 35
1.5 Furnace water seal bro ken, E.P. or Check Furnace seal, water flow through
flue gas path manhole opened. seal through overflow. Re-establish seal
1.6 Water wall tube rupture/leakage. Stop the boiler in case of tube leakage
as soon as possible.
2.1 I.D. Fan auto control Failure. Take I.D. Fans control on manual &
reduce load on I.D. Fans.
2.2 I.D. Fan vane control mechanism Check I.D. Fan control mechanism or
Failure causing vanes to open wide. proper Functioning.
2.3 Sudden decrease in air input or Check air flow, correct if necessary.
tripping of one F. D. fan. After checking restart I .U. Fan if it had
tripped.
2.4 Sudden tripping of one or more mills Control the Furnace pressure by
or chok ing of mi1s/raw coal Feeder adjusting I.D. Fan vanes.
pipe. Simultaneously try to start stand by mill.
Remove the choking of affected mill/raw
coal feed pipe.
2.5 Partial flame failure Take the oil gun into service to establish
flame at that locations/ corner.
2.6 Accidental closing of secondary air See the proper functioning of secondary
path dampers or Auxiliary/ Fuel air air path damper.
dampers.
3.1 Mal-operation of Feed Auto Control or Take feed control valve on hand and
Feed Regulator or scoop auto. increase feeding rate. Take scoop tube
control on hand and increase scoop
© PMI, NTPC 36
tube position. Check that F.W. flow
through each pump does not exceed its
capacity. Check feed water control
valve and scoop tube control 1inkages.
3.2 Tripping of one of working feed pump Start reserve feed pump on tripping of
(standby pump does not start) running feed pump. If auto starting fails.
3.3 Sudden Reduction of load. Try to increase the load if not possible
reduce firing rate accordingly to control
drum pressure.
3.4 Sudden increase in firing rate, e.g. Reduce firing rate by suitably adjusting
starting of mills having sufficient coal the feeding rate of running mills.
left before previous stopping.
3.5 lube repture/puncture of low point Check water flow and compare with
drain valves or Emergency drum drain previous; feeding rate and steam flow.
valve High feed flow indication tube failure.
Inspect water wall and economiser or
any tube leakage. If tube leakage1 is
observed stop the boiler as soon as
possible.
3.6 Inadvertant opening of low point drain Check drum drains and low point drain
valves or Emergency drum drain for tight closing.
valve.
Note: If drum level goes below gauge glass and low drum level trip protection fails,
trip Boiler at once.
4.1 Ma1-operation of feed water control. Take feed control valve on manual and
reduce the feeding rate.
4.3 Sudden decrease in firing rate e.g. tri- Increase feeding rate of running mills.
© PMI, NTPC 37
pping of the running mills.
4.4 B.F.P. Scoop tube position suddenly Check differential pressure across feed
increased. control valve and maintain 5 Kg/cm2 by
adjusting scoop tube position.
5.1 Closing of trip valves on H.O. , W.U. Do not attempt to introduce ignitors or
Oil/ Ignitor (Causing loss of ignition oil guns at elevation where "No flame"
support energy) Where F.O. is being condition persist.
used as support fuel or when only oil
is being used
5.2 Sudden decrease of mill feeder Trip out the coal mills of feeding
speeds to minimum. elevation where "No flame” condition is
persisting. Allow sometime for purging
then introduce oil support adjacent to
working mills until furnace flame is
stabilised.
5.3 Too low or too high windbox pressure Check that secondary air windbox
causing unstable combustion. dampers are modulating to maintain
about 80mm windbox to furnace
differential pressure.
5.4 Water wall tube failure Check furnace for tube failure.
5.6 Burner tilt mechanism negative Check Burner tilt keep it between +10°.
extreme due to air failure to power
cylinders.
© PMI, NTPC 38
5.7 Rapid load changes without adjusting Check furnace flame condition.
air flow leading to improper
combustion.
6.2 Fan motor Bearing temperature high, 2. Check corresponding Fan is tripped
and/or through interlock.
6.3 Lube oil pressure for motor bearings 3. Take secondary air flow control on
low. manual and maintain correct air
and/or flow.
6.4 Corresponding Air heater tripped 4. Cut in oil Burner adja cent to working
(provided de-interlocking switch is on mills.
'Interlock' position)
and / or
© PMI, NTPC 39
7. Check that the load on the
generator has reduced to 100 to
120 MW (Partial load relay
energised).
7.1 Support energy is removed within 3 1. Check that hot air gate closes &
minutes of feeder starting. cold air damper opens full if
and/or pulveriser is running.
© PMI, NTPC 40
7.2 No coal flow alar m comes & low 2. Clear the mill or the coal before
current relay picks up simultaneously. stopping it.
(Feeder shear pin given way)
and/or
7.3 Feeder motor supply fails 4. 5. Check that running mills share the
load if thermal load is on auto.
© PMI, NTPC 41
8. ONE MILL TRIPS
8.1 Mill discharge valves are closed 1. Check that running mills share the
and/or load if thermal load control of mills
are on auto.
Loss of elevation D.C. supply for more 2. Reduce the generator load if
than 2 secs. pressure starts dropping.
and/or
Support ignition energy is removed 3. Start reserve mill and take load.
with minutes of feeder starting.
and/or
Motor protection operates. 2. Check furnace draft is maintained
and/or normal.
One P.A. Fan trips (mill in excess of 3 3. Check the correct air flow is
will trip starting from bottom). maintained.
© PMI, NTPC 42
9. COAL HANGUP IN MILL
Choking of coal at inlet to mill
9.1 High moisture in coal 1. Check feeder trip on "No coal flow
and/or & low current" protection.
Too much fines in coal with moisture. 2. Check mill outlet temperature is less
and/or than 85°C.
Foreign material at R . C . feeder inlet. 3. Check Mill hot air gate closes on
and/or mill outlet temperature high
protection. Close hot air gate and
check mill.
Big lump of coal. Cold air damper opens full.
© PMI, NTPC 43
10. WATER MILL TUBE LEAKAGE
Starved water wall s due to very low 1. Compare Feed Water flow and
drum level. steam flow to assess the
and/or magnitude of tube leakage.
© PMI, NTPC 44
11. REHEATER/SUPFRHEATER/ ECONOMISER TUBE FAILURE
© PMI, NTPC 45
3. Turbine Auxiliaries
1. PUMPS
1.1 In a power station there are large number of pumps doing certain specific job
assigned to them. Depending upon the duty a pump is expected to perform,
different types of pumps are selected for that particular operation. The
operation staff must know the correct operating procedures for each pump for
any maloperation of pump leading to its shut down may cause reduction in
power generation. This is especially more important in case of high pressure
boiler feed pumps which is a very expensive machine. It requires careful and
skillful operation which is possible only if the operating engineer is fully
familiar with the subsystems of the pump and their operation procedure along
with the main pump. From the operating parameters, the operation engineer
must be able to deduce the possible cause of maloperation and take timely
corrective steps so as to avoid damage to the pump. Each pump
manufacturer supplies the pump operation instructions which must be
followed carefully.
A typical boiler feed pump operation procedure is explained below.
The operation engineer mu st understand each step and the logic involved to
carry-out and this step.
1.1 When all the feed pumps are in stopped condition and one feed pump is to be
started carry out the following checks.
1.2.2 All the control instruments and gauges are in proper place. All root valves for
different gauges are in open condition.
© PMI, NTPC 46
1.2.3 Cooling water for booster pump bearing cooling as well as gland sealing
water supply is O.K.
1.2.5 Check that Deaerator level is normal. Make local check and confirm by
draining the gauge glass and recharging it.
1.2.7 Take out EPB of auxiliary lub. oil pump. Confirm that it starts and develops
required lub. oil pressure. The pressure of oil before journal bearing should be
0.8 to 1 Kg/cm2 and 0.5 Kg/cm2 before the thrust bearing. Check lub. oil flow
through drain line is normal.
1.2.8 Check that both lub. oil and working oil coolers are charged from water as
well as oil side.
1.2.10 Check paver operated recirculation valve is closed and manual operated
valve at Deaerator is open.
1.2.11 Check that manual valve at deaerator on balancing chamber leak off line is
open.
1.2.12 Check BFP discharge valve & its bypass valve is closed.
1.2.14 Charge the feed line after opening vents provided, upto feed regulating
station and then close all the vent lines.
1.2.15 Charge seal water cooler and stiffing box and LP cover cooling lines.
© PMI, NTPC 47
1.2.17 Check scoop tube is in minimum position.
1.2.18 Check that the difference of temperature between pump body metal and feed
water temperature is less than 30°C.
1.2.19 Take out EPB of main pump and give clearance to UCB for starting.
1.3.2 Check feed pump gauges in UCB are in proper working order.
1.3.3 Check all remote operated valves have been given power supply & confirm
their proper operation with local operator.
1.3.6 Check all the protection and interlocks of the pump have been checked and
are O.K.
1.3.10 Check all the flag relay provided for the pump are reset.
1.3.12 Announce for feed pump starting &. ask local operator to be near pump.
© PMI, NTPC 48
1.4 START the feed pump
1.4.2 Check that recirculation valve opens and proper suction flow in maintained.
1.4.3 Check electrically operated cooling water valve opens & proper cooling water
flow is established.
1.4.8 Check bearing temperatures of main pump, motor and hydraulic coupling
bearings are normal.
1.4.10 Open the feed pump discharge valve and take the flow as per requirement in
boiler.
1. 5 Routine Checks
1.5.1 For a pump which is in continuous service, check the following every hour:
- Check oil cooler inlet and outlet valves are open fully.
© PMI, NTPC 49
- Check whether adequate cooling water flow is there. If temperature is
still going high inform U.C.B.
1.5.3 Motor hot air cooler temperature - Normal working temperature is around
60°C. If it goes beyond this, inform UCB (Release air lock in the water side of
cooler through the vent cock). If temperature goes beyond 75°C-80°C, stop
the pump and check coolers.
1.5.5 Suction pressure: Around 10 Kg/cm2 depending on D/A pressure but should
not go below 6 Kg/cm2 and should not be fluctuating too much.
1.5.6 Discharge pressure - Around 170 Kg/cm2 for normal working. It should not
also be fluctuating.
1.5.8 Feed water flow through the pump at any instant should not be less than 200
T/hr, if it is less open the recirculation valve informing UCB and see that the
flow rises.
1.5.1.0 Bearing oil flow - should be continuous without foaming at the sight glasses of
individual bearings.
1.5.1.1 Lubrication oil pressure before and after the filter, the difference should not
be above 0.5 Kg/cm2 . The discharge pressure for all the bearings of boiler
feed pump and hydraulic coupling should be about 1.0 Kg/cm2 excepting the
thrust hearing for which it should be about 0.5 Kg/cm2 .
© PMI, NTPC 50
1.5.12 Check that the booster pump runs smoothly and there is no leakage of water
from its glands. Check that there is adequate flow of gland cooling water.
1.5.13 Bearing oil temperature of the booster pump should be checked for normal
and should be within the limit (approx. 60°C).
1.5.14 Oil temperature at outlet of cooler around 85°C. If the temperature is high,
check that adequate water is flowing through the cooler and if not, inform
UCB.
1.5.15 Check for the oil level in the oil tank of the hydraulic coupling. It should be
normal. If not, proper grade of oil is to be topped up. If the level is falling
continuously it indicates oil leakage in the system/oil seal failure of rotor
bearings. Inform UCB immediately.
1.5.17 The lub. oil is to be tested for mechanical impurity, acidity and moisture
content at least once in a week or as per requirement.
1.5.18 See that the stand-by feed pump is not idle for more than a fortnight.
1.6.1 Open recirculation valve (to avoid damage to mech. seal) and then close the
discharge valve of the pump to be stopped.
1.6.4 Check that motor air cooler water side electrically operated valve closes
automatically after stopping the pump. If not close it from UCB.
1.6.6 Check that B.F.P. warm-up line pneumatically operated valve has opened.
© PMI, NTPC 51
1.6.7 However in case of extreme emergency feed pump can be stopped with
discharge valve open.
1.8.1 All maintenance works on valves and equipment of regenerative system have
been completed.
1.8.2 All pressure gauges, temp. gauges level instruments and gauge glasses of
LP heaters and gland cooler No.2 have been taken into service.
© PMI, NTPC 52
1.8.4 Extraction line drain valves are open.
1.8.5 Heater vapour lines are cascaded and connected with condenser.
1.9.2 Crack open the condensate line inlet valve to the heater.
1.9.4 Keep check on heater gauge glass. (In case of tube leakage the heater gauge
glass level will start rising)
1.9.5 After complete air has been expelled from tubes (ensured by steady water
stream from air vent) open the inlet and outlet valves fully.
1.9.7 The LP heaters are normally charged from steam side immediately after
synchronising the set.
© PMI, NTPC 53
1.9.8 Charging from steam side
1.9.9 Ensure that heaters are properly charged from water side.
1.9.11 Open the extraction steam valve slightly and start warming up the heaters.
1.9.12 Ensure that drip system has been properly lined up and ready for service.
1.9.13 Check the temp. rise in heaters and gauge glass levels.
1.9.14 Gradually open the extraction steam valves fully from LP heater 2 to LP
heater 4.
1.9.15 Depending upon load on the unit divert the drip to condenser or to the drip
pumps.
1.9.16 Note down the pressures in heaters and the temperature rise from each
heater.
1.9.17 Check that gauge glass level and remote level indication in UCB are
matching.
1.11.3 Ensure that root valves of all level switches and level instruments are open.
© PMI, NTPC 54
1.11.4 Ensure that pressurised condensate supply is available for group protection
valve. (This may vary depending upon the type of group protection device)
1.11.5 Ensure that valves as air lines going to condenser and to Low pressure
heater 4, from H.P. heater 5 are closed
1.11.6 Ensure that all the feed line drains concerning HP heaters are closed.
1.12.1 Open the charging valve to such an extent that the heater will get charged
slowly and smoothly and the air in the system will be properly released
through the tube vents
1.12.2 When the air has been expelled and a steady flow of water stream starts
coming out of the tube vents, then close the air vents. Feed water pressure in
the heaters will start rising. Wait until feed water pressure in the heater is
same as the feed water header pressure.
1.12.3 At this point the group protection valve will open fully. After group protection
valve opens fully, the isolating valves at the inlet and outlet of HP heaters can
be opened fully.
1.12.4 Check that group protection valve operates properly on H.P. heater drip level
high interlock. If operating properly charge the heaters again and close the
H.P. heaters bypass valve in the feed line.
1.13.1 Ensure that feed water heaters are properly charged from water side & group
protection valve is ready to operate in any emergency.
1.13.2 Ensure that turbine load is proper (load> 40%) and is being increased.
© PMI, NTPC 55
1.13.3 Line up the drip system and ensure that local and remote gauge glasses are
in working order.
1.13.4 Check that feed heater protection and interlocks have been checked and are
O.K.
1.13.7 Crack open the extraction line steam valve and start warming up the heaters,
keep careful watch as shall pressure, drip level and for any other
abnormalities
1.13.8 Cascade the H.P. heater air lines on open the valve connecting to LP heater
4. Close air line valve from HP heater to air lines on open the valve
connecting to LP heater 4. Close air line valve from HP heater to condenser.
1.13.10 Gradually open the extraction valves fully. Keep watch on heater level. Match
the local gauge glass level with remote indication in UCB & local panel.
Control the drip level with the help of drip valves if required.
1.13.11 Note down extraction pressure, heater shell pressure, rise in F.W.
temperature and drip level for each heater when stabilised.
© PMI, NTPC 56
4. Turbine
Before starting the actual rolling of the turbine, the following equipments and
systems are to be commissioned.
1.1 Ensure that raw Clarifier Water Pumps, Clarified Pumps and Clarified-booster
pumps are in service.
1.2 Inform the operator to check the Basin level and C.T. Pumps and C.T. Fans, if
in service, should be running normal.
1.3 Inform C.W. Pump operator to carry out prestart checks on C.W. Pump and
ensure whether all permits from Maintenance Division are cleared.
1.4 Inform Elect. Controller to rack in breaker of C.W. pump for availability of
power.
1.5 Check the opening of CW discharge valve and check whether it has opened
fully from UCB.
1.6 After obtaining clearance from operator inform the operator through the
intercom, that CW pump is being started.
1.7 Start the CW pump by closing control switch and observe and note down the
amperage of the pump and the amp. should be steady at its rated amp. value.
1.8 Ensure from operator the post start check are complete and healthy for CW
pump.
1.8.1 Ensure from maintenance division that all permits as C.W. booster pump are
cleared.
© PMI, NTPC 57
1.9 Inform CW pump operator to give the prestart checks on CW Booster pump.
1.10 Inform Electrical operator to switch on the power and after obtaining
clearance from operator, announce through intercom that the particular pump
is being started.
1.11 Start the CW Booster pump by closing the control switch and the amperage
should be steady and not more than rated value.
1.12 After 5 minutes run of the booster pump, the pump is to be stopped and to be
started again when turbine speed comes to 1100 rpm.
2.1 Inform Turbine charge hand to start the D.M. make up pumps, if already not
running after checking D.M. tank level and line up of connected lines.
2.2 Inform Condensate pump operator to open for hotwell make up and maintain
hotwell more than 3/4th of the gauge glass.
2.3 Check the protection and interlock of condensate pump and inform
condensate pump operator to carry out prestart checks on the Condensate
Pump.
2.5 Inform Elect. operator to restore power to that condensate pump and after
obtaining clearance from condensate pump operator, announce through
intercom that the pump is being started and the amperage should be within
rated amp and not hunting .
2.6 If hunting, ask the condensate pump operator to check the pump vapour line
valve to be opened properly and also to check the pump suction strainer and
otherwise trip the pump and start the other standby pump putting impression
switch to 'ON' position.
© PMI, NTPC 58
2.7 Ask the chemist to check the quality of condensate to ensure that there is no
condenser tube leakage and take water to Deaerator after charging L.P.
heater from water side.
3.1 Maintain D/A level normal by running condensate pump system normal and
maintain pressure and temp, in Deaerator at rated value by Auxiliary steam.
3.2 Ensure that all permits are cleared from Maint. Divisions for BF pump and HP
heaters.
3.3 Inform BFP pump operator to line up the pump after ensuring the protection &
interlock are healthy.
3.4 Inform Turbine operator to line up HP heater after checking the interlock and
inform Elect. operator to restore power to the pump.
3.5 After getting clearance from BFP pump operator to start & announce that the
pump is being started.
3.6 Start the feed pump and keep the pump on recirculation by opening the
recirculation valve.
3.7 Watch and note down the amperage of pump and after about 15 minutes
when the brg. temp. gets stablished, and charging the feed line up to F.R.
station, open the discharge valve.
3.9 Check the other two BF pumps for their availability and keep the other BFP
available on interlock by putting the interlock switch on 'P'.
© PMI, NTPC 59
4. ENSURE GENERATOR SEAL OIL & HYDROGEN COOLING
SYSTEM ARE NORMAL
4.1 Ensure the Main oil tank level is normal and quality of oil to be O.K.
4.2 A.C. seal oil pump should be running and Check the availability of D.C. seal
oil pump.
4.4 A.C. standby oil pump should be running. Lub. oil pressure at rated value at
bearing header and also check the availability of D.C. oil pump.
4.5 Lube oil pump interlock switch should be 'ON' and oil temperature at bearing
seal should be around 40°C.
5.1 Check the protection of Barring gear (barring gear should not start when lub.
oil pressure rails below 0.3 Kg/cm2).
5.2 Ensure that turbine rotor is at stand still position and lub oil system running
start the Barring gear motor.
5.3 Note down the amp. of the motor and check Barring gear protection and
again restart Barring gear.
6.1 Inform boiler operator to charge the aux. steam line from running unit or from
M.S. line of its own unit. (Inform the adjacent units of this activity).
© PMI, NTPC 60
6.2 Keep the drain valve near the Gland steam Cooler open and charge the
steam line for ejector, gland steam cooler and steam seals by opening the
valve.
6.3 After the line is heated up (for 15 minutes to 20 minutes) throttle the drain
valve near Gland Steam cooler to avoid wastage of steam.
7. VACUUM PULLING
7.2 Ensure condensate system in service, Main ejectors, (both) L.P. heaters (all)
are charged from water side, all valves subjected to vacuum should be sealed
by condensate water.
7.4 Ensure that Auxiliary steam is charged from 16 at header to turbine seal and
ejector header.
7.5 Close the vacuum breaker valves near main ejector and fill the funnel with
DM water for sealing.
7.6 Prior to charging the starting ejector. Open the drain valve at the isolating
valve of steam line.
7.8 Open the drain valves the condenser from the first stage of the ejector.
7.9 Open the steam to ejector, through isolating valves when vacuum in
condenser is 400 mm of Hg. and see the steam pressure to main ejector of
rated value and see that vacuum is steadily rising in the condenser and stop
the starting ejector by closing the air and steam valve.
© PMI, NTPC 61
B. STARTING OF TURBINE FROM COLD STATE
1. PRESTART OPERATION
1.2 Before HP/LP bypass stations are brought into operation check:
1.2.2 Oil system of the bypass station is put into operation by switching on its
motor.
1.2.4 Condensate flow to steam throw off devices in the condenser are established
by opening of the valves.
1.3 Ensure that the valves of the bypass system are fully closed by reading the
respective position indicators.
1.4 Set the temperature set point of HP bypass station at rated value with the
help of push button.
1.5 Put the pressure controllers and slave positions of each HP bypass valves on
manual mode with the help of push button.
1.6 Put the LP bypass valves ‘Auto’ mode and set the temperature set point of LP
bypass station at rated value roughly 200°C with the help of push button by
reading its value on the indicator.
1.7 Put the control of LP bypass valves on 'auto' mode with pressure loop in
circuit with the help of selector switch by making the contact in 'R position and
set the pressure set point of rated value roughly as 6.0 at with the help of
push button.
© PMI, NTPC 62
1.8 Check that the HPT evacuating valves and bypass valves across NRV cold
reheat line are tightly closed.
1.9 After the internal superheater flow has been established through start up vent,
open the drain valves before bypass and after bypass drain valves, open the
drain valves of MS, CR & HR lines and also open after LP bypass drain
valves.
1.10 Open fully the HP bypass with the help of push button and then open the
boiler outlet valves and check the temperature control loop is functioning
normal.
1.11 Watch the rise of metal temperature of MS, CR & HR lines and after 50°C
superheat is available at the superheater outlet open the bypass valves of
MSV for heating the pipe lines upto turbine.
1.12 Open the ESV to CVS drain valves and Open ESV by about 10-20 mm as per
the scale according to instruction and heat the steam admission pipe upto
control valves to a temp. of 150°C as rated and rise of metal temp. should not
be more than 4°C per minute.
1.13 Open the bypass valves across the NRVs in the cold reheat line and the
Drain valves of HPT and heat the HP turbine upto 150°C.
1.14 Check the steam pressure in hot reheat line to be less than 1 Kg/cm2 (gauge)
before starting the heating of steam admission pipe upto control valves of IPT
and if the pressure exceeds limiting value adjust the set value at 1 Kg/cm2
(gauge) with the help of push button and indicator of LP bypass station.
1.15 Open the IV to CVs drain valves and open the interceptor valve servomotor
by about 10-15 mm as per the scale instructions and heat the steam
admission pipes upto control valves to a specified temp, roughly 100°C.
1.16 Close bypass valve of MSV in the cold reheat lines when steam parameter
before MSV are 20-25 Kg/cm2 and 280-300°C & steam admission pipe of
HPT and IPT are heated upto 150°C & 100°C respectively.
© PMI, NTPC 63
1.17 Close ESV & IV and bring the control of LP bypass valves on ‘Manual' mode
with the help of push button.
1.18 Manually close the HP bypass valves with the help of push button and when
the pressure in the reheat line comes to condenser pressure manually close
the LP bypass with the help of push button.
1.19 After having accomplished the heating, check and note down the following
readings in the log sheet before rolling the turbine.
1.19.1 Metal temp. of pipes before MSV, and also before ESV, while heating the
main steam and reheat steam pipes, the difference in temperature of pipes
should not exceed 15°C. But when the turbine is on load, this difference
should not be more than 10°C.
1.20 Open the drain valves of 'HPT, IPT, HP and LP extraction valves and open
ESV, IV, control valves of HPT and IPT. completely with the help of control
gear.
© PMI, NTPC 64
2. RULLING INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Slowly open the bypass valves of main steam valve before ESV.
2.2 Allow the steam to roll the turbine and check during the process of raising the
speed bearing vibration should not exceed 40 microns.
2.3 Check that barring gear has got disengaged and its motor gets switched off
automatically.
2.4 At a speed of 500 rpm, stop the steam supply to the turbine by closing the by-
pass valves of MSV and listen carefully for any rubbing sound. If any
abnormality is found stop the rolling of the turbine.
2.5 If the turbine is in healthy state, again raise the speed to 500 rpm by opening
the bypass valves of MS valve and soak the set for 5-10 mts.
2.6 It is prohibited to raise the speed of turbine if the differential expansion of the
turbine rotor reaches to the maximum permissible values.
2.7 At a speed of 1200 rom soak the set for about 20 mts. note that the control
valves of HPT tend to close with the rise of speed.
2.9 At a speed of 3000 rpm. hold the turbine at 3000 rpm for about 20-25 mts,
carry out inspection and soaking of the turbine, perform the checking of
protection and governing system and tightness test of ESV and control valves
of HPT. (Refer fig. 6).
2.9 Raise the speed of turbine to 3000 rpm from 1200 rpm in 5 mts. without any
pause. The critical speed of the m/c should be passed as fast as possible to
avoid the appearance of rotor vibration.
2.10 Observe the temperature of lub oil entering the bearings and maintain the lub.
oil temp. at 40°C by controlling the cooling water supply to the oil coolers,
stop the starting oil pump and keep it ready.
© PMI, NTPC 65
© PMI, NTPC 66
NOTE: A. At the speed of 500, 1200 and 3000 rpm note down the following readings in
the log book:
i) Condenser vacuum.
ii ) Axial shift.
v) Bearing vibration.
B. Watch that different metal temperatures have tendency to rise and note down
the temperature.
3.1 Synchronize the machine with the grid and take a load of 10 to 15 MW,
constantly watch the Differential expansion Axial Shift, metal temp., difference
between outer and inner surface of the wall of HPT casing and IPT.
3.2 Hold the Turbine at this load for 30 mts. to carry out soaking and listen for
rubbing.
3.3 After soaking, close all the drain valves. On steam lines steam admission
pipes, HP. IP drain collectors.
© PMI, NTPC 67
3.5 At the load of 30 MW, close the drain valves in LP heater extraction lines,
note the thermal expansion of the turbine and all the other readings, charge
deaerator by opening the extraction steam valve close if pressure in
deaerator is less than 2 Kg/cm2.
3.6 At the load of 60 to 70 MW, put the H.P. heaters in service, charge the HP
heaters from water side and steam side, close the H.P. extraction drain
valves.
3.7 Put the drip pump in service stop the flange and stud heating.
3.8 At about 80 MW load, start the second condensate Dumo 4 BFP and keep
the third as standby.
3.9 At about 150 MW load, change over steam supply to deaerator from
extraction opening.
3.10 At the load of 210 MW set the point of H.P. bypass valves pressure control
loop at 140 ata with the help of push button and change over the manual
mode of pressure control loops of HP bypass valves to 'Auto' with the help of
push buttons.
3.11 Set the L.P. bypass valve pressure set point to 6.0 Kg/cm2 (ata) and temp. set
point to 200°C. Change over the L.P. bypass operation from manual mode to
'Auto' mode with pressure control loop in circuit.
4.1 Purpose
Chamber heating is to be carried out whenever the differential expansion of
HP & IP cylinders are too much on the negative side that means beyond HP
(-) 0.5 and IP(-) 1.5 mm. (for the turbine of 210 MW installed at BTPS
supplied by BHEL). Chamber heating is also to be carried out whenever the
differential temperature between turbine top and bottom exceeds 50°C.
© PMI, NTPC 68
4.2 Process
Chamber heating is required generally during hot start up of turbine. Chamber
heating essentially consists of supplying live steam to the HP rotor and IP
rotor through the gland seals at a low pressure. This will help in heating the
HP rotor and IP rotor thus help in reducing differential expansion.
4.3.2 Temperature of live steam should be raised as high as possible and should
be higher than the hottest metal temp. of the turbine.
4.3.3 The pressure of steam for chamber heating should not exceed 4 Kg/cm2.
4.3.4 Chamber heating is to be started while the machi ne is on barring gear. During
the process of chamber heating if the barring gear stops chamber heating
must be stooped immediately.
4.3.5 During the chamber heating process, shaft eccentricity should be watched
carefully, which has a tendency to rise. The process is to be controlled in
order to maintain the eccentricity within 0.07 mm.
5.1 The 210 MW turbine has been provided with a device for heating flanges and
studs of HP and IP casing. The purpose is to lower the temperature difference
of the metal, at the width of the casing flanges and between different points
over the casing section, also between the casing flanges and studs at their
© PMI, NTPC 69
corresponding points. By doing so the turbine may be rolled quickly from cold
or warm state.
5.2 Live steam is bled from main steam pipe line before main gate valves of the
turbine for heating flanges and studs. The device consists of jackets welded
to side wall of casing flanges and special piping complete with fitting and
measuring instruments for steam inlet, outlet and drains. Special recesses are
provided in the horizontal flanges of the H.P. & I.P. casing joint plane for
passage of heating steam to the studs. In the lower half flanges, recesses are
provided and in the upper half of the casing along the height of studs there
are baffles for guiding the steam flow over the studs.
5.3 The special pipe lines each delivering steam to two separate headers have
been provided. Two headers are meant to supply steam to flanges and studs
separately.
5.4 The header to the flange jackets supplies steam for heating flanges. And the
header to the recess in horizontal joint of HP & IP casing bottom flanges
supplies steam for heating of studs through holes in the bottom flanges on the
right and left side.
5.5 Steam from jackets and recesses in the HP & IP casing flanges is collected in
common header and then flows through piping to the condenser steam
space.
5.6 The use of device for heating flanges and studs of the casing is permitted
only if a careful check is kept over the temperature difference across the
metal at the available references points. The measuring and recording of
temperature differences should be carried out during turbine starting at
least once every 10 minutes.
5.7 The temperature difference across the width of the casing flange should be
within 50°C. The temperature of outside flange surface should never exceed
that measured with a thermocouple at a maximum depth inside the flange.
The difference between the flange and stud temperature should not exceed
20°C and stud temperature should never be more than that of the flange.
© PMI, NTPC 70
5.8 When starting the turbine from cold or warm (temp. of metal of the upper half
of the H.P. casing being upto 250°C), heating of flange and studs is permitted
provided differential expansion of the rotor is positive and not less than 1 mm.
It is not permitted to operate the flange heating device.
ii) If the differential expansion indicating and recording instruments are either out
of order or disconnected.
NOTE
© PMI, NTPC 71
C. WARM AND HOT START
Depending upon the metal temperature of H.P.T. casing in the zone of regulating
stage, the type of start can be chosen.
1.1 Before warm/hot restart, the auxiliary equipment should be started in the
same manner and order as in the case of cold start.
Before hot or warm start, the starting oil pump should have been working and
supplying oil to bearings, the turbine shaft is rolling on barring gear, and one
of the condensate pump is operative.
Check oil pressure in lubrication and governing system and see draining of oil
from bearings. Check that all the control and measuring instruments have
been switched on and are working alright.
1.2 If condenser vacuum had been killed, start vacuum pulling after supplying
steam to the turbine glands.
1.3 Before starting the heating of steam lines, the vacuum in the condenser
should be 600mm of Hg. MSV, ESV, ISV, CVS, of HPT and IPT should be
tightly closed.
1.4 Heating of main steam lines, body of ESV, reheat pipe lines, body of IV may
be done in case the temperature of these elements is 80-100°C less than the
temperature of the lower half of the H.P.T casing in the zone of regulating
stage and in the zone of steam admission in case of I.P.T. respectively by
opening the drains of relevant portion.
© PMI, NTPC 72
2. HEATING AND ROLLING OF TURBINE DURING WARM START
Read the actual metal temperature of H.P. casing at the regulating stage and
should be within 150°C to 350°C.
2.1 Select the operational mode of H.P. by-pass valve on 'Manual' and L.P. by-
pass on 'Auto' and select for pressure mode of operation, set the set point of
L.P. by-pass station at 6 ata by push button.
2.2 Set the temperature control loop of H.P. by-pass station on 'Auto' and set the
temp. set point as per the requirement on the down stream side of H.P. by-
pass station, temperature control loop of L.P. by-pass stations should be on
'Auto' and temperature should be set at 200°C and ensure that the evacuating
valves and by-pass valves of NRVS in the cold reheat lines are closed.
2.3 Open H.P. by-pass valve and raise the steam parameters of boiler to desired
value, heat the main steam cold reheat lines and open the by-pass valves of
MSV and ESV by about 15-20 mm and heat the steam admission pipes upto
control valves.
2.4 Check that the steam pressure in hot reheat line should not exceed 1 Kg/cm2.
If required, manually close a little the HP by-pass valve, open the IV servo
motor by 10-15 mm as per scale and heat the steam admission pipes upto
control valves of I.P.T. control valves of I.P.T. should remain tightly closed
during this process and during the process of heating of the steam pipe lines
check the draining system is alright.
2.5 Having accomplished the heating, check and note down the various metal
temperatures viz. of steam pipes, ESV, IV, IP casing and HPC at the
regulating stage, ensure that the desired matching steam temperature is
available at ESV.
© PMI, NTPC 73
2.6 Manually close the HP by-pass valves with the help of push button.
2.7 Bring the control of L.P by-pass valves op 'Manual mode' with the help of
push button, open the L.P. by-pass valves, with the help of push button when
the pressure in the reheat line comes to condenser vacuum close the LP by-
pass valves.
2.8 Check that the eccentricity and differential expansion of the rotor are within
limit.
2.9 With the help of the speeder gear fully open IV, ESV, CVS of IPT and HPT.
And slowly open the by pass valves of MSV and roll the turbine as per guide
lines given, to the synchronising speed.
2.10 Checking should be made during rolling as in the case of cold start-up.
2.11 Synchronise the set and load the set to 20-30 MW. All the drains must be
closed after some load has been taken on the turbine, the raising of steam
parameters and loading of the set is to be carried out as per the curve and
guide lines of loading for the warm start.
2.12 After loading the unit, set HP and LP by-pass stations as follows:
© PMI, NTPC 74
a) Metal temp. of body of ESV.
b) Steam admission pipes of HPT and IPT.
c) HPT in the zone of regulating stage.
d) Steam admission chamber at IPT.
e) Body of IV.
Now with the help of steam matching chart, determine the desired steam
temperature and pressure for rolling the turbine. Steam temperature before
ESV at the time of roll must be more (at least by 25°C) than the hottest metal
temperature of elements mentioned above.
3.1 Ensure that all the prestart conditions such as oil system in operation,
vacuum in the condenser is more than 540 mm of Hg. flow of condensate in
steam thro device is O.K.
3.2 Set the H.P. bypass valves on 'AUTO' mode and set the pressure setting at
5-8% higher than the actual pressure available in the main steam lines.
3.3 Set the L.P. bypass stations also on 'AUTO' with pressure control mode with
set point at 6 Kg/cm2. Put the temperature control loops of H.P. bypass valves
on 'AUTO' mode and set the temperature set point at 50°C higher than the
cold reheat pipe metal temperature, change the temperature set point upward
to meet the boiler requirements. Heating rate of cold reheat pipe lines and
reheater should be within limit and set point should not exceed 380°C.
3.4 Check that the bypass valves across NRV's in cold reheat lines are closed.
Open the evacuating valves to release the entrapped steam from H.P. casing.
3.5 Raise the steam parameters of Boiler. HP-LP bypass stations shall cut in
automatically under pressure impulses provided other logic conditions are
being met, the H.P. valves shall keep on opening and allow the entire steam
generated by the boiler until the flow passing capacity of the HP bypass
valves corresponding to set pressure is fully utilised.
3.6 As the difference of pressure between the actual value and set point exceeds
the allowed limit, an alarm shall appear. At this stage, slide upwards the
© PMI, NTPC 75
pressure set point, but the set point valve should be 2-3% lower than the
value indicated in the instrument, after attaining the desired steam
temperature and pressure, suitable for rolling of the turbine, hold the firing
rate of boiler.
3.7 Heat the transfer pipes between IV and CV of IPT by opening IV by 5-10 mm
as per scale, the valves in the drains of these pipes should be kept full open,
prior to the opening of IV, after heating these pipes corresponding to the
available steam temperature. Close IV fully.
3.8 Open fully MSV's and IV with the help of the control gear.
3.9 Turbine will start rolling through IPT. As soon as the speed of the rotor rises
above 3.4 rpm, check that barring gear gets disengaged and its motor cuts
out automatically. Check that the valves in the evacuating lines of HPT casing
are closed.
3.10 Start opening of CV's of IPT and raise the turbine speed to 3000 rpm without
pause, at 2800 rpm check that main oil pump takes over. Stop the starting oil
pump.
3.11 Synchronise the set and take around 20 MW load on the unit. Close all
drains.
3.12 Immediately load the turbine at the rate of 5 MW per minute. As soon as the
steam starts flowing through H.P. turbine, ensure that the H.P. bypass valves
starts closing, loading the set further as per the curve for hot start of turbine.
(Refer fig 7).
3.13 After loading the unit, set the H.P., L.P. bypass station similar to that in case
of warm start (Described earlier).
© PMI, NTPC 76
FIG.7
© PMI, NTPC 77
D. TURBINE SHUTTING DOWN FROM FULL LOAD.
1.1 Inform the boiler house that the turbine would soon be shut down.
1.2 Check the starting oil pump and also availability of A.C. & D.C. lub. oil pumps.
1.4 Watch the axial shift & differential expansion of ;he rotor and cylinder, after
reducing the load to 160 MW switch off the H.P. Heater on steam side and
drain heating steam condensate by opening the drain valves.
1.5 At load 90-100 MW switch off one of the condensate pumps and feed pumps
and at 70 MW load check the drip pump gets switched off under automatic
controller action and also ensure that auxiliary power supply is changed from
unit to reserve.
1.7 At load 10 to 12 MW open by pass valve of MS before ESV and close valve
on Main Steam line.
1.8 Reduce the load to about 5 MW slowly. Trip the unit through any protection,
check the ESV, IV and control valves get closed.
1.9 Isolate lub oil cooler from cooling waterside one by one to maintain lub oil
temp.
1.10 Ensure that generator is isolated through low forward power relay and the
time for stopping the steam supply to turbine and isolation of generator should
not be more than 4 minutes.
© PMI, NTPC 78
1.11 After closure of the Control valves immediately close the main steam valves
near Boiler outlet and check that bypass of main steam valves are also
closed.
1.12 Stop the other BF pump depending upon the level of the Boiler drum.
1.13 At 2800 rpm, start AC lub oil pump and AC seal oil pump, check the Lub oil
press and A.C. seal oil press is normal.
1.14 When the rotor comes to a stop, start the barring gear and roll the rotor
continuously on BG till temp. of lower part of HP casing at regulating stage
drops to 170°C, engage the barring gear lever at stand still condition of rotor
and then start the barring gear motor and make sure that rotor rpm is 3.4.
when put on Barring Gear.
1.15 Break the vacuum by opening Vac. Breaking valve and cut off the steam
supply to main ejector, gland steam cooler and steam to seals by closing the
respective valves.
1.16 When maximum turbine metal temp. comes down below 200°C. Open
cylinder, transfer line and main steam line drains.
1.17 Barring gear and lub. oil pumps can be stopped if necessary.
1.18 Condensate and C.W. pumps can be stopped when LP exhaust temp. comes
below 40°C.
© PMI, NTPC 79
E. IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS DURING TURBINE RUNNING
1 ROUTINE CHECKS
1.1 The turbine is capable of accepting the variations from the rated conditions
within the limits stated below :
Live steam pressure : 117-143 Kg/cm2
Live steam temperature : 527-543°C
Reheat steam temperature : 527-543°C
1.3 Turbine operation with the steam exhaust to atmosphere is forbidden. In case
of rapid drop in vacuum and opening of atmospheric valves, the turbine
should be stopped immediately. The turbine may be restarted only if the
exhaust part of the turbine and the condenser have cooled down to 55°C.
1.4 The main steam and reheat steam temperature should preferably be equal to
or more than the metal temperature of steam admission elements.
1.5 When the turbine has tripped due to action of protection or by turbine shut
down switch, check the operation of the equipments mentioned below along
with the closure of emergency stop valves.
1.6 If there are more than one indicators for the same measurement, then the one
which is giving favourable reading should not be assumed to be correct one.
© PMI, NTPC 80
1.7 If any of the control valves gets closed accidentally the load on the turbine
would get reduced. Trace out the valve by comparing the pressure reading
after all control valves.
1.8 The turbine must be stopped manually independent of the action of relevant
protection under following situations: -
1.9 In order to remove salts deposited on the guide and moving blades, the
flushing of turbine flow path should be carried out with saturated steam
during next cold start up.
1.10 Analyse each drum of oil before filling in the oil tank, in case the filling is done
from oil drums.
© PMI, NTPC 81
1.12 Turbine operation on load limiter is not recommended for a longtime except in
emergency. Such operation hampers control of network frequency.
1.13 General temperature rise in oil supplied to the bearings at constant pressure
and constant cooling water temperature indicates the choking of oil
coolers.
1.14 Dust off the turbine at least once a shift, special care should be taken while
cleaning the levers and links of governing and steam distribution systems.
1) Close ESV & IV 15 mm by hand wheel by one and reopen back to full.
© PMI, NTPC 82
2.2 Do every week
1) Take out oil tank filters one by one for routine check up and clean by
blowing dry compressed air through them.
3.1 Don't start the turbine if the control signalling and protection system are not in
working order.
3.2 During M/C on Barring Gear if rotor eccentricity exceeds 0.07 mm do not roll
the turbine.
3.3 Do not start the turbine with oil temperature at bearing inlet less than 40°C.
3.4 Do not run the turbine on load with control valves servomotor in full open
condition.
3.5 During shut down do not open the drains on steam admission pipes and
cylinders, till the metal temperature falls below 200°C.
3.6 Do not allow the turbine to run in the steamless condition for more than 4
minutes.
3.7 Do not drain the oil, saturated with hydrogen into Main Oil Tank.
© PMI, NTPC 83
3.8 Do not allow hot rotor to stand without rolling (Barring gear).
3.9 Do not allow to rotate the rotor by hand if there is not at all oil supply to
bearings.
3.10 Do not try to engage barring gear unless turbine rotor is completely stopped.
3.11 Do not supply the steam to turbine and sealings if M/C is not on barring gear.
3.13 Do not hold the set in the critical speed zone while raising the speed of the
turbine.
© PMI, NTPC 84
F. EMERGENCIES IN TURBINE AND AUXILIARIES
1.1.1 The steam pressure at ESV will increase FSSS operator will control the boiler
pressure.
1.1.2 The turbine load will decrease. Governor will control the load. If it fails,
then throttle the control valves suitably
and maintain pressure to normal till the
frequency comes down.
1.1.3 Disturbance in differential expan sion There should be a constant watch on the
vibration, axial shift, eccentricity supervisory instruments.
1.1.4 Disturbance in condenser level Adjust and maintain the hotwell level.
1.1.6 Turbine lub. oil temp will change. Check and adjust the coolers water flow
as necessary.
There is a provision for partial load throw In case of the tripping of these
off by help of a relay with a time delay of equipments operation of partial load
which reduces turbine to 100 MW in relay will reduce the boiler output
case of the tripping of following suitably in a sequential manner through
equipments. FSSS Scheme.
© PMI, NTPC 85
1.2.1 One C.W. pp in case both are running If the partial load relay fails/not in circuit
reduce the turbine load and inform
the boiler operator to control steam
parameter in case one CW PP or one
condensate pp trip. Careful watch may
be kept on vacuum. Inform the local
operator to check the cause of tripping.
Maintain the Deareater and hotwell level.
1.3 In case of Full load Throw off Unit trip on protector if it is kept on 'P'.
(due to opening of generator breaker )
1.3.1 The turbine may trip gear due to over- Close the control gear handwheel.
speeding (if the speed can be controlled
by closing control valve, close the Check that ESV and Control valves are
control valve immediately otherwise trip closed.
the turbine by emergency trip button).
Close the valves in the M.S. Line. Close
the Extr. steam valves. (Refer turbine
shutdown procedures).
© PMI, NTPC 86
speed. Reduce the load by the control
gear and bring the boiler parameter and
load to normal.
2.2 Due to sudden rise of boiler drum Bring back the load/governing wheel
pressure. pressure to normal by control gear and
inform the boiler.
3. VIBRATION HIGH
Normally the vibration bearings should Check the turbine cylinder drain should
be within 40 microns. If it exceeds the not be cold (if necessary open the drain
limit, causes should be shut down. valve for few minutes if turbine is on
load.
5.1 Check the cooling water valves are open in Oil coolers and vent the coolers. Put the
standby cooler in service, ensure CW Pp is running normal. Check bearing oil outlet
temp. (less than 65°C).
6.1 Normally the rotor gets long during Check the steam temp. Reduce
running and gets short during shutdown. load/speed. Check the valve for flange
© PMI, NTPC 87
The expansion is to be controlled by heating are in open condition if rotor is
admitting steam or shutting off supply to long or close if rotor is short. Check and
flange and stud heating/chamber heating adjust gland steam temp.
accordingly. In case if it goes beyond
control, the m/c to be tripped. Check the vacuum to be normal.
7.2 Sudden change in load Control the load and maintain the steam
parameter.
7.3 Abrupt change of steam parameter Control the load and maintain the steam
parameter.
7.4 Sudden closure of FCNRV of heater Control the load and maintain the
(HP/LP) governing pressure, if heaters are
healthy open FCNRV.
7.5 Variation in Lub. Oil temp. pressure and Maintain lub. oil pressure temp. pressure
quality. and temp. for quality get the oil tested
from laboratory and if necessary oil is to
be changed.
8. LOSS OF VACUUM
If there be any loss of vacuum, start the standby ejector at the earliest. Still if it does
not improve, start starting ejector. With no further improvement of vacuum, reduce
the load as required to maintain the vacuum at 700 mm. Meanwhile try to detect the
specific reason which may be as follows :
© PMI, NTPC 88
8.1 Steam ejector not properly functioning. Check that steam pressure in 6 Kg/cm2.
8.2.2 Malfunctioning of DM make up valve. Close valve pressure from UCB and
watch that hotwell level falls.
© PMI, NTPC 89
8.4 Air leak into system Check sealing water pressure to valves
under Vacuum is normal.
8.5 Condenser tube choking Check the CW inlet and choking outlet
temperature.
9.1 For loss of electrical supply D.G. set will If not possible to start the DG set,
come automatically otherwise start. attempt to turn the shaft by slings with
the help of over head crane by 180° at
regular intervals of 15 minutes after
cutting in the D.C. emergency lub oil
pump.
© PMI, NTPC 90
5. Generator
Generator Auxiliaries (210) MW
MW)
A. SEAL OIL SYSTEM
1.1 Seal oil system commissioning is required prior to filling of hydrogen in the
machine. The following works should be completed before putting up the
system into operation.
1.2 The turbine main oil tank should be filled upto the required level with
centrifuge oil.
ii) D.C. Power for D.C. seal oil pump motor, controls relays, starting and
signalling panels.
2.1 Open the valves for suction and discharge of AC seal oil pump, its coolers
and oil filters. Open the values leading the discharge oil to damper tank.
2.3 Charge the seal oil line with oil by gravity for MOT, vent air from cooler filter
etc. and close the discharge valves of A.C. seal oil pump.
© PMI, NTPC 91
2.5 Start the A.C. seal oil pumps and slowly open the discharge valve.
2.6 Wait till Damper tank is full and the oil level in hydraulic seal rises to a point
midway.
2.7 Check the oil level in hydraulic seal oil tank above lower gauge glass but
below upper gauge glass.
2.8 Check the alarms for high/low level in hydraulic seal tank and damper tank to
be working all right by simulating both the conditions by level switch with help
of C&I.
2.10 Check the centrifugal fan in service in the main oil tank.
2.11 Check the suction and discharge pressure of A.C. seal oil pump.
2.13 Apply thrust oil pressure by regulating inlet and outlet valve of P.O.R.
carefully to get the required pressure.
2.15 Now there will be flow through the seals. Ensure that the flow on H2 side is
normal.
2.16 Wherever the pressure of air or gas inside the generator is less, drain the oil
from the hydraulic seal tank.
© PMI, NTPC 92
2.18 Ensure that POR & DPR are working satisfactorily.
2.21 Check the flow of oil from return sight glasses at generator seals to be
uniform and continuous.
1. Filling Operation
1.1.1 In order to avoid the formation of an explosive mixture of hydrogen and air in
generator at any time either when the generator is being filled with hydrogen
prior to being placed in service or when hydrogen is being reproved from the
generator prior to opening the generator for inspection or repair, CO2 is used
as the inert purge gas. CO2 is admitted from CO 2 manifold to generator
casing at bottom by opening the valves of several cylinders at a time. Rate of
admission is being controlled normally by regulating the valves on the
manifold. The generator should be at stand still or barring gear and shaft
sealing system must be in operation.
1.1.2 To avoid excessive frosting, the CO 2 flow rate should be carefully regulated.
The sample of gas taken from the generator casing should be periodically
analysed by means of portable gas analyser.
When CO2 percentage reaches 98%, the filling of CO 2 can be stopped and
preparation for filling hydrogen can be made.
© PMI, NTPC 93
1.2 Hydrogen Filling
1.2.1 After achieving 98% CO2 concentration and a pressure of 0.15 to 0.2 Kg/cm2
inside the machine, filling of hydrogen in machine can be started.
1.2.2 Before admitting H2 into machine following checks should be carried out.
i) Ensure that generator is gas tight.
ii) Ensure that all the air has been purged out by CO2.
iii) Ensure all valves of gas system are set at the completion of air purging.
iv) Check auto starting of stand by seal oil pump.
1.2.4 During process of filling with H2 the CO 2 air mixture is discharged through
CO2 feed pipe from bottom.
1.3.1 CO2 admitted to the bottom of the casing through the CO 2 feed pipe and
hydrogen is discharged to the atmosphere through hydrogen feed pipe line.
CO2. should be admitted till CO2 concentration is 98%.
1.4.1 When CO2 concentration in the CO2 hydrogen mixture reached 98%, air filling
may be started to expel the CO2 before the machine is opened for
maintenance. For this purpose dry instrument air is used.
© PMI, NTPC 94
C. STATOR WATER COOLING SYSTEM
1. Operation
1.1.1 Check up 415 V, 3 ø, 50 c/s supply for stator water cooling pumps.
1.2 Ensure that one D.M. make up pumps is running and fill up the expansion
tank and D.M. water make up tank (if provided) upto their normal value by
opening respective inlet valves.
1.3 Supply clarified water to the water line valve to ejector by opening clarified
water line valve to create vacuum and thus maintain vacuum in the expansion
tank.
1.4 Open the D.M. water valves before and after the stator water pumps, stator
water coolers and mechanical filters.
1.5 Open the stator bypass valve and start the pump and slowly open the
discharge valve to full.
1.7 Charge the other cooler from D.M. water side and bring the temperature of
D.M. water to 40°C.
1.8 Charge the cooling water for secondary stator water cooler.
1.9 Charge retifier for Excitor (RCU) by opening D.M. water inlet valve and adjust
the flow by the control valve.
1.10 Proper venting of stator winding cooling lines is to be done. Now adjust the
pressure and flow of D.M. water entering the hallow stator winding.
© PMI, NTPC 95
1.11 As soon as D.M. water circulation is achieved through stator winding at
normal pressure and flow, interlock switch of stator water cooling pump
should be placed on auto position.
© PMI, NTPC 96
6. Generator
1. PRE-SYNCHRONISING CHECKS
1.2 Clearances from C&I and electrical division that all instruments and
equipment are available.
1.3 All the flags on relays are reset and annunciation circuit is healthy.
1.4 Supply of oil to generator bearings and shaft seals is available and flow of oil
is normal.
1.6 H2 gas coolers water supply should be checker) for desired quality and
ensure normal temperature pressure and flow.
2.1 Ensure the availability and completeness of all the equipment and circuits.
Take clearance from Electrical Division for starting the set.
© PMI, NTPC 97
2.2 Ensure that the insulation resistance of the system is within permissible limits
especially if the generator is being synchronised after a long time or in rainy
season. If the insulation resistance of the system is low, dry out of stator
winding and associated bus duct should be carried out.
2.5 Check seal oil system for seal oil pressure, flow and temperature. If the oil
pressure is not proper, adjust differential pressure regulator. In case of
temperature, adjust cooling water flow.
2.4 Check H2 cooling system for H2 pressure, purity and gas leakage. If the H2
pressure and purity are low, fill more H2 cylinders for increasing the pressure
and purity.
2.5 Charge stator winding coolers with distillate and ensure quality, pressure, flow
and temperature of the distillate.
2.6 Check that generator breaker and Generator field breaker are open. If not,
open Generator breaker or field breaker as the case may be.
2.8 Check bearing Vibrations and rubbing etc. if any inside the generator during
rolling or any abnormal sound. If the vibrations on the generator bearings
exceed the permissible limits (60-micron) shut down the machine and check
the bearings. In case of rubbing abnormal sound, shut down TG set and
check clearance between stator and rotor.
2.9 Check temperature of bearing, seal babbitt and drain oil. If the babbitt
temperature of bearing or seal is high, check oil flow and vibration on that
bearing. If the temperature goes beyond 80°c shut down the T.G. set and
check the bearing.
2.10 Throttle inlet and outlet valve of H2 gas coolers according to gas temperature.
Do not allow the gas temperature to rise above 55°C.
© PMI, NTPC 98
2.11 Ensure that the machine has attained the rated speed of 3000 r.p.m. Obtain a
go forward signal from boiler and turbine operator to synchronise the
machine.
2.12 Enquire from the switchyard control room about synchronising of machine to
the required bus.
2.14 Ask switchyard control room operator to close transformer side isolator and
report back to UCB about proper closing of the isolators after physically
verifying the same. If the isolators are not closed properly, open the isolators.
Give shut down for checking alignment, operating mechanism and limit
switches. Take corrective measures.
2.15 Check that the synchroscope cut off switch is "OFF" and synchronising check
relay "SKE" bypass switch is on "IN CIRCUIT" position. If not, put these
switches in the said positions.
2.16 Close exciter field breaker. Give closing impulse for about 5-sec., and release
the switch when Red lamp glows indicating the closing of breaker.
2.17 Voltage will start building up due to residual magnetism. Check that the
voltage is equal in all three phases. If voltage on the phases is not equal,
check PT fuse and replace the blown one, if any. If the difference is more
than 1KV, inform EM Divn., for thorough check up. Open the exciter field
breaker and isolators. Check insulation resistance of all the three phases and
take necessary action.
2.18 Put Auto/Manual excitation mode selector switch on "Auto" position voltage
will start building up. Check that the rate of building up is normal. If the rate of
voltage build up is more than the permissible limits, switch over to "Manual"
mode and build up voltage manually.
2.19 When the voltage has built up approx., upto 10 KV, check that the voltage
and frequency of the incoming machine and that of the system and
approximately equal. If the frequency is not approx., equal, give impulse to
© PMI, NTPC 99
the load changer to bring the frequency approx. equal. If the excitation mode
is on "Auto" it will automatically match the voltage; otherwise in "Manual"
mode, give impulse to field rheostat switch to match the voltage.
2.20 Switch on the synchroscope. If the frequency of the incoming m/c is higher
than the system frequency, the synchroscope pointer will move in the
clockwise director, and if the frequency is lower, it will move in anti-clockwise
direction. Speed of rotation of the pointer will depend upon the difference in
frequencies. Give impulse by load change switch to have very slow clockwise
rotation.
2.21 When the voltage and frequency match, the synchroscope will move very
slowly in the clockwise direction. This position shows that:
iii) Frequency of both the system and the incoming m/c is same.
2.22 Give closing impulse to Gen. breaker the instance when the synchroscope
pointer is in between 11 and 12 ° Clock position which indicates synchronism
by the glowing of lamp at the Gen. annunciation panel.
2.23 Take 10-20 MW load on the machine. Ask boiler operator to carry
out necessary operations on boiler side to raise the steam pressure and
temperature, so that load can be raised.
2.25 Put "antimotoring" protection switch on "ON" position after taking some load
on the machine (say 20 MW).
2.26 Gen. voltage and P.F., will be maintained by AVR if the excitation mode is on
"Auto", otherwise, maintain Gen. voltage and PF by varying the field rheostat
2.27 Slowly raise the load on Generator upto 80 MW (Follow the guide lines given
for loading the machine). Now the voltage and power factor will be maintained
by the automatic voltage regulator (AVR). However, the level can be changed
by varying the rheostat resistance.
2.28 Changeover 6.6 KV auxiliary bus from station supply to unit auxiliary supply
taking both the unit auxiliary transformer into circuit. Check that the unit
auxiliary supply incoming breakers are racked in service position, springs are
charged and "Local/Remote" switches are on "Remote" position.
2.29 Keeping Gen. winding & core temperature, Gen. transformer winding
temperature H2 gas temperature generator seals and bearing metal
temperature in limits by adjusting cooling water flow to Generator gas coolers
and oil coolers. Load the generator upto 150 MW as per guide lines available.
2.30 At this load, check Gen. bearing and seals temp. Gen. Wdg./Core
temperature Gen. T/F Wdg. temperature H2 gas temperature performance of
automatic voltage regulator and cooling water flow to R.C.U. If Gen.
Wdg/Core temperature is higher adjust distillate flow and cooling water flow to
gas coolers. If Gen. T/F wdg. temp. is high, check that all the cooling fans and
pumps of cooler banks are in service. If the AVR is not functioning properly
take the voltage control on "manual" mode.
2.31 Check exciter winding temperature & slip ring sparking. Ensure that the
exciter voltage and current are within permissible limits.
2.32 Check H2 pressure, purity and temperature performance of seal oil system
and stator water cooling system. Fill more H2 gas cylinders if pressure and
purity are low. If the performance of seal oil system is not satisfactory take
corrective measures.
2.34 If all parameters are within limits, maintain load on the Generator according to
boiler and Turbine parameters and conditions.
If the vibrations increase beyond limits, reduce load and investigate cause.
Check that all the cooler bank fans and pumps are running if not start them.
Even then if the temperature of T/F wdg, does not come down, reduce load.
3.1 During loading of the turbogenerator, the turbine expansion should be smooth
and always on increasing trend.
3.2 Gen. winding temperature and Gen. T/F wdg. temperature should be kept
under permissible limits by regulating cooling water flow to gas coolers and
running the transformer cooler fans and pumps according to the winding
temperature.
1. It is important that the generator and its auxiliaries be kept under observation
during operation. The annunciation system will give warning of abnormal
conditions, but regular observation of different parameters will help the
operator to detect any gradual deterioration in the operating conditions and
take appropriate corrective action even before any alarm comes. All those
parameters should be noted by the operator in the log sheets specially
maintained. These are over and above the automatic recording done by
instruments. It is recommended that a full inspection of the generator should
be made after it has been in operation for approximately one year after
commissioning.
2. HOURS CHECKS:
2.1 TEMPERATURE
a) Stator winding;
b) Stator core;
c) Rotor winding;
e) Distillate temperature and inlet and outlet stator winding; (Refer fig.
10)
g) Inlet and outlet oil temperatures of generator bearings and shaft seals;
2.2 PRESSURES
b) Differential pressure of seal oil and hydrogen and pressure of oil after
D.P.R.
e) Cooling water pressure at inlet and outlet H2 gas cooler stator water
cooler and seal oil cooler;
1.3 FLOWS
Vibrations at generator front and rear bearings and exciter and bearing should
be noted in axial, vertical and transverse direction.
3. DAILY CHECKS
3.2 Daily gas consumption should be recorded. Any abnormal increase in gas
consumption indicates leakage for which necessary corrective measures may
have to be taken.
3.3 Check the gas sample to find out whether H2 is leaking into water circuit.
3.6 Check for water or oil traces inside stator body. Drain out the accumulated
water or oil if necessary.
3.8 Check the conditions of the lamps in the signalling system of H2 cooling, seal
oil and stator water system.
3.13 Test run the stand by A.C. seal oil pump and the emergency D.C. Seal oil
pump. Run them for few minutes to check that they supply oil at the correct
pressure and also run smoothly. Check the interlock between two pumps.
4. WEEKLY CHECKS
4.1 Examine the condition of Brush gear. Replace, if any, short brushes. Check
that brushes are freely sliding in their holders. Adjust pressure on the brushes
so that it is uniform on all the brushes and is about 1.2 to 1.3 Kg., on each
brush.
4.2 Check interlocking between working and stand by stator water pump for
automatic take over. Run stand by pump for few minutes to check that it
develops correct pressure of water and also runs smoothly.
4.5 Check the differential pressure across the filters in the seal oil and stator
water system to ascertain whether they are choked or not. If necessary switch
over to stand by and take corrective action.
4.11 Check the gas sample taken from Hydraulic seal for oxygen content.
4.12 Check the bearing vibrations by portable and accurate vibration measuring
instruments.
5. MONTHLY CHECKS
5.3 Check that all the alarms operate correctly by simulating abnormal conditions
wherever possible or by manually operating the initiating contacts.
5.4 Check once in three months the polarity of slip rings in order to have uniform
wear of the slip rings.
6.1 Check insulation resistance of stator winding and rotor winding immediately
after shut down. A further check should be carried out immediately prior to
starting up.
7. PERIODIC CHECKS
7.2 If necessary, clean the tubes of seal oil and stator water coolers.
7.3 Check the calibration of H2 purity indicators with pure gas or with gas of
known chemical analysis.
Generator can develop rated power factor when the terminal voltage changes
within + 5% of the rated value i.e., 14.96 KV to 16.54 KV. The stator current
should accordingly be changed within limits of +5%. Permissible voltages of
operation and corresponding values of the MVA outputs and stator currents
are also to be carefully observed. During operation of the generator at 110%
of the rated value of continuous operation, stator current should not increase
beyond 9500 amps corresponding to 105% of the rated value.
3. FREQUENCY VARIATION
5. OVER LOADING
Under abnormal conditions the generator can be over loaded for short
duration. Permissible values of short time over loads in terms of stator and
rotor currents and corresponding duration at rated voltage, rated power factor
and rated parameters of Hydrogen and distillate.
If negative sequence current reaches a value 20-25% of the rated value, trip-
relay will operate and the generator will be automatically tripped.
7. ASYNCHRONOUS OPERATION
The generator can deliver 175 MVA continuously when one gas cooler is out
of service. The operation of the generator with more than one cooler out of
service is not permitted.
9. Rotor Temperature High Check gas cooler water flow and cooler
inlet/outlet temperature.
13. Generator Roto r Earth Fault. The set can be allowed to run with
careful watch over generator and
excitation parameters. Ask staff to
check for the fault & continue to run as
per instruction. In case of second rotor
earth fault unit trips. It is not to be
restarted unless the fault is identified
and rectified.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Operation Engineer has a very important role to play in power station. He
has been given the responsibility of a unit which may cost over Rs.100
Crores. Often the operation engineer has to take decision under time
pressure. One wrong decision could lead to shut down of unit for months
together the direct/indirect loss due to such shutdown could also go in crores
of rupees. So there is a very heavy responsibility on the shoulders of
operation engineer. He has to ensure the safety of men and machinery, by
keeping supply uninterrupted and at least cost. To achieve all this requires
constant effort from the Operation Engineer. But the generation at ANY cost
is not desirable. If the operating conditions are such that there is danger to
men or machinery, operator must not hesitate to shut down the
equipment/machinery. There is often conflict between the need for
maintaining continuity of supply and ensuring full safety of the equipment. But
the operation engineer must be confident enough to take correct decisions.
To achieve this he has to be fully familiar with the details of system, the
design limits, the sequence of operation, the interdependence of equipments,
unsafe conditions of operation and seriousness of each malfunction. He has
to weigh pros and cons and take decision in time. This is possible, if as
mentioned, the operator has correct knowledge of operating procedures. He
must know WHY he is carrying out certain operations and its implication on
the system as a whole. Here are certain important operations and the logic
behind them.
2. AIR VENTS
2.1 Air vents are provided to boiler, heating surfaces, heat exchangers, Main
steam lines etc. The proper operation of these vents is essential to prevent
any emergency situation later on. For example, precaution must be taken to
expell all the air from boiler tubes while boiler filling. For this purpose all the
air vents are kept open and boiler filling rate is kept slow. If the air pockets are
3.1 The operations of charging and filling are much the same regardless of the
application. The procedure normally followed is:
3.1.3 Start the pump (if the pumps is already in service, open the filling/charging
line valve as follows).
3.1.4 Crack open pumps discharge or filling valve until a satisfactory charging flow
is obtained (this is usually detected by the sound of the flow through the
partially opened valve)
3.1.5 Check that the drain is free from any obstruction and close it.
3.1.6 Expel the air and close the air vent after a steady flow of water has been
obtained from it.
3.1.7 While charging, care should be taken to avoid any water hammer. The air
must be expelled gradually and completely. To ensure this the rate of
charging should be low, this will also avoid overloading of fill pump. The slow
charging is also essential to avoid thermal stress where there are temperature
differences between the water and the item filled.
4.1 Warming differs from charging is that the admission of warming steam results
in the production of large quantities of condensate arising from the warming
process. This condensate must be drained away before the lower portion of
the pipe can be warmed the precaution also must be taken to carry out this
operation slowly to prevent large thermal stresses.
5.2 We avoid this by charging up slowly, throttling the flow of steam or fluid by
restricting valve opening, unfortunately, this introduces another problem; as
the passage of steam or fluid through the restricted valve opening, creates a
phenomenon known as 'wire drawing' or cutting of the valve seats and over a
period of time, the valve becomes damaged. To prevent this the valve
operation sequence must be as follows : (Refer fig. 12)
FIG. 12
i) Crack open isolating valve. The small length of drain line between the
two valves will be pressurised almost immediately. Wire drawing is
virtually nil.
iii) Crack open regulating valve. This valve is subject to wire drawing
charge drain line slowly. Regulate as required using regulating valve
only.
ii) Close the isolating valve. Flow is already zero. So no wire drawing
takes place.
iii) Crack open the regulating valve to release the pressure trapped
between the valves & the regulating valve.
5.3.3 As mentioned, the damage due to wire drawing is inevitable but, at least, by
using correct operational techniques we can restrict the damage to regulating
valve only. This means that we can reasonably expect the isolating valve to
give tight isolation when closed, thus preventing losses via passing drains.
The boiler drums are filled with water in the bottom and steam in the top due
to which the cooling and heating rates vary between the top and the bottom.
This results in temperature differences between the top and the bottom.
Stress analyses show that the principal criterion for reliable rates of heating
and cooling should be based on the relationship between the temperature
differential through the drum wall and the temperature differential between the
top and the bottom of the drum both measured in same circumferential plane
stress analysis also show that the allowable temperature differentials are
based on tensile strength, drum diameter, wall thickness, and pressure;
therefore, each steam drum has its own allowable temperature differential
curves, one set for cooling and one set for heating. To keep the thermal
stress values within the limit, operation engineer must ensure that under all
operating conditions the actual temperature differential is below the allowable
temperature differential. Normally the temperature differential should not
exceed 50°C. (Refer fig. 13).
7.1 These give direct measurement of drum level. Normally 2 gauge glasses
(sometimes 3) are provided to boiler drum. It must be ensured prior to light up
that gauge glasses are available for service and are in charged condition.
Especially, during cold start, the remote indication is above 10 Kg/cm2. Also
during light up operation there are large drum level fluctuations. An about 5 to
10 Kg/cm2 the gauge glasses should be blown from water and steam side to
clear of any dirt blocking the ports. As per IBR boiler must not be operated
with all the gauge glasses provided out of service.
8. FLAME INSPECTION
8.1 In a unit operation, boiler is likely to give more trouble than turbine and
generator. In boiler, it is observed that troubles due to combustion are more
compared with others. So it is necessary to ensure always that combustion in
boiler is taking place properly. Besides check on flue gas analysis, the visual
8.2 An oil flame should be yellow and clear with no smoke. As the flame
temperature increases the combustion efficiency increases. A yellow flame
indicates that oil is releasing the greatest amount of heat energy. A short,
white flame or a red, smoky flame indicates lower temperature and a lower
efficiency. A white flame indicates too much air and a red flame indicates too
little air. Therefore, for a good oil flame, air fuel ratio, air distribution and oil
viscosity must be proper. The gun tip orifices must be kept clean.
8.3 The efficient coal combustion also produces a yellow flame, the flame should
have an even, regular shape. An uneven flame indicates fouling of the burner
nozzles.
9. SCAPH - OPERATION
9.1 When lighting up the boiler from cold state, since most of the furnace is
relatively cool large amount of heat is absorbed in the furnace. This reduces
the flue gas temperature leading the boiler. The fuel oil which is fired for light
up has 1.5 to 3.5% sulphur depending upon the quality. This sulphur forms
SO3 after combustion and combines with H2 O to form highly corrosive
Sulphuric acid when temperature falls likely when lighting up the boiler from
cold state. Due to large % age of sulphur in oil, special care must be taken
when oil is being fired. The sulphuric acid thus formed corrodes portion of an
heater and sometimes economise tubes also to prevent this cold end
corrosion heat transfer in air heater is minimised by raising the air,
temperature going to air heater. This is done by putting steam Coil Air Pre
Heater at the discharge of F.D. Fan. Steam is passed thro' SCAPH when
heavy oil is being fired which raises the temperature of air going to air heater
and flue gas temperature in air heater remain high. When boiler gets
sufficiently warm up, the flue gas temperature at the exit of air heater starts
increasing then gradually steam supply to SCAPH is cut off keeping watch on
A.H. gas exit temperature.
Normally for all utility boilers (i.e. power station boilers) the entire boiler,
casing and insulation are suspended from top. The provision for free
expansion for all parts of the boiler is important but in the case of furnace
tubes it is vital. Since the boiler is suspended from the boiler house steel
work, the expansion is mostly in downward direction. On a typical 500 MW
boiler, the total expansion from cold to full load can be as high as 340 mm.
Expansions, in other directions are also significant of the order of 70 to 80
mm. The boiler must be allowed to expand freely in all directions. Scales are
provided at different elevations to measure the expansions. Readings must
be taken and free expansion must be ensured. This is very important
especially when the boiler is being taken into service after major shut down
because it is likely that during shut down some temporary piping, scaffolding
was welded with the boiler structure.
During pressure raising period, very little amount of water passes through the
economiser and there is a danger of the economiser overheating, and in
extreme cases, vapour locking. To prevent this condition the economiser
recirculation valve is kept open during the pressure raising period. The
recirculation in economiser takes place in similar manner as in water wall
tubes. Once a steady flow is established to the drum, economiser
recirculation valve can be closed.
The trend toward higher pressures and temperatures in steam power plant
practice imposes a severe demand on boiler water quality to maintain steam
purity for elimination of trouble some solids in the steam. Direct treatment of
boiler water, usually referred to as internal treatment, is used 1) to prevent
scale formation caused by hardness constituents, and 2) to provide PH
control to prevent corrosion, treatment that is inadequate or incorrect in either
aspect can lead to tube failures and result in costly unscheduled outages. The
permissible limits as contaminants entering the boiler and also treatment
When shutting down hot machine or before turbine start up the turbine must
be on barring gear. When a turbine is shut down; due to its heavy weight,
high temperature and uneven cooling the turbine rotor will have permanent
deformation (hogging/bending). So the main function of the barring gear is to
promote even cooling of the steam rotors and cylinders when turbine is shut
down. The barring gear is engaged immediately after turbine becomes
standstill following a trip. It is safe to carry out this operation locally, though
remote start provision is usually provided. The barring speed is usually low
(3 to 4 rpm) but high speed barring gears (about 200 rpm) are also common.
The provisions of high speed barring gear enables to bring the turbine off
barring gear with minimum steam admission while rolling the turbine.
Depending upon the type of the start up (cold, warm, hot), turbine is soaked
at some particular RPM for predetermined time interval. During soaking
period turbine speed is held constant and steam parameters kept steady.
Care should be taken to see that soaking speed is not near critical speed
(Turbine manufacturer's recommendations to be followed). Soaking helps in
bringing differential expansions within limits, also the operator gets sufficient
time to check up other turbovisory parameters like turbine expansion, turbine
vibrations, bearing drain oil temp, drain oil flow etc. After satisfying himself of
healthiness of turbine he can proceed for further rolling of turbine. The
soaking time is more for cold start compared to warm and hot start.
As the continuous of power is essential, the operator must also keep in mind
to generate the power at highest possible efficiency. The efficiency and
reliability go hand is hand especially at operation stage. As the pressure
temperature limits are stretched to maximum, even a slight increase of these
parameters could be detrimental for the unit even the deeper condenser
vacuum compared to the designed value is not desirous: So the operation
engineer must strive to keep the operating parameters within the specified
17.1 In a station consisting of number of units, there are many auxiliaries common
to all the units. So far the operation engineer it is essential to know how the
adjacent units will be affected by his operation. For example, aux. steam
supply, fuel oil supply, compressed air supply, cooling water supply, reserve
power supply etc. are common for the units. Now if a unit is to be started,
before charging say aux. steam header from adjacent unit. They should be
informed about this so that in case of any problem it can be immediately
sorted out without creating any emergency. If not given prior notice, the unit
controller of adjacent unit will have less time to correct the fault developed
and this can endanger the operation of his unit. To prevent such mishaps
proper communication must be maintained between the units especially while
using common auxiliaries.
17.3 As the unit sizes are going on increasing, more and more operation is carried
out from remote. For an operator in UCB, therefore it is very important to have
correct knowledge of system parameters. For this purpose there are large
numbers of meters, graphs and other instruments provided in UCB.
17.4 For one parameter there could be more than one instruments available in
UCB (e.g. drum level, steam temp. furnace draft etc.) The operator should
see that the readings in such instruments are matching within reasonable
limits. In case of any discrepancy the operator should not take convenient
correct reading for granted, instead should believe the worst reading as
18.1 It is observed that large number of mishaps in power station operation take
place at the time of shift change over. This shift change over period is such
that operator tends to take things easy after days work-out or he is busy in
writing log book. So there are chances that he may overlook certain
operational parameter going astray. Similarly when some operator takes over
the charge, then he is busy in reading the logbook of previous shift. He also
may overlook the faulty parameter. Under such circumstances emergency
situation can arise. It is important for operation staff, therefore, to take care for
avoiding such situation. The logging of each event should be done
immediately after it occurs with all the details including the remedial action
taken. The logging should by systematic. At the time of charge hand over, the
incoming operator should be briefed about various important operations in the
shift especially if any abnormal situations had been handled. The problem
areas that can endanger unit working or can cause load reduction must be
briefed to incoming operator. The status of standby auxiliaries must be
mentioned in the logbook. This systematic approach taken while shift change
over can, therefore, help in performing better and better. At the same time
during the shift also the operator has to be vigilant, so that the unit generation
is kept at optimum level. Here, also, the systematic approach can be very
productive.
18.2 The following shift routine should be made at intervals within each shift and at
the commencement of each shift.
What happens if any grid line feeder on machine trips to the overall
position?
iii) Note whether the unit is on station or unit supply for HT and LT
systems.
ii) Which feed line is charged and the position of standby feed line.
ii) Check also the levels for F.O. tanks D.M. make water tanks etc.
18.2.4 Mills:
Examine mill system:
i) Check which mill systems are on load and the position of standby
milling systems.
iii) Examine P.A. fan differentials and see whether they are on auto or
manual.
18.2.6 Turbogenerator:
Note:
i) Which ejector/air pumps is in service and the position of standby.
iv) Availability of A.C. and D.C. seal oil pump and auto manual selection.
vi) Generator transformer oil pump and intercooler water pump on load
and whether standby available and auto/manual selection.
(i) Ensure that all parameters are at their correct valves. Load in
particular must not be lower than suggested by grid contro1.
(ii) Examine milling and combustion. Ensure that they are in good order.
ii) Check C.W. conditions to ensure that statutory consents are being
observed. Note cooling tower emission.
18.2.9 Miscellaneous:
i) Check all bearings and glands for any of abnormality.
ii) Check oil level of bearings and see that lubricating oil rings on journal
lub. oil is clean if in doubt change.
iii) Inspect for fresh oil leaks. This will be easy if the plant is clean and
almost impossible if it is dirty.
For lighting up the boiler and loading it further till it reaches its rated capacity,
proceed as follows:
1. Ensure that all the boiler pre-start checks have been carried out.
2. Check that the boiler is filled to normal water level with suitably treated
feedwater.
3. Check the unit control desk and control panels and ensure that all equipment
and indications are satisfactory.
4. Check that the fuel oil system has been put into service and ready for fuel oil
firing.
5. Check that atleast 2 circulation pumps are in operation and third kept as
standby.
7. Start up the two primary air preheaters, if both are available. One air
preheater will only allow upto 5 mills to be started.
8. Check that both ID and FD fans are in service. The furnace draught should be
maintained at about-8mmwc and the total air flow should be adjusted by
controllling the FD fan blade pitch angle until the flow is 30% MCR. (about
630t/hr.)
9. When the fans are started, the secondary air damper control (on "AUTO")
should modulate the auxiliary air dampers to maintain a programmed set
point differential between the windbox and furnace.
Note: Upto 30% BMCR the wind box furnace diff. pressure will be maintained
at 40mmwc. It will then be started to close with load until it is 100 mmwc at
60% BMCR. It will then remain constant till full load.
11. Ensure that the steam coil air preheaters are placed in service.
12. Check that there has not been any fuel oil leakage into the furnace.
3. CAUTION
13. Initiate and carry out the furnace air purge prior to firing the first oil burner.
15. Select the first oil burner to be fired and start up the burner. Normally when
starting from cold, bottom level oil burner (level AB) are taken into service.
16. After firing any burner check for satisfactory ignition as follows:
ii) Visually check flame through local viewing doors using suitable eye
protection until four oil burners are established. If ignition is found
unsatisfactory take out the burner from service.
17. When the first oil burner is established fire the other three oil burners in the
selected level, one at a time allowing combustion conditions to stabilise
before firing the next burner.
18. Check the air flow, furnace pressure and combustion conditions and adjust
controls as necessary to maintain furnace suction at about 8 mmwc and the
total air flow at 30% MCR rate (630 t/hr.)
19. When conditions are suitable place the furnace draught controls on auto.
20. When the steam issues under pressure from the header drains close all
superheater drains so that all steam generated passes through the
superheaters.
All superheater drain valves should be given a 20 second blow every half
hour until the boiler is on load to remove any accumulated condensate. Check
the drain temperatures when blowing.
21. When the drum pressure shows about 2 kgf/cm2g and continuous steam
starts issuing out, close all drum A superheater vents.
22. Maintain the drum water level within the normal working limits of plus 100 mm
and minus 100mm at a times during the cold starting procedure.
23. During the boiler pressure raising and initial loading period carefully monitor
the relative operating parameters of the plant.
24. Monitor the rate of boiler pressure increase. This must not exceed a
corresponding increase in saturation temperature of 100° K/h.
25. Monitor the drum, superheater and reheater tube metal temperatures. They
do not exceed the given limits.
26. Monitor the furnace gas temperature. This must not exceed 540° C until
steam is passing through the reheater tubes. i.e. HP-LP bypass cut in.
Initiate the operation of the furnace temperature probes when the burners
have been fired.
27. Monitor the rate of increase of the superheater outlet steam temperature. This
must not exceed 5° K/min. Refer to the recommended temperature raising
curves.
28. Monitor the rate of increase of the reheater outlet steam temperature when
flow is established through the reheater tubes. This must not exceed
10°K/min.
29. Continue raising the boiler pressure at the required rate, maintaining checks
on the drum water level, boiler expansion etc.
30. During start-up of the unit the drain system serving the backpass (steam
cooled) walls may be used to control the final superheater outlet steam
pressure and temperature in case HP-LP Bypass is not in service.
Opening the backpass drain valves preferably in steps will cause a reduction
in the unit pressure, an increase in firing rate to maintain pressure provide a
subsequent increase in the superheater outlet steam temperature.
EXERCISE CARE NOT TO EXCEED THE FURNACE EXIT GAS
NOTE: Drain valves should be either open or fully closed not throttled.
4. CAUTION
All bypass drain valves must be closed immediately after the unit is
synchronized.
31. The burner tilt angle should be adjusted as found necessary to obtain the
required pressure and temperature relationship before starting the turbine.
32. Before starting up the turbine the steam main must be warmed up and
charged to suit the turbine requirements.
33. With steam passing down the main steam drains it will be possible to close in
and eventually fully close the superheater outlet drain and start up vent.
34. When the turbine start-up conditions are obtained, select and fire two more oil
burners ready for the extra steam demand.
35. When the feedwater flow to the boiler reaches the capacity of the low load
line, one of the heavy duty lines should be placed in service.
37. Prior to synchronising and initial loading fire one more oil burner in the second
level (CD) ready for the extra steam demand.
38. When the turbine has been synchronised ensure closure of all the isolating
valves of drains and vents.
Now preparation should be made for starting up the first coal mill as
described below.
40. Start to warm up the primary air heaters ready for use as follows :
ii) Gradually open until fully open the gas inlet dampers.
43. Startup the second primary air fan and then open the outlet damper. Before
starting second PA fan ensure that both primary AH and FD fans are in
service.
49. When the mill start up sequence is completed initiate the start of coal feeder.
NOTE: If the unit start up follows a Master Fuel Trip the pulverizer may not be empty.
It must be operated to clear it of excess coal before starting the feeder.
During this procedure the pulverizer valves of all other idle pulverizers must
be closed in order to prevent blowing hot furnace gases back into the idle
pulverizers and coal piping. When most of the coal, has been removed from
the pulverizer, the feeder can be started at minimum speed and then adjusted
to a speed selected to give a stable flame or as required to meet unit load
requirements. Do not admit hot air to the pulverizer until the feeder is started.
Be sure that the ignition energy is established before starting the pulverizer.
50. Ensure that satisfactory ignition of the coal burners is obtained and check that
the combustion is satisfactory as follows :
5. CAUTION
ii) Check the flame monitor indications. "Flame in" should be indicated
on the applicable level.
60% BMCR : 5%
iv) Check the flue gas CO. Maximum reading range 15% - 20%.
51. When the pulverizer is proven in service the fuel air dampers would open
automatically to maintain good combustion. Maintain the fuel feed at a
minimum consistent with stable ignition.
52. Check the mill outlet temperature. Adjust the control set point as necessary to
maintain the required operating value between 70°C to 80°C. At no time
should this temperature exceed 93°C.
NOTE : Pulverizer startup will cause a sudden and sharp increase of steam pressure.
This will level out rapidly as load is increased in the turbine.
53. When the mill is satisfactorily established the oil burners in service can be
reduced in the elevation associated with the mi ll in operation.
54. Adjust the loading of the mill to obtain the required rate of boiler load increase
as per the required boiler pressures and temperatures to suit the turbine
requirements.
56. When the required load (40% turbine load) conditions are obtained prepare to
start the second coal mill. Ensure that all the mill starting requirements have
been checked before starting the select second mill.
57. When the mill is in normal operation and furnace combustion has stabilised
above 40% the combustion control may be put on auto.
58. At about 50% turbine load the third mill may be cut in as per the steps 48 to
54.
59. Continue to adjust the loading of the mills as required using the mills master
to obtain the required rate of boiler pressure and temperatures to suit the
turbine requirements.
61. With three mills in service and the air flow controls on auto the mills master
should be made ready to be placed on auto control.
62 Set the steam pressure to desired value, the same value as the measured
value by raising the pressure gradually.
65. When the boiler load is about 50% the overfire air control (for regulating NOX
at the minimum level) should be placed on auto as follows:
66. Continue raising the boiler load at the required rate the target load control on
manual. For getting the 4th, 5th and 6th mills, the following general guide-
lines may be used (cold startup only).
Fourth 60%
Fifth 70%
Sixth 74%
67. As each pulveriser is placed in service the required associated ignition energy
must be available. When the unit firing conditions are stabilized all warm up
oil guns may be withdrawn from service.
68. With six mills in service and the boiler at operating pressure, the boiler load
can now be increased to 100% turbine load as required following the loading
curves.
69. When the boiler load is above 60% and the reheater steam temperature is
close to the normal operating level of 540°C the controls should be placed on
auto as follows:
iii) Select one line spray control valve in RH desuperheater control station
(LHS) for duty and place on auto.
70. When the boiler load is above 60% and the superheater steam temperature is
close to the normal operating temperature of 540° C the controls should be
placed on auto as follows:
iv) Select one line spray control valve in SH desuperheater control station
(RHS) for duty and place on auto.
71. At a suitable time during the loading period carry out a full sootblowing
operation. It may be necessary to soot blow the primary and secondary air
heaters soon after placing in service depending on the quantity of soot
deposition.
72. During the boiler loading period maintain a close check on all the boiler
operating condition.
Ensure that the design limitations are not exceeded in any case.
During normal operation, with the unit on the line changes in pulverizer
loading and/or the number of pulverizers in service may be required to
accommodate unit load changes. A wide range of load control can be
achieved with the pulverizers on auto.
a. Decreasing Load
If the unit load decrease to a point where the feeder rating of the pulverizers
in service is reduced to 40% of maximum, a pulverizer should be taken out of
service. This can be a pulverizer serving either an upper or lower coal
elevation, at the discretion of the operator.
i) Start the ignitor and warm up oil guns associated with the coal
elevation served by the selected pulverizer.
iii) When the feeder rating is at minimum (approximately 25%) close the
hot air shut off gate.
iv) Allow the pulverizer coal-air temperature to drop to 50°C and take
feeder out of service.
v) Allow the pulverizer to run for atleast two minutes to insure that it is
completely empty, then stop the pulverizer.
Every effort should be made to keep adjacent pulverizers in service. If, due to
maintenance, a pulverizer is not available skipping the coal elevation served
by the pulverizer is permissible. Skipping of two coal elevations is not
recommended and is only permissible with the use of auxiliary supporting fuel
(Warmup guns). If the unit load is reduced to a point where only two
pulverizers are required, auxiliary supporting fuel (warmup guns adjacent to
the coal nozzles in service must be placed in service to assure positive
ignition when the feeder rating drop to 50% or less.
Note: Auxiliary supporting fuel should be used at any time and under conditions in
which, the operators judgement, stabilization is necessary.
b. Increasing Load
If after a load decrease where pulverizers have been taken out of service, the
unit load should increase to a point where the feeder rating of the pulverizers
in service exceeds 80% of maximum, an additional pulverizer should be
placed in service as follows:
i) Establish the ignition energy required for the coal elevation served by
the selected pulverizer.
iii) Open the hot air shut off gate and bring the pulverizer up to operating
temperature.
2. CAUTION
ii) Close all reheater vents and atmospheric drains before pulling a
vacuum in the condenser. Reheater condensate drains may be left
open until the turbine is under light load.
iii) When steam is admitted to the turbine for rolling it is desirable to have
a minimum steam/turbine metal temperature differential. This can be
achieved by firing at a maximum rate within the furnace exist gas
temperature limitation of 540°C. In order to reach the exit gas
temperature limit, it may be desirable to start a pulverizer at this time.
Stabilize the firing conditions to maintain the maximum furnace exit
gas temperature without exceeding it.
During a hot restart, the turbine metal temperature will normally require a
rapid reloading of the unit.
a) Before starting up the boiler and at each extended outage the economiser
should be inspected externally and if necessary cleaned. After overhauls,
accumulation of erection material (wood, insulation, welding rods, etc.) is not
unusual. Large debris should be removed manually, followed by washing
down the economiser banks by means of a hose and water.
c) Access doors should be bolted tight. Check the doors occasionally for
tightness.
f) During initial firing, periodically check the expansion movements of the boiler
and make sure the casing, heaters and piping move freely with respect to the
structural steel. Expansion markers should be installed at suitable locations to
facilitate inspection. Periodic checks should be made during the life of the unit
to determine that expansion movement continues to occur in a normal,
uniform manner. All hangers on the unit and related piping should be checked
periodically for proper expansion & support.
g) The ash hopper should be inspected prior to operation of the unit for proper
placement and operation of the sluice system. Any condition observed as a
potential cause of water quenching of furnace bottom tubes (during normal or
abnormal operating conditions) should be corrected.
The steam temperature control system at higher loads include the following
equipment:
The fuel and air nozzles can be tilted through a 60-degree (I radian) range,
from 30 degrees (0.5 rad) upto 30 degrees (0.5 rad) down. Raising or
lowering the flame provides, ineffect, a furnace with an adjustable amount of
heat-absorbing surface.
The nozzle tilt drive units in the four corners of the furnace should operate in
unison (simultaneously) in response to control signals from the reheat steam
temperature controller. An increase in reheat steam temperature beyond the
control set point moves the tilts down, and a decrease of steam temperature
below the set point moves the tilts up in proportional increments.
When the nozzle tilts reach their minimum tilt and further reheat steam
temperature reduction is required, control is automatically sequenced to the
reheater desuperheater.
1. Introduction
In shutting down the boiler, the reduction of firing rate is determined by the
requirement of the turbine.
1. Gradually reduce load on the unit, reduce the firing rate in line with the
decreasing steam flow. Allow the pressure to drop with reduction in load to
accelerate cooling. Reduce the steam temperature of the rate prescribed by
the manufacturer but never exceeding the forced cooling rate.
3. When the feeder rating on all associated with the upper most pulverizer in
service.
5. When the pulverizer outlet coal-air temp. falls to about 50°C, stop the feeder.
6. Keep the pulverizer running until it is completely empty. Then stop the
Pulverizer.
7. Verify that the associated windbox dampers get closed and remaining
dampers remain modulating by the secondary Air Damper control system.
10. Discontinue admission of overfire air when the unit load has dropped below
the predetermined effective starting load. Keep the overfire air dampers
slightly cracked open to prevent nozzles from overheating.
12. Reduce the air flow in line with fuel reduction unit 30% of maximum air flow is
reached. Further lowering or air flow shall only be done after the fire-out of
boiler. Open all auxiliary air dampers and reduce the window to furnace diff.
pressure to 35 mmwc.
13. Check the expansion movement of the boiler as the load is reduced.
14 After the last pulveriser has been shut down, remove the F.O. guns in service.
16. Ensure that SH & RH desuperheater spray water supply block valves are
closed.
18. When RAPH inlet gas temperature falls below 205°C, shutdown the draft fans
and air heaters.
20. Close atmosing & heating steam supply. Stop F.O. pumps.
24. Break condenser vacuum. When vacuum falls to zero, stop gland seal steam
supply.
25. Verify the operation of steam line and turbine drain valves, as under:
a) Open all drains after HP control valves when diff. temp. between HP
control valves and HPT inlet saturated steam falls below 20°C.
d) Open drains before IPT control valves when diff. temp. between IPT
control valves and cold reheat steam becomes less than 20°C.
26. Maintain drum water level near normal adding makeup as required.
27. Thereafter boiler feed pumps and condensate extraction pumps may be taken
out of service.
28. Open drum vents and superheater vents & drains when drum pressure fails to
2.0 Kg/Cm2 g.
29. Boiler may be emptied, when the boiler water temperature falls below 95°C.
Note: During shutting down the boiler special care must be exercised to prevent
water from entering the main steam lines, HRH & CRH lines to the turbine
i) Overflow from the drum into the SH as a result of high water level.
START-UP PROCEDURE
Method of Operation
The turbine is started and brought up to speed with the help of main control valves and
reheat control valves. Reference speed setter is set to minimum speed at this point if the
hydraulic governor is to be used. In this case, the speed reference of the electro-hydraulic
controller is set to maximum. For start-up using the electro-hydraulic controller on the other
hand, reference speed setter is at maximum and the speed reference of the electro-hydraulic
controller is at minimum. The stop and control valves are in the closed position as the trip
medium circuit is not yet pressurised. By turning handwheel clockwise or by operating motor
of starting and load limit device in the close direction, sprint is auxiliary follow-up of
secondary auxiliary medium pressure. Hydraulic converter with follow-up pistons is now in
the control valves closed position. As a result, no pressure can build up in the secondary
medium circuit when main trip valves are latched in.
By further turning handwheel the, valve of starting and load limit device is moved further
downwards, whereby control medium is admitted first into the start- up medium circuit and
then into the auxiliary start- up medium circuit. The start up medium flows to the space
above the piston of test values, forcing them down against the action of the return springs.
The auxiliary start - up medium raises the pistons of main trip valves, thereby moving them
to their normal operating position and permitting trip medium to flow to test valves of the
main and reheat stop valves. At the same time overspeed trips and thrust bearing trip are
latched in if they have been tripped. During this process, check valve for temporarily cutting
off the feed line to solenoid valve from the connection point down stream of filters, while
main trip valves are latching with the aid of starting and load limit device for as long as the
pressure there is significantly reduced as a result of the high flow of fluid initially required to
fill the empty trip medium system. During this time the pressure ahead of solenoid valve is
maintained by orifice. This ensures that the solenoid valve remains in the position.
The auxiliary start up medium is fed into the auxiliary start-up medium circuit at starting and
load limit device from the system down stream of filter (feed during testing as there is no
significant pressure there during start up. It is not possible to use medium from this system
Once latching in is completed, the trip medium circuit is closed. Trip medium now flow to the
space above piston of main and reheat stop valves and forces it down against piston discs,
operation of the starting and load limit device is continued until piston discs reach their lower
end position.
When handwheel is turned back of motor of starting and load limit device is operated in the
open direction the control medium is allowed to drain first from the auxiliary start-up medium
circuit and then from the forced upwards by the restoring springs whereby the trip medium
flows to the space below piston and slowly drains from the space above piston. The
pressure difference thus occuring lifts both pistons together into their upper end positions,
thus causing main and reheat stop valves to open. Main trip valves are now held in their
upper position by the pressure of the trip medium under their stepped differential pistons.
After the stop valves have opened, further turning of handwheel of operation of motor of the
starting and load limit device in the open direction will, after passing through a certain dead
range, cause lever and sleeve to move downwards, as a result of which the increasing
secondary medium pressure above hydraulic converter with follow-up pistons will gradually
open control valves.
This will run the turbine up to approximately 85 to 90% of rated speed. At this point,
hydraulic speed governor will take over and maintain this speed. Starting and load limit
device is then set at the maximum position. A pressure gauge and electrical speed
transducers are used to measure the speed.
Further speed increase, synchronizing and loading of the turbine are accomplished by
adjusting reference speed setter. By turning handwheel or operating motor additional tension
is applied to speed setting spring, which results in an increase in speed. Since, in
interconnected system operation, turbine speed is determined by the grid, operation of the
reference speed setter amounts to a load change for the turbine.
Starting and load limit device acts mechanically on diaphragm of hydraulic speed governor,
enabling it to be used to limit turbine load i.e. to limit opening of control valves to a preset
value. This setting is made by adjusting starting and load limit device manually or by means
of its motor.
Electro-Hydraulic Controller
If the turbine is to be started up using the electrohydraulic controller, the reference setter of
the electro-hydraulic controller should initially be set to a minimum speed so that the
controller takes over run-up of the turbine generator unit as soon as the turbine is operating
at a low turning gear speed. When the stop valves have opened, starting and load limit
device should be driven into open position, slowly increasing the speed reference of the
electrohydraulic controller from its initial setting (minimum) brings the controller into action,
bringing the turbine up to rated speed for synchronization.
In constant pressure operation after synchronization, the turbine generator unit is loaded up
to approximately 15 to 20% of rated output by increasing the speed reference. Further load
increased are accomplished by increasing the load reference (brought into control) at this
load within the permissible rate of load change. The speed reference if left at a value
corresponding to a load out-put of approximately 15 to 20%
Load Rejection
On load rejection, i.e. sudden disconnection of the loaded turbine generator unit from grid,
the turbine is intercepted by a load rejection control module before it reaches trip-out speed.
The resulting sustained speed deviation will be a value corresponding to the drop of the
speed controller and the reference speed.
During constant pressure operation, this value would be approximately rated speed since
during loading the load controller was switched into the circuit at a low load. Naturally, the
reference speed may also be reduced to rated speed after a load rejection.
Speed Control
Hydraulic Control
Main oil pump supplies the bearing and primary oil circuits with control oil whilst hydraulic
speed transmitter acts as a pulse generator for the control circuit, providing a primary oil
pressure proportional to the speed. This oil pressure can also be read directly from speed
indicator pressure gauge. This primary oil pressure acts on diaphragm of hydraulic speed
governor against the force of speed setting spring which is tensioned by reference speed
setter. The travel of diaphragm, which can be limited by starting and load limit device, is
transmitted by linkage to sleeves of auxiliary follow-up pistons, the pistons of which are held
against the medium pressure by spring. Medium drains off according to the amount of port
overlap between piston and sleeve and a medium pressure corresponding to the tension of
spring is built up. This secondary auxiliary medium pressure acts as a pulse signal via pilot
valve of electro-hydraulic converter. Piston of this electro-hydraulic converter assumes a
position corresponding to the secondary auxiliary medium pressure and operates the
sleeves of follow-up piston via a linkage system. A feedback system stabilises the piston of
pilot valve and piston of electro-hydraulic converter.
The secondary medium circuits and the secondary auxiliary medium circuits are supplied
from the trip medium circuit by way of orifice. The varying secondary medium pressure in the
follow-up pistons of the electro-hydraulic converter in turn effects changes in the positions of
their associated control valves or other control devices.
Electro-Hydraulic Control
The speed of the turbine is measured digitally. For this purpose electrical speed transducers
are mounted on the high-pressure end of the turbine shaft.
As already mentioned, changeover from one control system to the other is possible even
during operation as the two controllers are connected in parallel downstream of the
associated follow-up piston batteries, which form a minimum value gate. This means that it is
always the controller with the lower setpoint which leads.
If the turbine is operated with the hydraulic governor, the speed setpoint of the electro-
hydraulic controller is set at "Max. speed" which prevents the electro-hydraulic control
system from coming into action. To bring in the electro-hydraulic control system, the speed
setpoint of the electro hydraulic controller must be reduced slowly until the secondary
medium pressures drop slightly. When this occurs the electro-hydraulic controller has taken
over. Then, the reference speed setter of hydraulic speed governor is set to "Ma x. speed"
the electro-hydraulic is then fully effective and can operate over the entire load range. The
hydraulic speed governor also acts as a speed limiter in the event of failure of the electro-
hydraulic controller. In this case, operation of the turbine may immediately be continued by
means of the hydraulic speed governor.
Changeover is performed in the reverse sequence. First reduce the setpoint at reference
speed setter until the secondary medium pressures drop slightly. This indicates that the
hydraulic speed governor has taken over. Then set the setpoint of the electro-hydraulic
controller to maximum. The hydraulic speed governor is then completely effective and can
operate over the entire load range.
In normal operation, control medium is admitted to the space below the pistons of regulating
cylinders by way of energised solenoid valve, whereby the pistons move into their upper and
positions against the force of the spring and, via a linkage, tension the springs of follow-up
piston of the reheat control valves in such a way that this produces the desired time and
setting response of the reheat control valves in relation to the main control valves.
For Operation of the plant without the HP and LP bypass stations, a manual adjusting
mechanism is also provided for adjusting the relationship between the valves such that the
reheat valves open before the main steam valves. Under these operating conditions,
solenoid valve is energised and an interlock is provided to prevent deenergisation.
This adjustment may only be performed manually and must always be performed on both
follow-up piston batteries, to ensure that changeover from hydraulic to electrohydraulic
control and vice versa is possible at all times.
This manual adjust must always be reversed before the HP or LP bypass station is brought
into operation.
Hydraulic governor
- Running up the turbine generator unit When the reference speed setter in the
zero position, the hydraulic governor
takes over speed control at approx.
80% rated speed. So, run-up of the
turbine generator unit from approx. 80
to 100% rated speed is controlled by
the hydraulic speed governor.
- Setting operating con figuration of main The main trip valves are brought into
trip valves operating position when the starting
and load limit device is in the zero
position
- Opening the stop valves When the starting and load limit device
is in approx 40% open position, the
stop valves should be open; the test
valves of the stop valves must be in the
operating position for the opening
procedure.
Operation
- Operating elements and monitoring See arrangement of control desk.
instruments
- Starting and load limit device Limit set point by hydraulic minimum
value selection.
+ VACUUM PUMPS ON
¶ WITH FGA (CONDENSING PLANT)
¶ OR
¶ MANUAL OPER. AT OPER. CONSOLE
------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
+ CRITERIA FOR BY PASS-OPERATION FULFILLED
+ TURBINE WARMED-UP
------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
+ GENERATOR SYNCHRONIZED
START-UP DIAGRAM
¶ FILTER-INSERTS CLEANED
¶ OR
¶ FILTER REPLACED
¶ OIL CLEAR
¶ NO COLLECTION OF WATER AT
¶ THL BOTTOM OF THE OIL TANK
------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
OR
+ SWITCH ON
SUBLOOP CONTR. OF BEAR-OILPUMP
------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
TEMPERATURE CRITERIA
Note: The criteria above represent approximate values, which can be optimized by
operational experience.
Turbines with Functional Group Automatic (FGA) for the start-up must under
go optimizing. The values obtained are given in the operational data record.
MS > S + 50°C
STARTING CRITERIA
When the main control valves are opened the main steam and reheat
temperatures should fulfill the following criteria:
MS > S + 50°C
Before the turbine is brought to rated speed the main Steam temperature MS
ahead of the turbine should fulfil the following criteria:
LOADING CRITERIA
Before the turbine is loaded the reheat temperature ahead of the turbine
should fulfil the following criteria:
- Running up the turbine/ generator unit accelerate unit to rated speed maintain unit
high speed governor at rated speed
- Running up the turbine generator unit When the reference speed setter is in the
0% position, the hydraulic governor takes
over speed control at approx. 80% rated
speed. So, run-up of the turbine generator
unit from approx. 80 to 100% rated speed
is controlled by the hydraulic speed
governor.
- Setting operating con figuration The main trip valves are brought into
of main trip valves operating position when the starting and
load limit device is in the 0% position.
- Opening the stop valves When the starting and load limit device is in
approx 40% open position, the stop valves
should be open; the test valves must be in
the operating position for the opening
procedure.
- Application of the TSE signal The TSE signal must always be present if
the TSE is not faulted.
Limitation by higher
- level or alternative controllers or other
devices
- Starting and load limit device Limits setpoint by hydraulic minimum value
selection; excessive control valve opening
can be prevented by using the starting and
load limit device to limit valve travel.
- Operating logic sequences for See Appendix (for changing the operating
changing the operating mode mode during no-load operation).
Setpoint control
Limitation by higher
- level or alternative controllers or other
devices
- Minimum value selection Effective controller = controller with lower
set-point setting at any time (Also applies
to other devices influencing the control
characteristic)
- Electro - hydraulic controller < 100% Limits setpoint by hydraulic minimum value
selection
- Starting and load limit device Limits setpoint by hydraulic minimum value
selection.
(6) + Using starting and load limit device maintain constant speed
+ Turbine generator unit speed > turning gear speed and 75% rated
< speed
+ Electrical speed reference = turbine generator unit speed
+ Reference speed setter = 100%
+ Starting and load limit = 56 to 100%
(4) Using starting and load limit device maintain constant speed
+ SYNCHRONOCOPE SWITCHED ON
------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
¶ BY MEANS OF REFERENCE
¶ VALUE OF VOLTAGE CONTROL
------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
¶ CRITERIUM:
¶ VALVE CASING TEMPERATURE > 50 CEL
¶ MINUS SATURATION TEMPERATURE
¶ OF STEAM
+ HEATERS IN OPERATION