Endress+Hauser launches Liquiline CA80SI colorimetric analyzer for monitoring steam exchangers
Silica is one of the key parameters in boiler feedwater and steam, as even low concentrations can lead to glassy deposits on boiler walls, heat exchangers and turbine blades. This has a negative effect on the efficiency of a power plant, and can even lead to blackouts. The newly developed Liquiline System CA80SI silica analyzer enables highly accurate on-line silica analysis with the highest reliability and lowest maintenance. It helps plant operators ensure maximum equipment life.
Power plant equipment safety
Measuring silica at the boiler drum prevents silica build-up in the steam, maintains optimum thermal performance as boiler tubes are not affected by deposits, and optimizes costly blowdown cycles. At the ion exchanger level, silica content provides an early indication when maintenance is required, as it is one of the first ions to cross the ion exchanger bed. Monitoring the presence of silica in the feed water at the condenser outlet enables early detection of water leaks.
The maximum silica content permitted in boiler feedwater is often agreed contractually between suppliers and power plant operators. The Liquiline CA80SI system provides on-line values that are directly comparable with laboratory results, since it uses the standard Heteropoly Blue method. What's more, the silica analyzer offers detailed logbooks to help prove that water quality has been maintained within the required limits.
Increased availability
The Liquiline system's combination of peristaltic and dispenser pumps forms the basis for reliable operation, while its automatic cleaning and calibration functions guarantee precise operation over a long period without manual intervention. The integrated web server provides remote access to the silica analyzer, enabling rapid analysis of potential process disturbances and rapid countermeasures. These factors translate into increased power plant availability.
Flexibility for the future
The silica analyzer offers seamless integration into almost any control system via Modbus, PROFIBUS or EtherNet/IP. It can be equipped with up to 6 sampling channels, allowing connection to any required sampling point, such as a boiler, ion exchanger or feedwater make-up line. What's more, up to 4 Memosens sensors can be connected to the analyzer to make a complete measurement station. The analyzer's flexibility makes it easy to adapt to future process changes and requirements.