J.E.A. Maximizes MW Output with Latest Control Valve Technology

Jacksonville Electric Authority is in the process of re-powering its two older units built over 30 years ago (one of which has been held in dehumidified reserve for some time) at their North Side Plant. As an integral part of this process, they are taking advantage of DRAG®, the new SteamJet™, and other advanced CCI control-valve technologies to maximize megawatt output.

The new HP turbine bypass systems include 10-inch × 24-inch (259-millimeter × 600-millimeter) SteamJet™ control valves for flows up to 800,000 pounds/hour (360,000 kilograms/hour) at inlet pressures of 2433 psia (168 barA) at 1000 F (538 C) and differential pressure of 2211 psi (152 bar). The SteamJet™ features the multi-path, multi-stage DRAG® design to limit the fluid velocity to acceptable levels thereby limiting noise and eliminating vibration and erosion. The project also includes SULZER design LP turbine bypass valves together with associated spraywater valves for both HP and LP bypass systems.

Also, as a part of this repowering project, two new 16-inch × 16-inch (400-millimeter × 400-millimeter), ANSI 1500 special class, DRAG® boiler feedwater regulators will be provided, which are designed for flows up to 1,930,000 pounds/hour (875,000 kilograms/hour) at pressures of 2860 psia (200 barA). These feedwater regulators are designed for a rangeability greater than 250:1.

When the J.E.A. repowering project is complete, Unit 2, which has been out of service for some time, will be restored to service. In addition, the outputs of these two units, which has deteriorated slightly over the years, will be increased by about nine percent over their original ratings.

Published in SOLUTIONS Spring 2001