Calpine Stays Cool under Pressure

At a Calpine Houston power plant, control room personnel knew that their main feedpump was operating, when they could see and hear the existing recirc-valves vibrate very loudly. Realizing that they needed a solution that went beyond merely addressing the effects of the damage, Calpine replaced the problematic valves with CCI high pressure recirc angle valves.

The 4-in. x 4-in. (102-mm x 102-mm) valves solved Calpine’s noise and vibration problems by controlling the cause of damage through the use of CCI’s advanced DRAG® technology. By forcing process fluid to follow a tortuous path of right angle turns, the possibility of high noise and pipe vibration that can occur when velocities are not being controlled is eliminated.

By ensuring the proper functioning of the recirc valve, benefits stand to be seen such as an increased reliability of the system while protecting the expensive turbine and condenser, maintaining system integrity, and lowering the need for maintenance. More importantly, allowing this valve to function at optimum performance will allow it to accomplish its functional requirement of protecting the high pressure pump from going into surge or overheating.

After the DRAG® valves were installed, Calpine plant operators were so thrown off by the sudden quiet, they now walk out to the feedpump themselves to make sure it’s operating!

Published in SOLUTIONS Spring 2002