CCI Makes Great Progress at Three Power Plant Sites

CCI recently received a multimillion-dollar order from Progress Energy in North Carolina to supply high-pressure bypass (HPB) and hot reheat dump (HRD) turbine bypass systems for installation in spring 2004. At each of Progress Energy’s three plant sites – Richmond County, Rowan, and Effingham – CCI will supply two HPB systems and two HRD systems.

Each of these systems will include a DRAG® steam pressure-reducing valve, a DRAG® spraywater valve, and a DAM desuperheater. At the Richmond site, CCI will also supply two secondary desuperheaters to be placed between the HRD system and the condenser.

These CCI solutions will replace Copes-Vulcan equipment at all three Progress Energy sites because the Copes systems have experienced multiple failures, including valve sticking, poor pressure control, poor temperature control, and a ruptured baffle plate immediately downstream of the Copes desuperheater. Multiple attempts to fix these problems under warranty failed to result in any significant improvements, so Progress Energy opted for CCI replacements.

Recognizing CCI’s expertise and experience with providing total control solutions, Progress Energy has also requested CCI’s input regarding its overall system design. When severe water-hammer ruptured a pipe section on one of the HRD systems due to a lack of valve control and poor valve synergy, Progress Energy turned to CCI’s Valve Doctors, seeking expert advice to help improve the entire system of valves and controls. CCI’s support has been well received and is in process for implementation.

With this comprehensive CCI solution, including DRAG® pressure-reducing valves, DAM desuperheaters, DRAG® spraywater valves, and control system improvements, the three sister plants owned by Progress Energy can expect excellent total turbine bypass system performance. What is more, the plants should enjoy renewed confidence, knowing that the plant shutdowns caused by equipment failure are a thing of the past.

Published in SOLUTIONS Spring 2004