Many pump users focus on efficiency ratings when purchasing new equipment, but a much greater source of wasted energy is found when looking at the overall system instead of limiting optimization to the pump design itself. It is rare that a system is operating with equipment that is optimized to deliver flow while operating close to its best efficiency point. More often, pumps are oversized for their systems and achieve the desired flow rate by throttling a valve. The friction added by this valve changes the system curve to achieve the design operating flow; this action is one of the greatest sources of wasted energy in a pump system. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Hydro Reliability Services
Field Testing Assesses Risk of Reducing Minimum Unit Load
With changes in the energy landscape, many older plants need to adapt to more flexible operation to fluctuating needs of the grid and remain economically viable. This flexibility often includes operation outside of the original design of the plant and its equipment.
A Midwest coal-fired power plant recently found themselves in this position. The plant had been designed for a minimum commercial load of 350MW, but they were considering reducing the load to 300MW. Plant engineering wanted to understand what risk operation at this low capacity posed to equipment reliability operation and life. The power producer contacted Hydro Reliability Services to develop an on-site test plan for their condensate, boiler feed booster, and boiler feed pumps to better understand how this operation would impact these critical pumps. Continue reading
Troubleshooting Axial Shuttling through Field Testing & Analysis
A nuclear utility had been observing axial shuttling on their three single stage, double suction Condensate Booster pumps. To better understand the circumstances driving this phenomenon, they asked Hydro Reliability Services to provide in-depth field testing of the equipment at different operating loads. Continue reading
Vibration Institute Annual Training Conference & Expo
Join Hydro at the Vibration Institute’s Annual Training Conference & Expo!
While you are enjoying the conference, stop by Hydro’s booth to talk with Kyle Bowlin, General Manager of Hydro Reliability Services, about how he helps solve customer’s problems using advanced vibration testing and modeling.
Hydro will also be showcasing our Centaur wireless condition monitoring system, including demonstrations of the analytical software using live data.
Wednesday Webinar: Resonance- A Sleeping Giant (Webinar)
Join Kyle Bowlin and Glen Powell as they talk about what resonance is, how to detect it, and the technology available to provide economic solutions.
Webinar will take place from 2:00 – 3:30pm US Central time (Chicago). Registered users will receive a link to a recording if they are unable to watch live.