System and method of cooling steam turbines
AssigneeBJ Services Company
InventorsSteven J. Barber, Paul K. Trygstad
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method of cooling a steam turbine having internal moving components to a predetermined temperature by controlling a flow of nitrogen through the turbine, thus decreasing the downtime associated with maintaining the turbine. This provides a more efficient and cost effective method of operating a power plant.
Claims19
A method of cooling a steam turbine having internal moving components to a predetermined temperature, wherein the steam turbine comprises injection points, the method which comprises the steps of:
- (a) stopping the flow of steam;
- (b) introducing a flow of nitrogen to the turbine until the turbine reaches the predetermined temperature while controlling the flow of nitrogen at the injection points to prevent damage to the moving components of the turbine by achieving uniform cooling of the internal moving components;
- and
- (c) stopping the flow of nitrogen
- wherein the injection points comprise a main steam inlet piping connected to the turbine and a cold reheat line connected to the turbine such that a flow of steam first moves from the main steam inlet piping to the turbine and then the flow of steam moves from the turbine to the cold reheat line during operation,
- wherein the steam turbine further comprises a hot reheat line connected to the turbine and a condenser vacuum relief line connected to the turbine such that a flow of steam first moves from the hot reheat line to the turbine and then the flow of steam moves from the turbine to the condenser vacuum relief line during operation, and
- wherein the flow of nitrogen in also moves in the hot reheat line during Step (b).
A system for cooling a steam turbine to a predetermined temperature using a flow of nitrogen, the system comprising:
- a steam turbine;
- a main steam inlet piping connected to the turbine;
- a cold reheat line connected to the turbine;
- and
- a control station for controlling the flow of nitrogen to prevent damage to the moving components or the turbine;
- a hot reheat line connected to the turbine;
- and
- a condenser vacuum relief line connected to the turbine;
- wherein the hot reheat line and the condenser vacuum relief are adapted to accommadate the flow of nitrogen;
- and
- wherein the steam turbine, the main steam inlet piping, and the cold reheat line are adapted to accommodate the flow of nitrogen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.