Over time, gas turbine air filters in power plants become clogged with particulate matter and sludge, affecting operating efficiency and power generation. On a regular basis, turbine filters must be cleaned or replaced. A differential pressure transducer that continually measures the pressure on both sides of the filter is a good choice for assessing filter load.
The Importance of Continuous Turbine Filter Monitoring
Filter manufacturers report two pressure-loss values: one when the filter is first installed and another when it is “fully loaded” and needs to be replaced or cleaned. Pressure loss should be measured on a regular basis so that the process engineer can monitor how the filter functions over time. This information is useful in determining the many factors that influence the filter’s performance. For example, if the time history reveals a considerable rise in pressure loss one morning when there is fog, this indicates that the filter is composed of a material that does not perform well when exposed to moisture. In humid places, switching to a more moisture-resistant filter could considerably boost a gas turbine’s operational efficiency while simultaneously lowering replacement filters and labor expenses. Engineers can also use continuous monitoring to assess whether a gas turbine’s poor performance is due to a clogged filter or something else. Of course, the engineer will be able to determine when the filters need to be replaced or cleaned by monitoring pressure loss.
Differential pressure transducers give accurate, real-time data on pressure loss.
In gas turbines, differential pressure transducers and differential pressure transmitters are often employed to relay measurements to remote sites. These unobtrusive devices measure the pressure on both sides of the filter and report the difference as pressure loss. Accidents, both high-pressure and low-pressure, will frequently set off an alarm in the control system at most locations. When a filter is fully loaded or entrained with moisture, high-pressure occurrences are common. The majority of low-pressure events are caused by rips or material failure in the filter media, or by seepage through the filtering system seals. A completely blocked filter may cause turbine components to overheat and fail, resulting in a shutdown notice when pressure loss gets too high.
If you’re looking for a procurement partner that provides pressure transducers and the relevant procurement instruments, PRISMECS integrates world-class operations with the necessary equipment and resources. If you have any concerns or would like additional information, please call us at +1 (763) 291-1333.