The Monitor

Production Process Insights

Understanding the Challenges in HRSG Water and Steam Monitoring

Posted by John Powalisz on 7/12/22 2:01 PM

Many large industrial facilities, including refineries, chemical plants, and petrochemical facilities, are utilizing combined cycle units with heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) to produce power for their operations. However, as many HRSGs operate at high temperatures and pressures, harsh conditions can transform seemingly minor chemistry upsets into major problems.

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Monitoring Cooling Water Systems to Improve Plant Performance

Posted by Jeff McKinney on 2/1/22 8:00 AM

Many plants in various industries include processes where the product stream must be heated, cooled – or both – to facilitate production. These plants often use heat exchangers or sample coolers with recirculating cooling water systems.

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

5 Key Sampling Locations in Co-Generation Plants

Posted by Jeff McKinney on 1/20/22 8:00 AM

Oversimplifying or ignoring steam and water sampling in combined steam and power plants can lead to significant problems, including operator error, equipment damage, injuries to personnel, and incomplete or inefficient power production. By following these five key sampling locations in your industrial steam system, you can ensure reliable steam production. 

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Smart Cycle Chemistry Alarms Optimize Power Plant Processes

Posted by Sentry Equipment on 12/6/21 8:00 AM

The utility industry significantly contributes to the stability of the US and global economy and infrastructure. Given the stringent regulations plants must meet, it’s essential to prevent major chemical events to ensure dependable and safe power production. One way to support this production is by using smart cycle chemistry alarms.

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Maximize Co-Generation Reliability with Steam and Water Sampling

Posted by Jeff McKinney on 10/26/21 8:00 AM

Combined heat and power facilities (CHP), also known as co-generation power plants, create high-pressure steam to generate power and provide process steam. Process plants seek to minimize the use of make-up water by re-using condensate that theoretically should be clean water.

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Repair vs. Replace: Managing Your Refinery's Sampling Equipment

Posted by Randy Cruse on 10/14/21 4:13 PM

Many industrial plants in the United States were built decades ago and were not expected to still be in operation. Yet many are still running today, well past their expected life span. Within these plants, hydrocarbon sampling systems and equipment are often overlooked, even as new technology and regulations demand more from them.

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Topics: Power, Downstream, Solids & Powder, Liquid & Slurry, Gas

Maximize Your Budget with SWAS Equipment Management

Posted by John Powalisz on 10/11/21 8:00 AM

In today’s utility plants, effective SWAS equipment management is crucial to maximizing uptime and generating revenue.

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

The Importance of Degassed Cation Conductivity in Utility Plants

Posted by AJ Percival on 9/1/21 8:00 AM
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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Efficiently Run Your SWAS with Program Best Practices

Posted by John Powalisz on 8/2/21 8:00 AM

Effectively monitoring cycle chemistry in a power plant relies on the availability, accuracy and trustworthiness of analyzer data. Like most industrial monitoring systems, the quality of the data is governed by the full Steam and Water Analysis System (SWAS) with accurate, timely data for corrective action.

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water

Importance of Monitoring Dissolved Oxygen in Boiler Systems

Posted by Joanne Carpenter on 7/27/21 8:00 AM

Many power plants boil purified water to produce pressurized steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity. Operators must carefully control the quality of this steam-water cycle throughout operations to optimize system performance, enhance operating efficiency, and maximize the lifespan of boiler equipment.

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Topics: Power, Steam & Water