The key to low-cost power plant operation is maintaining clean, leak-free condenser tubes. Fouled condenser tubes have the greatest effect on operating efficiency which translates to a significant economic impact on plant operation. The reduced heat transfer from fouled tubes results in higher back pressure in the condenser and reduced turbine efficiency. This will increase fuel consumption and even reduce the power generation capacity of the plant.

A Florida combined cycle power plant was experiencing low heat transfer and overall inefficiency in their main turbine condenser. The backpressure had increased significantly since their last mechanical cleaning indicating a high amount of scale accumulation in the condenser tubes. This large main turbine condenser consisted of 16,424 stainless steel tubes with a volume of 31,350 gallons, and the water boxes with a volume of 11,200 gallons for a total volume of 42,550 gallons.

RYDLYME QUICKLY CLEANS POWER PLANT CONDENSERS

The condenser was set up for circulation by incorporating a 4” centrifugal pump to move the RYDLYME solution into the condenser and back to a vented 21,000-gallon Baker tank. They initially elected to clean half of the condenser with RYDLYME and the other half by feeding in 4,500 gallons of sulfuric acid to evaluate with the method would be better for future cleanings

A total of 6,930 gallons of RYDLYME was used to realize a 32% solution that was circulated for 24 hours through half of the main turbine condenser.