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Acoustic Emission Based Water Induction Detector
For Purchase or Monitoring Service
The Acoustic Emission Based Water Induction Detector is a non-intrusive (threads into an existing thermowell), easy to install, quantitative instrument for the continuous monitoring of steam systems. The Detector can be used to monitor a single location or a complete system and the Alarm can be adjusted to trigger when there is a change from low concentrations of water droplets to large amounts of liquid in the stream. Since it is installed in an existing thermowell, the Detector is suitable for all steam conditions.
Background
Water induction through the steam piping of utility and industrial steam cycles is a low frequency high impact event. In some operating units, main, reheat, and extraction steam pipes get partially or completely filled with liquid water that then moves down stream and damages turbines, steam traps, feedwater heaters, and other equipment. In susceptible units, this usually happens during startup and other transient operation. Occasionally, water induction or re-entrainment occurs all of the time. To prevent damage due to water induction, early detection of the increase in water content and rapid corrective actions are needed.
Description
A Detecting Probe is threaded onto an existing thermowell (Figure 1). The Probe contains an acoustic emission sensor that detects the impact of water droplets on the surface of the thermowell. The signal from the Probe is sent to the Water Induction Monitor computer. When the number and size of the impacts on the thermowell increases above a user specified threshold, an alarm output from the Monitor can be activated. The Detector will work on any pipe size and wall thickness. Up to 8 locations can be monitored by one instrument.
Figure 1. Water Induction Detector
Testing Service
Jonas, Inc. will install the Detector(s) and perform monitoring of typical startup, steady load, and shutdown operation to determine where and when water induction occurs.
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