Is my air ejector condenser causing vacuum issues?

In summary, the conversation discusses issues at a plant where the vacuum has increased and a pump has been added to maintain it. There are concerns about the air ejector condenser draining continuously and the possibility of too much water causing vacuum problems. The drain trap has been cleaned and replaced, but there are still complications and the pipe from the drain is always hot. The plant recently had no vacuum issues but then it increased without any change in load. The question of checking the intercondenser loop seal is also brought up.
  • #1
Brakwa
2
0
Having trouble at a plant where the vacuum has increased to the point where a pump has been put on the end of the air ejector condenser to maintain vacuum, without it the limits would be too high and trip the Steam Turbine. The question is, does the air ejector condenser continuously drain? Could there be too much water in the air ejector condenser causing vacuum problems? There have been complications with the drain trap, (ball float trap), but it has been cleaned, replaced and has been in service for over a year. The pipe coming from the drain is always hot and does not seem to ever stop flow, I am unaware if this is how it normally operates. The plant recently started up with no vacuum issues, operating at 3" HgA for 4 to 5 days, and with no change in load increased to 10" HgA. Thank you in advance for any assistance.
 
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  • #2
Have you checked your intercondenser loop seal ?http://weh.maritime.edu/campus/tsps/manual/MainAuxCond.html

airejector.jpg
 
  • #3
Yes sir, the loop seal sight glass is full.
 

What is an air ejector condenser?

An air ejector condenser is a type of heat exchanger used in steam power plants to remove excess steam and condensate from the system. It uses a jet of high pressure air to create a vacuum, which draws the steam and condensate through the condenser and out of the system.

How does an air ejector condenser work?

An air ejector condenser works by utilizing the principle of the Venturi effect. A high-speed jet of air is directed into a narrowing nozzle, which increases the speed of the air and creates a low pressure area. This low pressure area then draws in the steam and condensate from the system, which is then cooled and drained out of the condenser.

What are the advantages of using an air ejector condenser?

There are several advantages to using an air ejector condenser. It is a simple and reliable technology that requires minimal maintenance. It also has a low initial cost and can operate under a wide range of conditions. Additionally, it does not require any additional cooling water or external power source, making it an energy-efficient option.

What are the limitations of an air ejector condenser?

While an air ejector condenser has many advantages, there are also some limitations to consider. It has a lower efficiency compared to other types of condensers, which means it may not be suitable for high-performance applications. It also has a limited capacity and may not be able to handle large amounts of steam or condensate.

How is an air ejector condenser maintained?

To maintain an air ejector condenser, regular inspections and cleaning are necessary. The nozzle and diffuser should be inspected for any wear or damage, and the air filters should be replaced when needed. The condenser tubes should also be cleaned to prevent any blockages or fouling. Proper maintenance will ensure the efficient and reliable operation of the condenser.

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