Power Generation

Power generation is the process of converting / transforming primary energy sources (e.g. oil, natural gas, and hydro) into easy-to-use and easy-to-transport energy (secondary energy), e.g. electricity. For that purpose, there are several methods of generating electricity available.

Power Plants

Electricity is generated in power plants, whereby mechanical energy is transformed into electricity by a generator. These generators are driven by kinetic energy (wind and hydro) or thermal energy sources (e.g. geothermal energy, nuclear power, chemical energy).

Almost all power generation plants use turbines to drive their generators. Turbines are commonly driven by burning gas, wind, steam or water. Especially when water and/or steam is used, a continuous monitoring of the water-steam-circuit is crucial for a safe plant operation.

Schematic view of a power plant using steam

Schematic view of a power generation plant with TOC and COD measuring points

Why is it important to monitor water in power generation industry?

The most common reason for a plant shutdown is the pollution of the water-steam-cicuit by e.g. corrosion, sedimentation and biological growth. Therefore, several international authorities have defined guidelines for recommended measurement ranges of a variety of parameters.

In order to be able to take countermeasures quickly in the case of an impact load (caused, for example, by a leakage) the results of the monitoring system have to be available fast. Hence, laboratory monitoring is not recommended due to the time consuming analysis methods. Online analyzers, however, deliver results within minutes making it possible to redirect contaminated water streams into buffer tanks for example, in order to avoid pollution of the downstream water-circuit or penalties by authorities. Generally any disruption within the plant can lead to costly shutdowns and of course a stop in production which is to be prevented.

With its Quick-series LAR Process Analysers delivers the appropriate analyzer for any cooling and/or process water analysis challenge within power plants. The use of LAR's online measurement technique offers operators enormous saving potentials and production security.

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Water in industry

In 2010, 38103 million cubic meters of water were used in industrial processes in Germany. Thereof, 57% were used for electricity and gas generation. Thus, pure and ultrapure water, e. g. boiler feed water, condensate return, and cooling water in particular, represent the largest amount of the total water use.

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LAR's analyzer QuickTOCeffluent is an online TOC analyzer especially designed for water with a low-particle density at the plant’s effluent.

