Flexible power plant operation has become increasingly important in the energy industry. With renewable energy sources fluctuating in availability, flexible power plants that can quickly adjust their output to meet demand are necessary. However, this type of operation can have detrimental effects on the water steam cycle components. Corrosion can lead to reduced efficiency, costly repairs, and even catastrophic failure. This is where ODACON film forming amines chemistry comes into play.
Introduction to ODACON - Film Forming Amine Chemistry
According to the IAPWS Technical Guidance Documents (TGD 8-16 and 11-19), ODACON is a film forming amine product (FFAP). The active substance is Octadecylamine (ODA), which is as well listed in
the IAPWS TGD. Since more than 40 years ODA is commonly used in water treatment to protect boilers, cooling systems, and other equipment from corrosion. ODA works by adsorbing onto metal
surfaces and forming a barrier that inhibits the corrosion process. This protective layer is built up during operation and stable during off-line periods which makes it applicable for preservation purposes.
Key Considerations for Successful ODACON Application
Successful ODACON application requires careful consideration of several key factors. Firstly, the scope of the application must be defined and a proper risk assessment according to chapter 8
of IAPWS TGD 8-16 is strongly recommended. Secondly, the application method must be chosen under consideration of plant design and operation conditions, to ensure that the protective layer
is evenly distributed. Finally, regular monitoring of the water chemistry is necessary to determine the appropriate concentration of ODA in the cycle and to ensure that the protective layer is effective.
General application procedure
To protect the water steam cycle during flexible operation, a continuous injection of ODACON is necessary. The injection point should be defined by plant assessment and under consideration
of critical equipment, identified during the risk assessment. Typically, the injection point is at the feedwater tank or in the condensate lines. If the power plant is equipped with an air-cooled condenser (ACC), the injection should be done directly in front of the ACC as this has the highest surface to protect.
According to the injection point a suitable dosing pump is necessary. The injection flow rate is set according to the feed water flow to achieve a residual concentration of 100 – 500 ppb. Depending on
the operation hours a higher injection flow rate at the start of the injection can be used to accelerate the film establishment.
To control the concentration there are several procedures available. You can use an easy quick test, a qualified laboratory procedure or even a online monitoring system.
In my next newsletter I will explain these different methods, so stay tuned.
You want to have more detailed information:
Follow REICON Wärmetechnik und Wasserchemie Leipzig GmbH on LinkedIn
Have a look at our webpage www.reicon.de
Watch our videos on Youtube
Directly book your personal call with me here (Calendly).
See you soon.
Cheers Ronny
Comments