An important component of combined cycle power plant design and operation is condensate polishing, commonly referred to as CP. It is a process that purifies condensate. High purity condensate maximizes uptime in power plants by maintaining stable condensate chemistry and reducing corrosion transport. Power plants install specialized filter-demineralizer systems, which remove both suspended solids and ionic contaminants to maintain optimal condensate chemistry.
At one Midwest power utility company, a valve controlling the flow of water (210 psi and 140 deg. F) that feeds the demineralizer was causing concern. The valve’s accompanying rack and pinion actuator was creating a maintenance problem. The solution was to install a Kinetrol vane actuator. A new automated valve was installed in 2012 and the Kinetrol actuator has operated flawlessly since then.
