Uddannelse

Organic Contamination in Cogeneration

Why You Should Be Measuring Total Organic Carbon

One of the most overlooked contaminants in today's power generation and industrial cogeneration plants is Total Organic Carbon (TOC). This important measurement of organic contamination is key to reducing operating expenses and unplanned downtime.

Organic contamination can lead to fouling of deionization resins used in water treatment and condensate polisher, resulting in:

  • Increased resin regeneration costs 
  • Higher resin chemicals use 
  • Labor required to restore capacity or replace resin

If these organics reach the boiler or HRSG, they deposit on and reduce efficiency of the heat exchanger surfaces, while often increasing the foaming in the boiler that will drive greater carryover of other contaminants into the steam and on to the steam turbine. 

The most serious risk is the rapid breakdown of organics to acids that lower the pH of the water in the boiler/HRSG. If this occurs, the rate of corrosion in the boiler tubes can rapidly increase, leading to:

  • Boiler tube failure and 
  • Unplanned and expensive plant shutdowns 

Watch this important webinar to learn more about the risks of high organic contamination levels in cogeneration boilers and how you can measure it.

The most serious risk is the rapid breakdown of organics to acids that lower the pH of the water in the boiler/HRSG. If this occurs, the rate of corrosion in the boiler tubes can rapidly increase, leading to:

  • Boiler tube failure and 
  • Unplanned and expensive plant shutdowns 

Watch this important webinar to learn more about the risks of high organics levels in cogeneration boilers and how you can measure it.

Presenter: Kirk Buecher. Kirk has more than 30 years' experience in analytics and precision measurement technologies. Over the past 12 years, his focus has been on water chemistry analytics used in all types of power and steam generation, including nuclear, biofuel and cogeneration plants.

About the Presenter: Kirk Buecher

Kirk is Director of Power Solutions for METTLER TOLEDO Thornton. He has over 30 years' experience in analytics and precision measurement technologies. Over recent years, his focus has been on water chemistry analytics used in all types of power and steam generation, including nuclear, biofuel and cogen plants.

He regularly delivers papers/presentations at the leading Power & Cogen Industry Events, and actively supports this industry by working on:

ASTM D.19 Water Committee

ASME Steam Properties and Industrial Boiler Subcommittees

Power Cycle Chemistry Committee of the International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam (IAPWS)

And consults regularly with project teams of EPRI, VGB, Thermal Power Research Institute of China, S. Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, and the National Thermal Power Corp. of India.