Nicco Online Leak Sealing Team’s Success in Resolving 14-Inch Valve Gland Leakage at a Thermal Power Plant in India
Valve gland leakage in Boilers is a common issue faced by power plants, this case study highlights how the Nicco Online Leak Sealing Team effectively addressed a critical 14-inch valve gland leakage at a prominent thermal power plant in India.
The valve gland leakage was occurring under extreme operating conditions with a line pressure of 140 bar and a temperature of 540ºC , involving super-heated steam. Prior to contacting Nicco, other leak sealing companies had refused to undertake the task due to its complexity. The power plant was left with no choice but to plan for an expensive and inconvenient shutdown. However, after communication with Nicco, they discovered a viable solution to resolve the issue without disrupting operations.
- Leaking Equipment:
The thermal power plant, a key electricity generator, faced a critical issue with a 14-inch valve gland leakage. The leaking valve was responsible for controlling the flow of super-heated steam, leading to substantial steam loss and a potential decrease in plant efficiency. Concerned about the implications of the leak, the plant management sought immediate assistance from Nicco’s Online Leak Sealing Team, known for their expertise in handling complex leak sealing challenges.
2. Safety Precautions:
Understanding the inherent risks associated with attending a high-temperature steam leakage, the Online Leak Sealing Team prioritized safety measures throughout the project. The safety precautions included:
Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Before commencing any remedial actions, the team performed a thorough risk assessment, identifying potential hazards and implementing strategies to mitigate them.
Specialized PPE and Equipment: All team members were equipped with specialized personal protective equipment (PPE), including heat-resistant suits, gloves, goggles, and face shields, to safeguard against exposure to extreme temperatures and steam.
Safety Training: The team underwent extensive safety training to enhance their awareness of high-temperature steam hazards and emergency procedures.
Heat Resistant Barriers: Heat-resistant barriers were erected around the work area to protect the surrounding personnel and equipment from the high-temperature environment.
Continuous Monitoring: Throughout the leak sealing process, the team continuously monitored pressure, temperature, and other critical parameters to detect any abnormal changes promptly.
Emergency Response Plan: A comprehensive emergency response plan was in place, outlining evacuation procedures and immediate medical support in the event of any unforeseen incidents.
3. Leak Sealing Procedure:
The Nicco Online Leak Sealing Team executed a meticulous approach to address the 14-inch valve gland leakage:
Site Assessment: The team thoroughly assessed the leak site, evaluating the severity of the leakage and its impact on plant operations.
NES-2H Leak Sealant Injection: Utilizing their proprietary NES-2H leak sealant, specially formulated for high-temperature and high-pressure applications, the team injected it into the valve gland through EN-8 grade injection gun adaptors. The NES-2H sealant swiftly filled and sealed the leakage path.
Quality Control and Cure Validation: After the injection process, the team ensured the proper curing of the NES-2H sealant to form a durable and reliable seal. Rigorous quality control measures were implemented to verify the effectiveness of the leak sealant.
4. Results and Conclusion:
This successful case study exemplifies Nicco’s capability in handling critical leak sealing challenges in demanding industrial settings. The company’s dedication to safety, advanced leak sealing technology, and skilled professionals solidify their position as a trusted partner for maintenance and repair solutions in the power generation industry in India.