CCI's valves and actuators play critical role in gas power plant upgrade and expansion

Requirement: In order to satisfy the needs for higher efficiency and still meet the changing power profile facing the Florida Grid, Florida Power and Light Co. recently converted two simple-cycle gas turbines to become combined-cycle units at the Martin County power plant. In addition, two more combined cycle units were added to bring the total plant generation capacity to 1,100 MWe. After operating the converted units for only a short period of time in a cyclic operation it was found they were demonstrating erosion and vibration issues.

Solution: In order to meet the necessary performance and reliability standards these cutting-edge gas turbine systems were demanding of the system, it was found that the existing equipment in the hot reheat turbine bypass system needed to be replaced. Magnetite strainers and warming lines were installed on new 16in x 24in DAMD DRAG valves to handle the over 800°F steam. The cyclic nature of the plant's operation was further driving a need for faster and a more reliable actuator than those previously used; which led to the selection of the QuickTrak III actuators. The units have been placed into commercial operation and are helping meet the needs for efficient and dispatchable power in southern Florida.