Automatic Purge System enhances effectiveness of leak detection systems

The Inspecta Automatic Purge System (APS) is a cost-effective, ambient-air purge system that does not require compressed air or an additional power source to remove the fly ash build-up within the Inspecta pipe-sets, for steam leak detection in coal-fired power stations.

The Inspecta APS complements the existing Inspecta acoustic steam leak detection systems (ASLD) and can easily be retrofitted to existing installations. Using acoustic steam leak detection technology, the Inspecta ASLD can detect tube leaks of less than 2 mm in diameter in the large boiler structure.

“As a complement to the Inspecta ASLD system, the total Inspecta APS cost can be recovered on the single early detection of a potentially damaging steam leak,” explains process control instrumentation and specialised systems manufacturer Instrotech research and development director Hugh du Plessis.

As it is designed to be part of the Inspecta leak detection system, it integrates fully with the existing and new boiler tube leak detection systems, he explains.

The standard fitted Binder connectors are compatible with the Inspecta HA-3 sensor connectors. Optional fitting of power-station-specific connectors, such as Hirschmann, is also available if required.

The installation of the system keeps the leak detection tubes free of fly ash on a continual basis, without human intervention, and ensures that the sensitivity of the Inspecta ASLD is not compromised. This enables the system to reliably detect small tube leaks at a very early stage.

The Inspecta APS also offers improved leak detection performance. Once operational, the APS significantly increases the effectiveness of the Inspecta ASLD system by automatically keeping the leak detection tubes free of fly ash and therefore maintaining optimum leak detection performance levels.

“Improved early leak detection means that boiler outage times can be significantly reduced,” explains Du Plessis.

The system is purpose-designed to operate in boiler house environments. It can operate continuously in a 60 ºC ambient temperature and handle intermittent ambient temperatures of up to 65 ºC.

The locally designed and engineered Inspecta III system is an ASLD system based on over 35 years of Instrotech’s boiler steam tube leak detection experience in South Africa, Australia and Europe.