Improvement of chemical control in the water-steam cycle of thermal power plants

A more effective chemical control in the water-steam cycle (WSC) of thermal power plants (TPP) is proposed in this paper. Minimization of corrosion effects by the production of ultra pure water and its strict control is the basis of all the investigated processes. The research involved the analysis of water samples in the WSC through key water quality parameters and by the most convenient analytical tools. The necessity for the stricter chemical control is demonstrated through a concrete example of the TPP Nikola Tesla, Serbia. After a thorough analysis of the chemical control system of the WSC, diagnostic and control parameters were chosen for continuous systematic measurements. Sodium and chloride ions were recognized as the ions which indicate the corrosion potential of the water and give insight into the proper production and maintenance of water within the WSC. Chemical transformations of crucial corrosion elements, iron and silica, were considered and related to their quantitative values.

Research highlights
► The more effective chemical control in the water-steam cycle of thermal power plant Nikola Tesla, Serbia.
► In chemical control the diagnostic and control parameters were optimized and introduced for the systematic measurements in the water-steam cycle.
► Sodium and chloride ions were recognized as ions which indicate corrosion potential of water and give insight to proper function of production and maintenance of water within water–team cycle.
► Chemical transformations of crucial corrosion elements, iron and silica are considered and related with their quantitative values.