Experience with the Operation of a Test-RIG for 700 °C Power Plant Materials

Components in 700 °C power plants which are subjected to highest temperature and loading will be made of Ni-based alloys and austenitic steels. This paper describes the GKM (Grosskraftwerk Mannheim AG) test rig for assessing these new materials in real power station conditions for use in advanced power plants operating up to 725 °C and 350/200 bar pressure. The design and integration of the test rig in the conventional coal fired power plant in Mannheim/Germany is described and an overview is provided of the advanced materials being considered and the status of the test after about 7500 h operation time.