This paper reviews experience with installation and use of a cycle chemistry expert system. To help power plant operators and chemists to control cycle chemistry and corrosion, the expert system was developed based on industry guidelines and experience. This software uses inputs from plant analytical and other instrumentation and grab sample analyses to determine current water chemistry and corrosion problems and recommend corrective actions. It also verifies the chemical analytical data, automatically produces reports, and provides cycle and water treatment descriptions. Using this program, the status of the cycle chemistry for multiple units can be monitored simultaneously through the utility's computer network.

The plant customized Simulators allow operators and chemists to be trained in water chemistry control and problem recognition for their specific power plant. This program currently covers drum and once-through boiler units with and without condensate polishers, using acid and alkali-forming cooling water, all-ferrous and mixed metallurgy, and phosphate, equilibrium phosphate, sodium hydroxide, AVT, and oxygenated treatments.

The experiences with installation of this software at five locations is summarized and, based on this experience, recommendations for future work are presented.

Subject
Water, Condensates, Water chemistry, Installation, Corrosion detection, Constants, Feedwater, Phosphates, Power plants, Boilers, Cooling water, Steam, Water treatment facilities
Keywords:
cycle chemistry, corrosion, expert system, power plant, on-line, network, boiler, turbine, training
© 2004 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
2004
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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