Thermal Insulation Jacket Replacement on a Gas Turbine at a Thermoelectric Power Plant
Situation
At a thermoelectric power plant, the gas turbine is responsible for generating mechanical power through the combustion of fuel mixed with air in the turbine combustor. The resulting gas rotates the turbine blades and this motion is transferred to a generator coupled to it, converting mechanical power into electrical power.
If the turbine’s thermal insulation is not working efficiently, energy loss will occur, resulting in lower electrical output.
Solution
After evaluating the situation, Priner’s engineering team proposed the use of ceramic fiber blanket insulation (96 kg/m³) and fiberglass fabric—materials with high resistance to heat and fire, as well as to tensile stress and corrosion, with low thermal conductivity.
Improvements Implemented
- Use of ceramic fiber instead of fiberglass: The fiberglass properties were not suitable for the turbine’s operating temperature, so it was replaced with a fabric made of ceramic fibers;
- Insertion of stainless steel mesh on the inner surface of the thermal jacket: this reduced direct contact between the insulation and the turbine surface, increasing the lifespan of the removable thermal jacket;
- Design improvement: The insulation was redesigned into eight parts instead of four, preventing sagging caused by the weight of each section and improving performance;
- Addition of adjustment straps: A strap was developed to adjust the main piece in the area where the turbine diameter narrows.
The before-and-after photos clearly show the improved quality of the fastening and finishing of the removable insulation.
Check out some photos below
