Without flow measurement systems in place power station efficiency would be profoundly affected. Growing demand for energy means that power stations are constantly under pressure. With the need for reliable energy supplies continuing to rise, we delve into how flow measurement regulates power stations.
The power industry must expand in order to meet the needs of the world’s population. Power stations are growing rapidly – there are currently around 230 new plants under construction or planned across the globe – and with that comes the issue of efficiency and reliability. If the number of power stations is growing at such a rate, how do we ensure that they are working to their full potential?
Flow measurement is used throughout both steam and gas electricity generation in power plants. There are several options when it comes to flow measurement for these two types, but generally a non-invasive type of meter will cause minimal interruption when it comes to installation, repair and replacement of the part.
Steam has numerous important uses, but its most vital would be as a source of power in electricity production within power stations. Steam in particular is a difficult substance to measure because of its sensitivity to changes in temperature and pressure. Differential pressure (DP) flow meters or vortex meters are most commonly used for steam measurement, alongside orifice plates, which work with the meters to calculate the difference in flow rates between two areas.
For power stations, accurate measurements and data mean they can be run as efficiently as possible. And an efficiently run power station means more money can be invested, which in turn means an increase in sales. This makes the role of flow measurement in maintaining an efficient service an important factor to the success of the power industry.