Student : SEBASTIAN LEE Matric ID No. : 183020372 Semester : November 2019 – February 2020 Program : AME 302 Lecturer : Mdm. Noorradiyah binti Ismail Submission Date : 20th of February, 2019 (Week 14) Table of Contents Index Subject Page No. A Table of Contents i 1 Introduction / Research Background 1 2 Aim and Objectives 2 2.1 Aim of Research 2.2 Project Objectives 3 Overview 3 3.1 General Facts and Figures 3.2 Mechanism / Working Principle and the Elements 4 Properties, Characteristics and Specifications 4.1 Chemical Composition 4.2 Physical and Mechanical Properties 11 5 Discussion 14 6 Conclusion 15 B References ii B1 Reference List B2 Bibliography i 1 | INTRODUCTION Like any other academic fields or faculties, a comprehensive research that correlates with a specific scope or area of study that is attributed to the course is part and parcel of tertiary level education. This is no exception for the module Measurements and Instrumentations [MECH 3003] that I as a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Hons.) student of the halls of ivy Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL) was giving chase to. The assessment requirement of this module gives rise to this merited paperwork which is an output of cumulative tutor’s pedagogy and holistic self-study on electrical and electronics, and transducers thematics to boot. While class lessons may not fully cater all of the information or theories germane to measurement methodologies and equipment as we lack the tangible resources to peruse firsthand, in one way or another, students are always given the liberty to learn online and explore its boundless virtual library teemed with manifold study materials and solutions that can be accessed and browsed at the tip of our finger. Equipped with the knowledge that I bear, I had prepared this paperwork to articulate about numerous basic and auxiliary functional elements in a thermal power station. The backbone of my research is mainly the Internet as I scoured the mass media for reliable secondary sources such as eencyclopedias, web articles, tutorial videos, academic reports, and product pages whereof from there I winnowed out a dozen of promising information and then synthesized them into this report to convey the facts and figures about the subject matter in accordance with the report objectives. This topic is certainly a well-curated research subject as it helps link the nexuses between practical understanding and theoretical understanding such as the computations involved that I have learned in the classroom. It is also worth pointing out that as a Diploma-graduate of green technology and power engineering program, it is no doubt that I am versed in this technical field as I attempted to derive my pre-existing knowledge to corroborate the concepts and arguments presented in this paperwork. This report essentially spells out the nuts and bolts of the said elements found in most power plants. How these elements or components are discovered to be useful in the energy or power industry and that they work in an interplay to complete every part of the system’s functionalities can be traced back to the countless years of research and development by many pioneers ever since electrical energy is first discovered. Plus, this report explains in detail the definitions of each element with respect to the chosen industry. What’s more, readers will also dive into the brief mechanism or working principle of the system and learn about the properties from the perspective of mechanical and chemical chasms. This section is the core of this report as we deal with measurements and instrumentations of mechanical engineering. Last but not least, this report also discusses findings based on my understanding and comprehensive research of the topic without bias toward the facts sourced from the secondary sources. 1 2 | AIM AND OBJECTIVES 2.1 | AIM OF PROJECT With respect to the research work as a whole, this course of action is focused toward discovering and enriching students’ comprehension about basic and auxiliary functional elements in a thermal power plant, encompassing its mechanical and chemical properties and behaviors; and the fundamental mechanism or working principle, with the association of the knowledge garnered from Measurements and Instrumentations course and information sourced from numerous secondary sources. 2.2 | PROJECT OBJECTIVES Within the completion of this project, I should be able:i. To learn and comprehend the basic and auxiliary functional elements employed in a thermal power station, specifically on how they work and why do they work those ways in terms of chemical and mechanical aspects, so as to relate with my study which pertains to transducer, measurement and instrumentation system. ii. To interpret and present the significance of the evidence-based findings in light of what was known about the research subject matter, and impart any new insights that emerged as a result of the study as the discussion for this paperwork, so as to think critically as a researcher and formulate justifications to the findings without being governed strictly by the objective reporting of information enunciated in the various literature materials sourced online through content analysis research approach, as well as by leveraging my pre-existing purview in electrical and electronic thematics. iii. To meet the requirements of the Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Hons.) program of Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur whereby prospective graduates shall satisfy specific Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO) as well as Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) of the Measurements and Instrumentations module which are vital to establishing the career trajectory and professional accomplishments as prospective practicing engineers after graduation, in line with the two Programme Educational Objectives (PEO) as formulated by the academic program through the implementation of this research undertaking within a stipulated time frame. 2 3 | OVERVIEW 3.1 | GENERAL FACTS AND FIGURES To begin with, measurement in a strictly technical context, is defined as a technical process to obtain information, namely results and readings, expressed in numbers, units, symbols, and indications of variable physical quantities. It is done by comparing between the quantity whose magnitude is not known and a predefined standard. Measurement involves the deployment of instruments as a physical means of determining the value of unknown quantities or variables, and thus this brings us to instrumentation, which is defined as the devices used in measurement systems collectively. The applications of instrumentation systems are far-ranging, and they include, but not limited to measurement of system parameters, controlling of processes or operations, simulation of system conditions, experimental design studies, performing of various manipulations, testing of materials, maintenance of standards and specifications of products, quality control, and verification of physical phenomena or scientific theories. The basic and auxiliary functional elements are essential components of which form the measurement and instrumentation system. Broadly speaking, all measurement and instrumentation systems are comprised of these two distinct entities, but in the vast majority, they coexist and engage in a complex interplay to perform specific works in the systems. First, the basic functional elements are elements that establish the integral parts of all instruments. They can be further stratified into three: i. transducer element, which senses and converts desired input such as mechanical stress or the presence of a metallic object into a more suitable and intelligible form to be processed by the system; ii. signal conditioning or intermediate modifying element, which manipulates and processes the output of the sensing element via specific means like filtering, amplification, and isolation; and iii. data presentation element which imparts the information about the measurand(s) in a quantitative form. 3 On the other hand, auxiliary functional elements are elements which may be incorporated in a particular system depending on the type of requirement, the nature of measurement technique, and the like. Elements that are classified as auxiliary functional elements are:i. calibration element, which provides a built-in calibration facility; ii. external power element, which facilitates the working of one or more of the elements like the transducer element, signal conditioning element, data processing element or the feedback element; iii. feedback element, which controls the variation of the physical quantity that is being measured, and it is provided in the null-seeking potentiometric or Wheatstone-bridge devices to render them automatic or self-balancing; and lastly iv. microprocessor element which accommodates the manipulation of data for the purpose of simplifying or accelerating the data interpretation, and it is always used in conjunction with analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that is integrated in the signal conditioning element. 3.2 | MECHANISM / WORKING PRINCIPLE AND THE ELEMENTS By and large, the fundamental working principle of basic and auxiliary functional systems are generally the same for all measurement and instrumentation systems. All instruments contain various parts that execute specific functions in converting a variable quantity to a corresponding indication. Any instrument and its operation can be described in terms of such functional elements. The structure is the same but the discrepancy lies within the input variables, throughput devices used, and the output quantities. Figure 3.1: General structure (block diagram) of a measurement and instrumentation system illustrating the basic functional elements. 4 Figure 3.2: General process flow diagram of a measurement and instrumentation system encompassing the basic and auxiliary functional elements. Figure 3.3: Anatomy of a thermal power plant. 5 Figure 3.4 A detailed process flow diagram of a thermal power station. 1. Transducer element This element encapsulates all the sensing devices or transducers adopted in the thermal generating station to receive and convert inputs in various forms of physical stimuli into outputs in other forms before being fed and interpreted by the next element, i.e. signal conditioning element. Table 3.1: Sensing elements (basic functional elements) typically employed in the thermal power station. Input variable to transducer Output variable Principle of of transducer operation Type of device Used/Installed in Mechanical instruments An electromotive force (emf) is generated across the junctions Temperature Voltage of two dissimilar metals or semiconductors when that junction is heated based on the Seebeck effect. 6 • Thermocouple (J, K, R, S, E, etc. types) • Resistance temperature detector (RTD) ( Pt100, Pt1000, JPt500 etc.) • Boiler • Feed water at economizer inlet. The application of Pressure Displacement pressure causes displacement in elastic elements. • C-type bourdon pressure gauge • Boiler • Turbine (spherical, helical, twisted) • Pipelines • Manometer • Condensate/ Differential pressure Flow rate • Pressure is generated between • Voltage the main pipeline and throat of the device. • Venturi tube • Orifice Cooler tank • High- flowmeter pressure • Ultrasonic steam • Feed water flowmeter inlet The mechanical instruments move corresponding to the level of the water/liquid. For example, the • Bubbler tube movement Level • Displacement • Voltage of the • Hydra float indicates the drum level and can actuate indicator step level a switch or create an • Float output signal. • Capacitive level As for the capacitive • Boiler drum • Water line • Condensate tank switch type, capacitance is formed between the probe rod and the wall of the tank which acts as ground. For the tachometer, it works by dint of Speed Voltage motion • Stroboscope relative the • Tachometer between magnetic field and shaft of the coupled 7 • Generator (shaft) • Turbine • Recycling pump device. The developed EMF is directly proportional to the speed of the shaft. For the stroboscope, it uses a flash lamp driven by an oscillator to inspect or measure the rotational speed of the spinning parts whereby the flashing light creates the perception of stopmotion which is ideal for diagnostic inspections moving of machinery and can be translated into determining the cyclic speed. When stress Vibration Voltage mechanical is applied, movement is detected, or latent heat is electric received, charge generated. 8 is • Piezoelectric sensor • Turbine • Generator Figure 3.5: A variety of transducers of various functions found in a thermal power plant. 2. Signal conditioning element The outputs of the transducer element are usually too small to operate an indicator or a chart recorder. Therefore, it is the job of this subsequent basic functional element to compensate, modify, and optimize the imperfect signals present, thereby making them compatible for interface by elements in the next stages. i. Amplification a. Mechanical amplifying elements – Using gears and levers to provide multiplying effect on the input transducer signals. b. Hydraulic/Pneumatic amplifying elements – Incorporated in orificemeters and venturimeters used in conjunction with in valves. c. Electrical amplifying elements – Employing transistors and integrated circuits (ICs) to augment the amplitude of the transducer signals. ii. Signal filtration a. Mechanical filters – The reference junctions of the thermocouples are kept in thermos flasks containing ice. This approach protects the system from ambient temperature changes. b. Pneumatic filters – Small orifices or venturis to filter out fluctuations in pressure signals. c. Electrical filters – Using simple R-C circuits to eliminate stray pick-ups due to electrical and magnetic fields. 9 3. Data presentation element i. On-line monitoring (OLM) An OLM system is made up of a data acquisition module involving hardware and software and a data processing module involving software implemented on a fast computer. The data acquisition module includes signal isolation devices as well as fast sampling capabilities (e.g., 1000 Hz). a. Used for on-line instrumentation and control (I&C) predictive maintenance and troubleshooting in the plant. b. Used for cross-correlation flow measurement. c. Used for online detection of venturi fouling. d. Used for online detection of sensing-line blockages, voids, and leaks. e. Used for liquid and gas leak detection. f. Used for core barrel vibration measurement. g. Used for online measurement of temperature coefficient of reactivity. h. Used for monitoring the performance of pressure, level, and flow transmitters. Figure 3.6: Data acquisition signal path for OLM. i. Automatic control system (ACS) a. Continuous monitoring - Refers to the change of state of input into output that occur continuously. 10 Figure 3.7: Front panel of the continuous monitoring system of a thermal power plant. 4 | PROPERTIES, CHARACTERISTICS AND SPECIFICATIONS 4.1 | CHEMICAL COMPOSITION Table 4.1: Chemical composition and classification of fly ash from the power station. i. Component Bituminous [%] Subbituminous [%] Lignite [%] πππ2 20 – 60 40 – 60 15 – 45 π΄π2 π3 5 – 35 20 – 30 20 – 25 πΉπ2 π3 10 – 40 4 – 10 4 – 15 πΆππ 1 – 12 5 – 30 15 – 40 πΏππΌ 0 – 15 0–3 0–5 Class F flue/fly ash The burning of harder, older anthracite and bituminous coal typically produces Class F fly ash. This type of fly ash is pozzolanic in nature, and contains less than 10% lime (CaO). Possessing pozzolanic properties, the glassy silica and alumina of Class F fly ash requires a cementing agent, such as Portland cement, quicklime, or hydrated lime, with the presence of water in order to react and produce cementitious compounds. ii. Class C flue/fly ash Fly ash produced from the burning of younger lignite or subbituminous coal, in addition to having pozzolanic properties, also has some self-cementing properties. In the presence of water, Class C fly ash will harden and gain strength over time. Class C fly ash generally contains more than 20% lime (CaO). Unlike Class F, self-cementing Class C fly ash does not require an activator. Alkali and sulfate (ππ4) contents are generally higher in Class C fly ashes. 11 4.2 | PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES i. Bourdon tube • Differential pressure: 100,000 psi (700 MPa or 7,000 bar) • Tube wall thickness: 0.01 – 0.05 inches • Design shape / Type: C-shaped, hollow spring tube is closed and sealed at one end. • Main materials: Phosphor-bronze / Silicon-bronze / Beryllium-copper / Inconel / C-Cr-NiMo alloys • Selection of the main materials: Based upon its corrosion properties and pressure range with regard to the process media (water, air, oil, etc.). o For severe service applications, the case is sealed and filled with glycerine or silicone fluid to cushion the tube and movement against damage from impact and vibration. o For low-pressure ranges (≤ 2000 psi), phosphor-bronze is used. o For high-pressure ranges (> 2000 psi), stainless steel and beryllium-copper are preferred. • Corrosion resistance: Steel has a limited service life owing to corrosion but is adequate for oil while stainless steel alloys are used to accrue its resistance toward corrosion. • Moving part’s materials: Glass-polycarbonate / brass / nickel silver / stainless steel • Material selection for the moving part: Must have very little friction and provide stability. • Accuracy: ±1% of full scale. • Sensitivity: Lower than that of spiral and helical Bourdon tubes. • Resolution: Lower than that of spiral and helical Bourdon tubes. Figure 4.1: Parts of a Bourdon tube pressure gauge. 12 Table 4.2: More mechanical properties of materials used to make C-shaped Bourdon tube. ii. Thermocouple • Type: K • Materials: Chromel and alumel / Ni-Cr / Ni-Al • Selection of the materials: For used in power plants; suitable for low-temperature applications. • Temperature range (ºF): -300 – 32 / 32 – 530 / 530 – 2300 • Cycling above and below 1800°F (1000°C), is not recommended due to EMF alteration from hysteresis effects. Plus, it should not be used in sulfurous or alternating reducing and oxidizing atmospheres unless protected with protection tubes. • The negative element is slightly magnetic. It has lower resistance in ohms per foot for the same size positive wire. • No moving parts, hence less likely to get damaged. • Wide temperature range. • Relatively short response time. • Decent repeatability. • Good accuracy. • Low sensitivity. • Low voltage output. • Susceptible to noise. • Accuracy: < 0.5 ºC 13 Table 4.3: More mechanical properties of all the types of thermocouples. 5 | DISCUSSION This section succinctly discusses the effect of the effects of various binary mixtures which consist of CO2 and He, CO, O2 , N2 , H2 , CH4 , or H2 S which could be present from impurities in the fuel or mixed cooling flows added intentionally to improve the supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2 ) power cycle in the cooler. The effect of the binary mixtures could be beneficial depending on the specific substance as it has been found that certain concentrations of SO2 , H2 S, and Xe can enhance the performance of an SO2 power generation cycle. Within an S-CO2 power cycle, the compressor operates near the CO2 critical point (7.39 MPa, 30.98 ºC). In a research, the gas and mixture properties are estimated by NIST Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Database, Version 9.1. Substances mixed with the CO2 in SCO2 cycles were described in a previous work for binary mixtures and multicomponent mixtures. Within Table2 is the reported percent difference in cycle efficiency for a binary mixture consisting of 1 mol % impurity of each substance compared to the pure S-CO2 . It can be seen from Table 5.1 that He has the most detrimental effect on cycle performance, while conversely it can be seen that H2 S, Xe, and SO2 have a favorable effect on the cycle efficiency at these conditions. For heat exchangers, the addition of some impurity phase may be seen as a positive. For the compressor, however, this is not the case due to shifts of the pinch point. In the case of changes in the parameters of the cooling medium, it can affect compression because the critical point is different for mixtures than for pure CO2 . For this reason, the optimization of power cycles is very important and the account must be taken of potential impurities or the medium from other systems with CO2 . 14 Table 5.1: The effect of binary mixtures on S-πΆπ2, recompression, precompression, and split expansion cycle efficiency. 6 | CONCLUSION Over the course of this research undertaking, I have put some of my knowledge in this Measurements and Instrumentations into appreciable effect by studying about the basic and auxiliary functional elements, i.e. transducer/sensing element, signal conditioning element, data presentation element; and calibration element, external power element, feedback element, and microprocessor element that are typically incorporated in a thermal-powered generating station. All of these elements work together dynamically to account for a streamlined measurement and instrumentation system in the generation of power. However, one thing of paramount importance when these basic and auxiliary functional elements are set up is material and device selections. It is unequivocally crucial to understand thoroughly the materials to be measured so that we know what type of sensors of which input and output to use, so as to ensure a cost-effective operation of the power plant. That is why it is imperative to learn and understand the mechanical and chemical properties of each and every component used, as accentuated in this report, particularly on the C-shaped Bourdon tube and type-K thermocouple. Besides, factors like the sensing points and locations of the field instruments such as internally or externally installed must be considered when selecting level instruments for tanks. The sensing elements are not some one-sizefits-all devices as they come in multiple degrees of accuracy, sensitivity, resolution, tolerance, range, etc, depending on the type of applications found in the thermal power plant. Apart from that, in terms of data presentation, knowing the intended outputs, we must also be wise in choosing and setting up the appropriate data acquisition system and control system for monitoring the processes as well as procuring readings for production, quality and maintenance purposes. It is my hope that the technology incorporated in most conventional thermal power plants is progressively enhanced parallel to the Industrial Revolution 4.0 vision which is a holy grail to many production and manufacturing industries. 15 REFERENCES Reference List (Internet) i. Teeyha, Y. (2014, June 25). Introduction to Instruments and Their Representation [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare. 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