HOT TOPIC HOUR

Taking Power Plant Water Monitoring to the Next Level – Hot Topic Hour September 24

There was a good discussion of power plant water monitoring as a 50 slide Decision Guide was reviewed in the Hot Topic Hour yesterday. David Gray of Mettler Toledo, Brad Buecker of Kiewit and Barbara Carney of NETL provided insights on how better measurement and control can meet the needs of ultra supercritical coal-fired power plants and  fast cycling combined cycle gas turbine plants.

Jon Lehmkuhler of Chemtura asked some penetrating questions about the new ELGs which will be issued next week and the needs to measure bromates, boron and TDS. David pointed out that smart sensors are allowing quicker response and make continuous monitoring of all the parameters more useful. Brad explained that much of the sampling is necessary periodically rather than continuously. Barb pointed to several nano technology water sensor research projects which facilitate wireless technology. For remote monitoring of water discharges the wireless technology makes sense.

The broader question of remote monitoring as a tool for consultants drew interesting comments.  David pointed out that utilities with one chemist for several plants are already supplying the chemist with data at a central location where he can serve the fleet. McIlvaine suggested to Brad that power plants around the world could benefit from his expertise. He agreed that with a remote feed of data he could offer advice as to problems and solutions.

The presentation is displayed at Power Plant Water Monitoring Hot Topic Hour Sept. 24