About Steam Turbines
Steam turbines are used to take thermal energy from pressurized steam. The thermal energy obtained is then used to do mechanical tasks on a rotating shaft. Turbines are essentially a type of heat engine, and can be used for anything from heating to mechanical work in pumps and compressors to producing electricity. Back-pressure turbines, for instance, are used commonly for process steam tasks, or jobs that require steam for heat and moisture rather than for power. Refineries and industrial plants get the best use out of back-pressure turbines.
Insulating Turbines
Safety is a big reason for seeking turbine insulation , as turbines commonly use “superheated steam” (steam that’s hotter than its vaporization or boiling point at the absolute pressure where temperature is measured) which may cause serious burns if workers were to touch an uncovered turbine. Often, turbines with a steam pressure of 600psig hover at temperatures around 750°F. This is unsafe, as usually 600psig steam should sit at 488°F.
Cost and energy are also factors. Regardless of the size of an individual turbine, leaving it uncovered could result in substantial heat loss and high costs. Small turbines may very well cover 50 square feet of heated surface, which at the ill-advised temperature point of 750°F wastes over 180,000 BTUs each hour and 1,500+ MMBTUs per year. Roughly speaking, one single turbine will cost a plant upwards of $9,500 each year in wasted energy.
Naturally, hard insulation is impractical for turbines, since these essential devices are irregularly shaped and require access for maintenance. Thus, blanket insulation is the method of choice for insulating turbines.
Turbine Insulation Jackets
By using steam turbine insulation jackets, managers improve both safety and efficiency in the plant.
