Updating to the latest monitoring systems which provide more reliable, more accurate data and eliminating time consuming physical overspeed tests associated with mechanical systems, were the important benefits achieved at Fawley Power Station, following the installation of SENSONICS monitoring equipment. The RWE Npower, Fawley facility is an oil fired power station providing 1000MW of generating capacity and a key facility within the UK Also included was a high integrity electronic overspeed system for each of the main boiler feed pumps.  Sensonics equipment installed included; Sentry machine protection monitors, the Senturion range of proximity eddy current probes, PZV velocity transducers and turbine detector LVDT’s for casing expansion.

 The turn key project also included; Sentry monitors with proximity sensors for measuring rotor / case differential expansion utilising the proven mark-space technique (unique to Sensonics), shaft eccentricity with dual measurement modes (barring and normal running speed), case expansion, thrust and speed. A separate electronic overspeed system was also installed which employs robust 2 of 3 voting for high integrity protection in conjunction with an excellent spurious trip performance.  

 Commenting on the main problems that were occurring, Andy Millard, Instrument Engineer at Fawley Power Station, said, ‘Obsolescence was a key issue regarding the existing monitoring systems, we needed to update to modern systems’. Of the steam feed pump he commented, ‘The pump and steam turbine had to be regularly de-coupled for physical overspeed tests and this was a very resource intensive activity’.  Andy confirmed, ‘The main Sensonics TSE equipment has proven very reliable and accurate with the electronic overspeed equipment functioning very well. When asked about the main benefits achieved as a result of installing the Sensonics equipment, Andy commented, ‘We appreciate the current technology, the fact that it’s more reliable, along with the security of ongoing support, and we’ve really benefited from the fact that it is not necessary to decouple the steam feed pumps as regularly as we have had to in the past due to the availability of the built-in electronic test and calibration facility’.            

The successful upgrading of condition monitoring equipment at the Fawley Power Station is another example of Sensonics position as a leading supplier of turbine supervisory and high integrity protection equipment to industry.  They offer over 30 years experience in providing vibration, displacement and speed instrumentation solutions for demanding environments.                                                     

 Sensonics not only supply a full range of sensors and API 670 compliant measuring and protection equipment, but also offer design through to installation and commissioning.    ENDS.

Further details are available from: Russell King, Sensonics Ltd, Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1442 876833. Fax: +44 (0) 1442 876477

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.     www.sensonics.co.uk