Case Study: Superheater Attemperator Spray Valve

Steam technology remains integral to traditional power generation methods, especially in coal-fired power plants where it is essential for operating turbines. Maintaining the efficiency and safety of the boilers driving those turbines requires precise temperature and flow control — and that's where reliable valve performance is non-negotiable.

Florida Power & Light (FPL) operates a 330MW coal-fired plant in Indiantown that serves over one million Floridians. To keep its service reliable and cost-effective, it must maintain impeccable control over its steam boilers. When its existing valve began to falter, FPL approached Trimteck for a long-lasting, reliable solution.

What was the main challenge for FPL?

At the heart of FPL Indiantown's challenge was a failing superheater attemperator spray valve, essential for controlling steam temperature within their superheat attemperation system. This system modulates the steam's heat by injecting cooler water at calculated intervals, ensuring the steam does not overheat. It also prevents drastic pressure drops that could lead to system inefficiencies or failures.

FPL required a valve capable of handling high differential pressures with a Class V shutoff to prevent leaks and ensure precise modulation. The existing valve, a Copes Vulcan, was experiencing cavitation damage and couldn't maintain the necessary control, especially at lower loads. This situation risked the plant's operational efficiency and safety.

What was Trimteck’s solution?

Understanding the critical nature of this application, Trimteck's expert approach was meticulous and thorough. Our Application Engineers specifically selected the 3” CL2500 OpGL Globe Control Valve with an ST-2 Anti-Cavitation trim, designed to effectively counteract the risks of cavitation. This customization was vital, as the design also needed to ensure precise water flow control to the desuperheater nozzles.

The chosen valve features:

• Trim Material: 416 stainless steel hardened with our chemical vapor deposition (CVD-5B) hardening. This provides exceptional resistance to the harsh conditions of steam control, in particular the damage that can be caused by cavitation.
• Bonnet: Extended to protect the valve's integral parts from extreme temperatures.
• Body Material: WC6, known for its durability against high temperatures and pressures.

The result

Since its installation, the Trimteck valve has proven its worth by operating for over eight years without any soft goods replacement. This durability not only demonstrates Trimteck's commitment to quality but also plays a key part in maintaining the efficiency and safety of FPL Indiantown's plant.

Your trusted partner for advanced control solutions

At Trimteck, we specialize in providing reliable and innovative valve solutions for demanding environments like FPL Indiantown's coal-fired plant. Our custom-engineered valves are designed to handle the rigors of superheat attemperation, ensuring precise temperature control and operational stability.

Our rapid response capability and same-day shipping minimize downtime, while advanced materials like 416 stainless steel with CVD-5B hardening guarantee durability and long-lasting performance. Contact us today to consult with our Applications Engineers or to customize the right control valve for your needs using our AccuValve™ software.