Leak detection in power plants is critical. Unfortunately, there are many plants in operation today that do not have a sufficient detection system in place at their location for costly leaks. This is often due to a lack of awareness. Operators aren’t keen on trying to solve a problem that they didn’t know existed. Once they understand the issue and the steps that need to be taken to address it, putting a plan in place to keep everything regulated becomes obvious.
Leaks in both transformers and combustion turbines can be a real problem for plants. If left unaddressed, leak issues will compound over time and lead to environmental, economic, and even safety concerns.
For a transformer, it is paramount to keep the oil at an optimum level at all times. Luckily, as we have become a more technologically advanced society, detecting these leaks can be fairly straightforward and unobtrusive. We can now detect leaks when they are still very small, before they turn into larger, more costly leaks. This kind of forewarning allows decision-makers to, at the very least, put the transformer on a more timely maintenance schedule.
Leaks aren’t just unique to transformers; combustion turbines are also prone to leaks. They typically operate on natural gas and utilize an oil-filled lubrication system. The enclosures, lube skids, lube oil heat exchangers, gear oil pumps and related plumbing, filtration, containment dykes and storage tanks are all places where leak detection is recommended.
If you consider the ramifications of unaddressed leaks, you will quickly realize that having a sophisticated detection system is endlessly beneficial. The technology is there to ensure that leaks do not become a problem at your power plant. Having confidence that all the equipment in the plant is operating at an optimal level cannot be undervalued.
You can read more on this topic in my article published in POWER Magazine,
Advantages of Leak Detection Technology in Power Plants.
If you’d like to talk about how to implement a leak detection system at your site, just reach out at
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