Abstract
Hydraulic shocks and instabilities occurring in condensate feed systems associated with large steam turbine generating plants have been investigated and found to be diverse in origin and character.
In service instabilities are attributed, inter alia, to powerful interstage cavitation in centrifugal condensate pumps, to the penetration of unstable zones of pump suction water level, to swiftly stroking valves, to inventory shifts and the placing of pressurized systems in communication with voided systems. Shock is attributed to pumping into evacuated systems.
Sustained heat transfer in steam-water and water-water heat exchangers has caused system over-pressurization during off-service conditions. Some difficulties encountered during operations are described and discussed. Recommendations are made for the elimination or minimization of trouble in existing systems and for the avoidance of trouble in future systems.
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