Located in Maine, Calpine’s Westbrook Energy Center provides highly efficient, low-emissions power to 500,000 New England homes.
To help the 540-MW natural gas-fired combined cycle plant continue to run smoothly, we supported Calpine in the resolution of steam turbine vibration issues.
Maintaining the plant’s critical piping system helps Calpine deliver energy safely. This includes inspecting the main steam and hot reheat and cold reheat piping and supports; performing updated piping stress analyses; recommending steam piping modifications; specifying load adjustments to spring supports; and modifying pipe supports.
Piping safety and support
The plant’s piping system includes two 170-MW GE Frame 7A gas turbines and one 200-MW steam turbine generator.
As a result of the “as-found” steam piping configuration, our stress analysis determined the steam turbine’s nozzle loads were too high. We documented the changes necessary to reduce the loads and resolve the reported vibration issue.
Our team also visually inspected 389 pipe supports. We used wireless technology to access pipe supports in congested areas and enhanced photo quality to ensure that Calpine has accurate data that can be used throughout the life of the piping system.
Calpine’s focus on safety and health has earned the Westbrook Energy Center a Voluntary Protection Program Star certification from OSHA. Our inspection and analysis services helped them comply with ASME codes and maintain safety in the design, operation and maintenance of the plant’s piping system.
