At Kemerovskaya GRES, the main steam pipeline of the high-pressure section was purged with superheated steam under high pressure. The procedure was accompanied by an increased noise level, so residents of the city were warned about the work in advance. After successful purging, the steam pipeline is prepared for operation and winter loads.
In the summer, power engineers replaced two of the six sections of the main steam pipeline of the high-pressure section. The total length of the replaced pipelines was 135 m. The sections had reached the end of their service life, and technical diagnostics showed the need for their complete replacement. Along with them, the fittings, thermal insulation, support-suspension system, and service platforms were updated.
After welding and installation work, specialists cleaned the internal cavities of the pipes from scale, rust, and sand. For this, the steam pipeline was disconnected from the turbine, temporary exhaust pipes were installed, and superheated steam from the boiler was supplied to it.
Such purging is needed not only for pipe cleanliness. Foreign particles that enter the turbine with steam can damage its blades and disrupt the equipment's operation.
The main steam pipeline connects the station's boilers and turbines, distributing steam between them. After successful purging, the updated section was prepared for winter loads — generating heat and electricity for Kemerovo.
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