PULP AND PAPER LABORATRY C

GROUP 2
STEAM PLANT PRACTICAL REPORT
Initials&Surname Student number
S.S Zulu 22063574

Can you formulate a discussion for me which explains that in 6 runs, different flowrates from
100 to 600 L/hr were used which resulted in the CO2 rate of Absorption which are 4.76, 4.67,
3.73, 3.58, 4.36 and 4,20 ml as if plotted using a line graph
AIM(S)
To become familiar with, and have hands-on practice in operating, the different components of
the steam plant. To observe relevant safety precautions necessary in safely operating the steam
plant. To take the necessary readings required to perform mass and energy balances around the
section of the plant which includes the supply line of saturated and supersaturated steam, the
turbine, generator, condenser, cooling tower and lastly to determine the efficiency of the system.

LITERATURE REVIEW
The steam plant is the boiler make use of the heat of fossil fuel combustion to raise steam at high
pressure and temperature, steam plant can also be describe as a thermal power station where the
heat energy of the fuel is converted into electricity and the fuel used can be coal, oil, gas like in
this experiment the diesel or generator was used to generate the electricity.[Renuka M 7
November 2022 introduction to the steam power plant].
The objectives of this experiment were to observe relevant safety precautions necessary in safely
operating the steam plant and discover the efficiency. Another thing was to become familiar with
practical and have known how operate the different components of the steam plant also to
determine the efficiency of the system and to generate steam to be used as a source of energy
either for process stream heating purposes or for conversion into other forms of energy or
electrical energy. (de Koker and Pauk 2019).

The above diagram shows how the steam plant is operated and the equipment used.[de Koker&
Pauk, 2019]
The steam plants are used in many industries or mills like in the industry that manufacturing the
sugar there are steam plants, in paper mills there are steam plants, in food manufacturing
industries there are steam plant, in textile industries and other industries that we did not count.
Advantages of steam plant are:
• The overload capacity of the steam power plant is higher than other plants. Steam
turbines and steam engines can work under 255 of overload continuously.
• Can respond to the rapid change in load conditions without any difficulty.
• Steam power plants can be installed anywhere despite the availability of fuel. However,
in the case of the hydroelectric power plant, it should be installed near the water source.
• Reliability: Steam plants can provide a reliable source of power that can be used to meet
the energy needs of large-scale industrial operations.
• Flexibility: Steam plants can be designed to operate on a variety of different fuels,
including coal, natural gas, and biomass, providing flexibility in terms of fuel choice.
Disadvantages of the steam plants:
• The maintenance and operating cost of the steam power plant is high.
• The plant cost increases with an increase in operating temperature.
• The requirement of water to convert the heat into steam is very high.
• Thermal Pollution: Steam plants can generate thermal pollution, which can have
negative impacts on local waterways and aquatic ecosystems.
• Thermal Pollution: Steam plants can generate thermal pollution, which can have
negative impacts on local waterways and aquatic ecosystems.
• Slow Start-Up Time: Steam plants can have long start-up times, which can make
them less suitable for meeting sudden changes in energy demand.

The results obtained/calculated described that the performance of three different loads in a steam
plant. Load 1, Load 2, and Load 3 all had different pressure and temperature inputs and outputs,
as well as different efficiencies. It was therefore seen that from loads 1,2 and 3 the efficiencies
obtained were 18,1%, 37% and 52,5%, which explains that if the load increases the efficiency of
the steam plant also increases meaning that they are directly proportional.
There are several ways to improve the efficiency and performance of a steam plant but some of
them are: Upgrading the Boiler, Implementing Steam Turbine Modifications, Optimizing the
Steam System, optimizing the steam system and using alternative fuels. Overall improving the
efficiency of the steam plant can lead to significant cost saving and environmental benefits, as
well as improve performance and reliably.
PROCEDURE
de Koker&Pauk, 2019

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1
Load Efficiency (%)
1 18,1
2 37
3 52.5

Graph 1

The results you obtained/calculated describe the performance of three different loads in a steam
plant. Load 1, Load 2, and Load 3 all have different pressure and temperature inputs and outputs,
as well as different efficiencies. The pressure and temperature input values for each load
represent the conditions at which the steam enters the load, while the pressure and temperature
output values represent the conditions at which the steam leaves the load. The negative pressures
indicate that the steam is being condensed, and the temperature values show that the steam is
losing heat as it passes through the load.
The efficiencies of each load indicate how well the load is converting the available energy in the
steam into useful work. Efficiency is a measure of how much of the input energy is being
converted into output work, and it is expressed as a percentage. The higher the efficiency, the
more effectively the load is using the steam to produce useful work. Load 1 has the lowest
efficiency, at 18.1%. This suggests that the load is not using the available steam energy very
efficiently. It is possible that the load is oversized for the amount of steam available, or that there
are inefficiencies in the load itself, such as poor insulation or leaks.
Load 2 has a higher efficiency, at 37%. This suggests that the load is using the available steam
energy more efficiently than Load 1. It is possible that Load 2 is better matched to the available
steam supply, or that it has fewer inefficiencies than Load 1. Load 3 has the highest efficiency, at
52.5%. This suggests that the load is using the available steam energy very efficiently. It is
possible that Load 3 is well-matched to the available steam supply, and that it has been designed
to minimize inefficiencies.
Overall, the results suggest that the efficiency of a steam plant load is influenced by a variety of
factors, including the design of the load, the size of the load relative to the available steam
supply, and the presence or absence of inefficiencies within the load itself. By analysing the
performance of each load, it may be possible to identify areas for improvement and optimize the
overall efficiency of the steam plant.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, a steam plant practical provides students with hands-on experience in operating
the different components of a steam plant, observing safety precautions, taking necessary
readings, and determining the system's efficiency where we found that the load is directly
proportional to the efficiency as load 1,2 and 3 give the efficiencies of 18,1%, 37%, and 52%.
This practical experience is essential for students to understand the operational principles of the
steam plant and to identify any areas where improvements can be made. The practice also
provides students with the opportunity to troubleshoot any issues that may arise and to develop
strategies to optimize the plant's performance. Overall, a steam plant practical is an essential
component of students training in the field of power generation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
There are several ways to improve the efficiency and performance of a steam plant, including:
1. Upgrading the Boiler: The boiler is the heart of the steam plant and upgrading it can
significantly improve its efficiency. Some ways to upgrade the boiler include replacing old
equipment with newer, more efficient models, improving insulation, and optimizing combustion.
2. Installing Economizers: Economizers recover heat from the flue gas and use it to preheat the
feedwater, reducing the amount of fuel needed to produce steam.
3. Implementing Steam Turbine Modifications: Steam turbines are a key component of a steam
plant, and making modifications to the turbine can improve its efficiency. Some modifications
include installing new blades, improving the steam path, and upgrading the control system.
4. Optimizing the Steam System: Properly maintaining and optimizing the steam system can also
improve the efficiency of a steam plant. This includes insulating steam pipes, repairing leaks,
properly sizing steam traps, and ensuring proper water treatment.
References
1. R. Mahajan 7 november 2022 Introduction of steam power plants
https://mundus2035.com/introduction-to-the-steam-power-plant/ 28 march 2023
2. https://www.improvingsteamplant.com, 27 March 2023
3. De Koker, T.H., & Pauk, J., 2019.S4 Practical Manual: Pulp and Paper Technology,
Durban University of Technology, Chemical Engineering Department, Durban.
4. https://www.andvantangesanddisadvangesofsteamplant.com, 27 March 2023