Stack dampers are simple on paper yet pivotal in practice. If they do not open cleanly at light-off, exhaust flow can choke, startup timelines slip, and HRSG parts see higher thermal stress. If they leak or stick during shutdown, stored heat bleeds away and the next start begins colder. In ISO-driven markets where starts and […]
EXHAUST SYSTEMS: Stack dampers and startup reliability Read More »
In a demand-heavy, renewables-rich grid, the fastest and lowest-risk capacity gain often comes from assets already on the pad. A recent GE Vernova webinar discusses practical ways to uncover incremental output and reliability by treating the combined cycle as a single system. The session was moderated by Matt Foreman, and featured technical perspectives from Jason
Thirty years before artificial intelligence (AI) became part of common public lexicon, the powerplant industry was getting steeped in it. There was always the question, however, how far you could “push” the technology and reduce staff expertise. Now, a relatively new entrant to the M&D-as-a-service space emphasizes how its operations experts remain in the loop.
M&D: Operations experts get the most from your plant analytics Read More »
By Dewayne Gilreath and Christen Mancini, Hydro, Inc. Segmental-ring (BB4) boiler-feed pumps (BFP) can be sensitive to external forces, hydraulic instability, and alignment. This case study reviews modifications implemented to reduce leakage, minimize wear, and mitigate balance-device-driven vibration. The boiler-feed system is the heart of the steam cycle, supplying feedwater to the HRSG for steam
Overcoming vulnerability in segmental ring pump designs Read More »
ISO has published the first turbomachinery-specific standards for air intake filters. ISO 29461-1, ISO 29461-2 and ISO 29461-3 establish uniform test methods for efficiency and dust holding capacity, performance in fog and mist, and mechanical integrity at high pressure. While this is not breaking news, the combination of the three standards is a powerful decision-making
Easy as 1,2,3: Choose inlet filters based on GT-specific standards Read More »
High-temperature tees in main steam and hot-reheat service are emerging as a serious integrity risk across combined-cycle and advanced coal-fired plants. Speaking at the NBBI 93rd General Meeting, Dr. John Siefert (EPRI) reported hundreds of field leaks attributed to creep-related cracking in wrought tees, with damage appearing in as little as 37,000 operating hours (Fig
HIGH-ENERGY PIPING: High-temperature tees present growing risk in HEP systems Read More »
People Trinity names Stivender to lead field services The Trinity Turbine Technology team recently announced that Errol Stivender has joined the company as VP of Trinity Turbine Services, overseeing all field service operations going forward. Stivender brings more than 35 years of experience in gas and steam generation as well as the refining and petrochemical
INDUSTRY BRIEFS: What’s happening in the GT industry Read More »
Upcoming events where you’ll see CCJ attendance and coverage. Hope to see you there. FT8 Users Group March 17-19 EPRI Main Campus and Marriott University Place, Charlotte, NC. Details/registration at www.ft8users.com. Contact: Ashley Potts, ft8@ft8users.com. FT4 Users Group March 17-19 EPRI Main Campus and Marriott University Place, Charlotte, NC. Details/registration at www.ft4users.com. Contact: Ashley Potts,
Plan for 2026: CCGT Industry Events Read More »
The International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam (IAPWS) opened its Power Cycle Chemistry (PCC) webinar series, with Dr. Barry Dooley presenting and David Addison moderating, outlining how repeat cycle chemistry situations (RCCS) drive the majority of chemistry-influenced failures in fossil and combined-cycle/HRSG fleets. The message was direct: failures are patterned, measurable, and
Target repeat chemistry mistakes to stop HRSG and steam-turbine damage (Video) Read More »
What your colleagues were telling CCJ subscribers five, 10, 15, and 20 years ago Five years ago The 7F Users Group and CCJ collaborated on the first virtual user-group meeting conducted as a result of the global pandemic. It was the launchpad for more than 20 online user meetings facilitated by CCJ during that challenging three-year period. The Combined
CCJ Historical Society: Looking back from 2025 Read More »
