System lets turbine operators test trip valves while in service
Elliott Group
This patent-pending pneumatic trip system (photo) provides an important safety function for steam turbines. Testing the trip system regularly helps to reduce turbine tripping and potential catastrophic failure. This new pneumatic trip system with partial stroke actuation provides turbine operators with a safe and effective way to regularly test the trip valve without interfering with the turbine’s operation and its ability to trip. The system completes a partial stroke of the trip valve within seconds, enabling operators to quickly determine if the trip valve is working properly. It is available for new turbines and retrofits, and operators can initiate the partial stroke locally or remotely via a distributed control system (DCS). — Elliott Group, Jeannette, Pa.