Vacuum Pumps are supportive and important in power generation, as they remove non-condensable gases (nitrogen and hydrogen) from the condenser. This makes the condenser work more effectively in removing spent steam from the discharge of the turbine. Some other types of pumps used in power generation include:
- Feedwater pumps are liquid pumps, not vacuum: the boiler or steam generator is heated to create steam. The steam is then used to turn the turbine to generate electricity.
- Condensate pumps: Once the steam has passed through the turbine and lost some of its energy, it passes through the condenser, where its volume is reduced by cooling the steam, which condenses the steam back into water and returns it to the boiler.
- Cooling water pumps: Power plants generate a lot of heat. Cooling water pumps move water from the cooling tower to the condenser. The cooling water system is a closed or open loop that adds cooler water from a nearby freshwater source.
- Fuel pumps: Power plants that burn heavy oil or natural gas use pumps to move the fuel from storage tanks to the boilers to make steam.
- Flash pumps: In coal-burning power plants, liquid ring vacuum pumps are used to remove the ash from the chimney and use kinetic energy to push it into collection bags for removal. The ash may be reused in various applications, such as concrete roadbed construction.
Vacuum pump in operation
The selection of a pump for a specific application in power generation depends on various factors, such as the type of gas or liquid being moved, the pressure and flow rate required, temperature, and viscosity. Pump design and materials are also important considerations, as pumps must withstand the harsh conditions of power generation, such as high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and abrasive materials.