The Effects of Silica on Steam Turbines

Steam turbines are machines that convert the heat energy of steam from a water
boiler into rotary motion. Their interior consists of a series of blades that capture
the steam and provide a rotational force. As it rotates within a magnetic field, the
turbine generates electric power. This principle constitutes 80 percent of the means
of electric power generation worldwide. The purity of steam that passes through the
turbine is crucial to its function and efficiency. Mineral and organic contaminants are
present in the reservoir and river water that provides the steam source. These can
be silica, detergents from urban waste or salts such as sodium chloride and sodium
sulfate.

Silica

Silicon is the worlds most abundant element after oxygen. It does not occur as a sole
element but in compounds with oxygen, forming silicon dioxide or silica, and iron,
potassium, aluminum, magnesium and calcium. The natural waters used in power stations
contain large amounts of dissolved silicates.

Carryover

Carryover is any contaminant that leaves the power station boiler within the steam that
flows into the turbine. Silica is the most common contaminant. It volatilizes -- becomes a
gas -- at the high pressures and temperatures within the boiler. It also forms a colloidal
solution -- a stable suspension of silica particles -- with water.

Deposits

Steam cools as it moves through the turbine. At these lower temperatures, silica
precipitates onto the turbine blades where it accumulates as a glassy deposit. Its removal
requires chemical treatment.

Pressure Decrease

As the silica deposits accumulate on the turbine blades, they cause a pressure drop within
the turbine itself. The deposits are of random thickness and cause balance and vibration
problems inside the turbine.

Corrosion

Corrosion is a chemical attack that causes a loss of metal in the turbine blade. Most
turbine blades are steel. Even high grade steels oxidize partly at the turbine temperatures
and react with silica. If left untreated, such corrosion will rupture the turbine.

Capacity Reduction

Silica deposits on the blades and other elements of turbine restrict steam flow to it from
the boiler. This results in a loss of output from the turbine and a reduction in the turbines
electricity generation capacity.