If you want to meet safe particulate emission or achieve high efficiency, then buy power generation filter.
Why?
Because it reduces possible wear or downtime in turbine lube skid, gears, pumps or any other hydraulic system.
Secret…
You must understand every aspect of power generation filter to get the best quality.
That’s what this guide will focus on – from the definition, benefits, specification, classification, and working principle, just to mention a few.
Let’s dive right in…
What is Power Generation Filter?
A power generation filter refers to equipment you can use to remove contaminants from the fluid used to generate power.
Power generation filter
Different types of fluids are used to produce power including water, oil, and air.
Each of these fluid requires filtration for the efficient generation of power.
That is why you need to install a power generation filter to remove these contaminants.
Contaminants come in different sizes and nature.
When picking your power generation filter, you need to consider the size and nature of your contaminants.
Sample power generation – Photo courtesy: Hydraulics & Pneumatics
Thus, a power generator plays a vital role in the filtration of the fluid which you use for power generation.
Why You Need Power Generation Filter
Filtration is a critical element in power generation plants.
You, therefore, need to have an appropriate power generation filter for effective filtration.
Among the reasons why you need a power generation filter on your power plant includes the following:
Power generation filter sections
· Minimizing discharge of fly- ash
Fly- ash is a common occurrence in power plants that utilize coal for power production.
You need to filter the by ash that comes from coal burning to reduce the discharge of this ash into the environment.
Fly- ash has the effect of polluting the surrounding air which has a devastating impact on the ozone layer.
· Maintaining the performance of turbines
Maintaining the performance of turbines is an important aspect of power generation.
Contaminating the turbines reduces the running of the turbines which in turn reduces power generation capacity.
By installing in these applications, they can remove contaminants from the fluid which in turn increases power production.
· Increases efficiency
How troublesome would it be to generate power without the use of filters?
Perhaps there would be less power generation which would be of lower quality.
However, through the use of power generation filter, removal of contaminants from the fluid takes place.
What’s the effect of this?
There is no power generation interruption.
You don’t have to stop your application to deal with the effect of contaminants on your application.
· Maintenance cost
If there is one aspect of power generation that can be a headache, then it is the maintenance cost of the equipment.
These devices are expensive if you are to replace them when they break down.
One of the ways that you can reduce this cost is by using a power generation filter which removes contaminants from the fluid.
· Available in different types
Filtration is an essential part of power generation which you need not to ignore.
The advantage is whichever power generation method you are using; you will have a power generation filter.
So, don’t forget to install one on your application to enhance your power generation capacity.
How to Select Quality Power Generation Filter
Selecting a power generation filter that suits your power production needs can be beneficial.
One thing is quite sure here; you need to get it right with your power generation filter.
So, how do you go about selecting a power generation filter?
Power generation filter – Photo courtesy: TECHNOS
Here are tips that will come in handy when choosing a quality power generation filter.
i. Maximum flow rate
One of the considerations that you need to consider is the power generation filter’s maximum flow rate.
This aspect needs to correspond with your application to get the best filtration results for the power generation.
Usually, a measure of flow rate is in cubic feet/min (cfm) – that is, when using wind power generation filters.
If it is hydro and diesel power generation filter, the measure of the flow rate in gallons/minute (gpm).
ii. Intended application
When selecting which power generation filter, you are going to use; you need to factor in your application.
As we shall see later in this guide, there are different types of power generation filters depending on the method of power production.
When purchasing a filter, you need to ensure that you have the correct type of filter.
The problem with selecting an incorrect power generation filter is that it might be costly.
Also, it might not function properly on the application or fail to install due to incompatibility.
iii. Filtrate
The other consideration when selecting a power generation filter is the filtrate media.
Filtrate refers to the media flowing through the power generation filter.
The filtrate, in this case, can either be air, water/diesel and light.
Therefore, you should select a power production filter that suits the filtrate of your application.
iv. Filtrand
Filtrand refers to the contaminants that you want to remove from the filtrate.
You can have different contaminants that you can remove from your filtrate.
The choice of which power generation filter you select needs to consider the nature of the contaminants and the size of the contaminants.
The nature in the sense of checking if the contaminants will react with the filtration system
v. Quality of filtration
Another factor for consideration is the quality of filtration for your fluid.
You will have to select a filtration system that guarantees the optimum filtration of your fluid.
This will translate to effective power generation for your plant.
vi. Filter media
Another consideration when selecting a power generating filter is the filter media that the filter will be using.
Filter media refers to the filtering agent for your filter.
Among the popular filter media available include carbon, sand, perlite and diatomaceous earth.
While choosing the filter media, you need to consider the contaminants that you are going to filter.
vii. Labor and downtime cost
When selecting a filtration system for power generation, you need to consider the effect of labor and downtime cost.
The downtime cost will affect power production capacity.
As such, look for a filtration system that has a large capacity.
This will minimize downtime cost.
Alternatively, you can search for filtration systems that have two filters to assist you in reducing the downtime.
When it comes to labor, you should have a filtration system that will consume less labor.
Apparently, in any filtration process, high labor will make the process more expensive.
You can reduce the labor cost using the latest filtration system.
One that relies mostly on technology as opposed to the use of the human intervention.
Replacement Power Generation Filters
There are two ways that you can replace your filter.
The first one is through buying a new power production filter for your power plant which is too expensive.
Alternatively, you can opt for a replacement filter for power generation, which is cheaper.
Of course, you will be replacing the filter continuously.
Filter in hydropower
What is a replacement power generation filter?
Replacement power generation filter is filters manufactured by different manufacturers who are not the original manufacturers.
Here is what happens:
A manufacturer will require the specification of your filter and use that to produce an exact copy of the filter.
It is because the original filter elements are expensive, compared to replacement power production filters.
Is it legal?
Yes, replacement filter element manufacturing is a legal process undertaken by companies with legal registration.
Filter element
At Filson Filters, we offer the best replacement filters for power generation plants.
Our replacement filters are compatible with major filter brands in the industry.
So, what do you need when it comes to a replacement power generation filter?
- Specifications of your power generation filter
- Original filter brand of your power generation filter
- Dimension details of power generation filter
- Part number of the power generation filter
This information will form the basis for fabricating the exact replacement power generation filter.
A filter element cross-reference will come in handy here.
It primarily offers the information concerning the filter element of your filter.
You will be able to save on time as well as cost through the use of a filter element cross-reference.
Classification of Power Generation Filter
As we have seen, there are different methods of power generations that you can use.
Similarly, there are different power generation filters that you can pick for your power plant.
The choice of a power production filter to use will depend on the method of the generation process.
You can classify power generation filters into the following categories depending on the method of power production.
Here is a look at the possible classifications and where you can use these filters.
· Wind power generation filter
You will find these filters in wind power generating machines especially the wind turbines.
They play an integral part in ensuring that the machine uses only clean wind to generate power.
Wind power filter element
When selecting a wind generating a filter, you need to ensure that the filter element can hold even the tiniest of contaminants.
Such contaminants include dust particles, lightweight stones or even leaves.
You can place these filters at the inlet point of your wind turbines to effectively filter all the contaminants.
· Hydropower generation filter
Hydropower generation filters are filters that remove contaminants from the fluid as they flow through the filtration element.
This filter helps in protecting the turbines from contaminants as they rotate.
The contaminants can cause the turbines to slow down, as a result, hinging on the turning point of the turbines.
Contaminants can include stones, leaves or living organisms.
You can install these filters at the inlet point of your hydropower generating machine to filter all the contaminants present.
· Solar power generation filter
Solar power generation plants also require filters to function effectively.
It is critical in solar power water heating systems.
You need to ensure that clean water circulates throughout the system.
Swimming pool solar power heater – Photo courtesy: TRUSUNPOWER
By doing so, you’ll avoid unnecessary blocking of the piping system.
Besides, it will help in the distribution of solar energy.
· Nuclear power generation filter
Another type of power generation filter is the nuclear power generation filter which you can find in Nuclear power plants.
Nuclear power generation – Photo courtesy: technology Guy
Here, these filters play a crucial role in reducing the amount of radiation that these plants emit.
As you know, nuclear radiation hurts its surroundings especially when they are in large quantities.
Therefore, you should have filters that will be able to filter these radiations before being released into the surroundings.
You will find mostly these filters at the outlet point of the nuclear power generation plant.
Here filtration takes place to reduce the radiation levels.
How Power Generation Filters Work
Back to a fundamental question – How does power generation filter work?
Let me start by removing doubts about how it works since it is a natural process.
The complexity of the device goes as far as identifying what the function of each part is and which plant you are using.
How power generation filter work
Having said that, here is a look at how a power generation filter works.
Step one: The first step to understanding how a power generation filter works is to ensure you have the correct filter for your application.
This is essential in ensuring the filter works efficiently.
Step two: Next, correctly install the power production filter on your application.
You can start the application to allow the flow of fluid after installing power generation filter.
The fluid can either be air, diesel or water depending on your power production method.
Once the fluid starts to flow, it will go through the inlet of the filter.
Here, there is a valve that allows unidirectional flow of the fluid.
Typically, most filters come with a valve handle to assist in moderating the flow of the fluid.
Once in the inlet, the fluid flows through the filter into the filter element.
In the filter element, the flow of the fluid is always in the inside out direction.
The flow assists the filter element in filtering all the contaminants from the fluid.
The process of filtration will continue until when clogging occurs in the filter element.
Several signs will indicate clogging of your filter element.
For instance, there will be a drop in the pressure flow of the fluid and the level of filtration will decrease.
Some power generating filters will come with a clogging indicator which will assist you in detecting the clogging level.
Clogging of your filter element implies it is time to clean it up. The type of filtration system determines how you will clean your filter element.
Some power generation filtration systems come with two filters which you can alternate during filtration.
You can switch to the other filter during the cleaning process to ensure that the process of filtration continues.
The ball valve present in this system ensures that the complete closure of the filter element once it is clogged.
Also, this changes the direction of the fluid to the other filter as cleaning takes place.
The ball valve also prevents sucking of air into the application which increases the pressure of the fluid.
Normally, this leads to improper filtration especially if the pressure is higher than the normal pressure.
The other option is to have a single power production filtration system.
Here, you will have to switch off your application to clean the filter before proceeding with the filtration process.
The flipside of having a single power production system is there won’t be consistency in the power generation.
At the same time, you can have a power filtration system that cleans itself.
This minimizes human involvement and ensures proper cleaning of the filter element.
Self- cleaning filtration system commonly utilize the backwash technology to clean the filter.
Backwash uses the same filtration fluid hence minimizes the time it takes to clean the filter.
Step-by-step Power Generation Filter Replacement Process
You will have to undertake frequent replacement of your power generation filter.
This is because maintaining the same filter may affect the power generation process.
You will have several signs which will indicate it is time to replace your filter.
For instance, a high PSI, tattered filter material, flattening of the creases or cracks on the caps, implies it’s time to replace your filter.
However, even if you don’t notice such signs, it is appropriate that you replace your power generation filter at least twice a year.
The following is a simple step by step process that you can use when you want to replace your power generation filter.
Step one: Reduce the pressure
The first step when replacing your filter is to reduce the pressure within the filter.
If you are dealing with hot applications such as solar power applications, you need to cool it off first.
Some power generation filtration systems have an isolation valve which you can use to reduce the pressure.
It does this by shutting off the inlet of pressure from the source.
For filtration system lacking the isolation valve, you can use the drain valve to discharge the fluid from the filter before replacing it.
These two procedures are crucial in preventing body injuries which might occur during the replacement process.
Also, by reducing the pressure in the filter, you want to work on will help in directing the fluid into the other filter.
This is the case with filtration systems that have two filters.
To achieve this, you use an equalizing valve which maintains the pressure of your power production application.
If you notice any leakages on your application, you can shut the equalizing valve so as not to disrupt your application.
Step two: Remove the old filter element
The next step is to remove the filter element from the filter housing.
To maintain the proper functioning of the filter housing, you need to hold it upright as you remove the filter element.
Step three: Replacing the filter element
After removing the old filter element, you can go ahead and replace it with a new one.
Place it carefully to ensure that the filter element properly fits the filter housing in all dimensions.
However, you will have to replace the entire filter if it is of components that easily wear off such as steel.
Wearing off might be as a result of friction or environmental factors.
Once you are through with the replacement, you need to reassemble the filter on your application.
Here, you need to make sure that you secure the filter securely on the application using bolts and nuts.
Step four: Testing of the filter
The next step is to test the filter to check if it works correctly. You need to open the equalizing valve slowly allowing the fluid to flow slowly from the vent valve.
One of the common issues that you can notice when you don’t fix the filter correctly is leakages. The problem arises from you not tightening the bolts when reassembling the filter
To prevent this, always tighten the bolts, clean the vent plug and the drain plug and if possible, replace them.
When you have confirmed all the details to be in the correct form and position, your power generation filter is suitablefor operation.
Conclusion
To conclude this guide, I need you to note the importance of having an active power generation filter for your application. In selecting a suitable filter, you need to put into consideration all the critical factors for an activefilter.
Remember, you don’t have to spend a lot on purchasing an effective power generating filter.
You can always use a replacement power generation filter for your application.
All that you need are the specification of your filter and a qualified manufacturer who will be able to fabricate one for you.
Contact us today for more details on power generation filters.