New power generating capacity has been installed at Aktobe Ferroalloys Plant
The equipment generating additional 3,000 kilowatts per hour was commissioned at the Aktobe Ferroalloys Power Plant. Now it is possible due to use of the waste steam heat recovery unit of the Steam Turbine. One month of its operation shows that this project will result in significant saving of purchased electric power costs.
Two gas heat exchangers of the new unit help to condensate the steam that results in generation of additional electric power. By means of this project supply of own power at the Aktobe Ferroalloys Plant increased up to 39%. The rest part is purchased and supplied to the plant from the external sources. Since the electric power costs are one of the general costs, the generation of additional kilowatts will have an effect on reduction of power consumption of the production process and result in power purchasing costs saving.
- In addition to the economic effect the reduced consumption of purchased power enhances the energy independence of the company, - says the Power Manager Boris Shevchenko.
The idea to design the waste steam heat recovery unit appeared in 2012 but it remained at the phase of the project for a long time. The strategy of the company development changed when the new Kazchrome top management had been appointed. The specialists were assigned with the objective to complete the project for the waste steam heat recovery unit within the shortest period of time. All calculations and approvals, engineering design as well as the location for the new unit and the pit for its construction were ready by that time. Delivery of the required materials was complicated with the Coronavirus Pandemic. But the specialists found a way out and could quickly supply several items by means of their movement from the Aksu Ferroalloys Plant.
The Power Plant Steam Turbine was constructed in 2002. While its operation we had to reduce the load due to impact of external factors. The new unit helps to condensate the steam and it results in generation of additional 3 MW/hour. In addition the project has an environmental aspect since the water taken from the power shop shall not be drained out and be returned backed to the cycle.
The specialists expect that the waste steam heat recovery unit shall be operated within 6 warm months of the year, i.e. from April to September.