TPi July 2008

Corrosion resistant pipelines: solutions in the power industry

▲ Precisely tailored prefabrication: closed circular pipeline in a cooling tower

T he use of fibreglass in the construction of pipelines is increasing, particularly in the power industry, because the material is insensitive to the exposure of raw gas, heat, chemical and physical influences. Lightweight and favourable handling characteristics allow rapid assembly, resulting in economic savings. Pipes from Fiberpipe, Germany, a specialist in fibreglass pipelines, are manufactured through a network of worldwide partners. By adhering to ISO dimensions, the pipes are completely compatible with existing systems. Customisation is part of the company’s core business. The following examples illustrate how fibreglass pipelines and devices became established in the power industry.

Temperature resistance with chemical barrier: flue gas preheating in a coal power plant For the replacement of the gas preheaters of the flue gas desulpherising plant (FGD) in the coal power plant of RWE Power, Germany, Alstom Power Recovery was the awarding authority for Fiberpipe. The coal blocks use hard coal in the world’s largest molten ash chamber boiler of this construction type. Out of procedural view it makes sense to preheat pure gas – ie raw gas after it has been cleaned. Therefore a gas preheater was constructed, feeding the gas streams against each other, where the raw gas cools down and the pure gas warms up. The combustion air from the boiler should run through pipes, resistant to a temperature of 160°C.

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July 2008 Tube Products International