Abstract
In this paper is given a simplified diagrammatic outline showing the water and steam flows in the powerhouse of the Southern Alkali Corporation. The greater part of the boiler feedwater is raw river water carefully treated by the hot-process lime-and-soda-ash method followed by a phosphate treatment directly into the boiler drum. Excellent results have been obtained with this type of treatment as is shown by the present maximum length of run allowed before the boiler is taken out of service for inspection as a matter of safety procedure. Costs due to boiler outage, maintenance of boiler and furnace, labor and material have been considerably reduced by this close attention to feedwater treatment and control.
Electric power generation is obtained as the by-product of steam used in process requirements. Turbine blading has shown signs of corrosion due to moisture and probably will be replaced with stainless steel or its equivalent when necessary. The protection of generators and motors when not in use is a serious problem along a moist and humid coast. They are protected in this instance by covers and electric heaters. Pump and air-compressor valve troubles have been mainly a question of materials and seem to be fairly satisfactorily settled now.
Automatic control of boiler and water pressures is used extensively with good results. Automatic alarms guard against the contamination of condensates being returned from process departments. Excellent cooperation in the design, maintenance, and operation of the plant have resulted in a smooth load curve with high load and use factors.
