PENINGKATAN EFISIENSI CONDENSER AKIBAT KEBOCORAN PADA SISTEM CONDENSER VACUUM MENGGUNAKAN METODE HELIUM GAS TRACER TEST (HG2T) PADA PEMBANGKIT LISTRIK DI PLTU PELABUHAN RATU

The condenser functions to condense the exhaust steam from the LP Turbine and plays a crucial role in the Closed Cycle thermal power plant to maintain the efficiency of electricity generation. Its main purpose is to maintain a low pressure compared to the atmospheric pressure, with a base line value of -92.5 kPa. The condenser is designed as a vacuum chamber to ensure complete condensation of the exhaust steam from the LP Turbine towards the Hotwell and its recirculation back to the Boiler. One of the issues that can reduce efficiency during condenser operation is a decrease in the Condenser Vacuum level. Several factors influence the Condenser Vacuum value, including the quantity of circulating cooling water, air ingress or leakage, vacuum pump performance, gland seal steam pressure, excessive drain temperature and flow. One of the most common problems is high air ingress, which causes a reduction in the Condenser Vacuum level. To detect air ingress, two conditions can be used: when the power plant is in operation and when it is not. In this research, the Helium Gas Tracer Test method is employed using helium gas or SF6 while the power plant is in operation. The results obtained from this method have a high level of accuracy because it is conducted during normal unit operation, with actual vacuum parameter readings, enabling precise identification of the areas that require improvement to enhance the condenser vacuum efficiency.

Keywords : Condenser Vacuum, Efficiency, Helium Gas Tracer Test.