(20 min.) Case Study: CO2 gas leakage detection at AGL Loyyang power station

Peter Fanning, Condition Monitoring Engineer, AGL

Description

A FLIR GF 343 infrared CO2 gas detection camera is used to detect leaks in the hydrogen system. This was a trial and error test as we had little documentation or familiarity with the hydrogen system on the generator. There were various leaks found on the system, many were found in locations which had been tested by conventional methods and passed as all clear.
The CM team have now developed a detailed check list for the upcoming unit 3 outage in May, with every flange, valve and potential leakage interface itemised so that the CM Team can be certain the whole system has been covered when searching for elusive leaks.
We will continue to create a detailed job procedure and eventually update the site Hydrogen leak management procedure (HSP021.)
In future we also wish to trial introduction of the CO2 trace gas into the hydrogen system whilst units are generating online in an effort to reduce hydrogen leakage as far as possible. We have been advised that only 2 – 3% concentration of CO2 is required which required the full stop.
Takeaways
-How to detect gas leakage
-Understand the strict protocol on hydrogen leakage limits
-Information on how to work in with operations

Bio

I am currently the condition monitoring engineer at AGL Loyyang Power Station in Latrobe valley. The power station is 2200 Mw coal fired. My responsibility is to ensure that all cm activity’s are carried out in a prompt manner. These include vibration, lubrication, pump performance testing, ultrasonic thickness testing, noise surveys, thermography and being heavily involved in RCA investigations. I have had 39 years experience in both mines and power station.