FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for measuring of cooling water
temperature and evaluation of Real-Time tube fouling in a surface condenser. More
particularly the invention relates to a device for measuring the temperature of the
cooling water exiting the tube for on-line tube fouling measurement of surface
condenser.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
A surface condenser is heat transfer equipment large in size having more than
20000 tubes and its function is to condense the steam coming from steam turbine.
An important role is played by surface condenser in any power plant efficiency.
In condensers, cooling water flowing through the tubes contains dissolved solids,
micro-organism that can precipitate/grow and have deposition in the inner surface
of the tubes. When this occur, the circulating water flow becomes restricted and the
thermal conductivity of the tubes is reduced, which affect the effective heat transfer
in the condenser, thus deteriorating its thermal performance.

Previously, a closest prior art is an per patent application no. 20090188645, where
non-restrictive mass flow rate and temperature measuring tube extension sensor on
a tube outlet end is provided which is removable type and requires removal of
complete assembly to replace the sensors. Flow rate measurement instrument result
is not realistic because of water turbulence and it will add cost to equipment.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to propose a device for measuring of
cooling water temperature and evaluation of Real-Time tube fouling in a surface
condenser which is capable of taking accurate signals for temperature measurement
of the cooling water exiting the fouled tube.
Another objection of the invention is to propose a device for measuring of cooling
water temperature and evaluation of Real-Time tube fouling in a surface condenser
which enables plant operator to decide the schedule for maintenance of the
condenser tube by means of mechanical or chemical cleaning.
A still another object of the invention is to propose a device for measuring of cooling
water temperature and evaluation of Real-Time tube fouling in a surface condenser

which is capable of monitoring the performance of condenser and hence
performance of the plant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
Figure 1 – shows the device in details
Figure 2 - an isometric view of the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE
INVENTION
Development of economical “Device” for real-time tube fouling measurement of
surface condenser to improve the condenser performance and thus plant efficiency
by carrying out cleaning operation when fouling exceeds the pre-define value. By
knowing the fouling value, proper instruction can be provided to cooling water
system to ensure supply of proper quality cooling water for the system. This method
can be implemented in all power plants irrespective of their rating. This method can
be implemented in any surface condenser without affecting the functionality of
equipment.

Real time heat transfer tube fouling measurement of surface condenser is based on
the guidelines laid by standard code ASME PTC 12.2, mathematical formula given in
cl A-7-1, where we require value of temperature of cooling water exiting the fouled
tube and unfouled tube.
Flow rate parameter in a tube is calculated by dividing total flow by nos. of tubes,
The temperature of cooling water exiting the unfouled tube is recorded at the start
of the plant.
The major challenge of this invention is to take accurate signals for temperature
measurement of the cooling water exiting the fouled tube. The device should also be
robust enough to handle the turbulence of water current in the condenser water
box.
For this, a device (refer Fig. 1 & 2) is developed which is inserted into the outlet
ends of the condenser tubes which holds the RTD (Resistance Temperature
Detector). Signals recorded by RTD are transferred to the control room via DCS and
cabling system. The recorded temperature is used in the mathematical formula for
calculating fouling value of condenser tube.

Based on the calculated fouling factor values, the plant operator is able to decide
either for condenser tube cleaning or alarms the cooling water line and system for
improvement.
The device to measure the temperature of the cooling water exiting the tube for on-
line tube fouling measurement of surface condenser consists of a sensor support (1)
passing through a tube sheet (5). The sensor support (1) is a non-removable type. A
temperature sensor (RTD) (2) is disposed in the sensor support (1). The sensor is
connected to a cable (3). The sensor support (1) has support legs to provide rigidity
to the support. The condenser tubes (6) passes through the tube sheet (5) when
the tube (6) ends at the surface of the tube sheet (5). An epoxy seal (7) is disposed
at the bottom of the support (1).
This device has a unique feature i.e. sensor support is non-removable
type and only temperature sensor (RTD) is removable as and when required. Flow
measurement instrument is not required for this case.

WE CLAIM
1. A device for measuring of cooling water temperature and evaluation of Real-
Time tube fouling in a surface condenser, the said device comprising;
a sensor support (1) inserted into the outlet ends of condenser tubes (6);
a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) (2) disposed in the said sensor
support (1) for recording the signals;
cable (3) for connecting the sensors (2);
a plurality of support legs (4) for providing rigidity to the said sensor support
(1);
a tube sheet (5) for accommodating the said condensers (6) and the said
sensor support (1);
an epoxy seal for sealing the bottom of the support (1) with outlet end of
condenser tube (6) to arrest any leakage of water; wherein
the sensor support (1) holds the resistance temperature detector (RTD) for
recording the signals for temperature of the cooling water exiting the fouled tube
and for transferring the same to a control room via DCS and cabling system for
finding fouling value of condenser tube (6).

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor support is non-removable
type.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein temperature sensor (RTD) is
removable.