Conductivity Probe Steam and Water Detection
Hydrotect is an electronic alternative to conventional water level switches for steam-raising plants. Hydratect can be used in a wide variety of situations, wherever the detection of water or steam is vital for a plant’s safe and efficient operation.
The Hydratect 2462 control unit provides signal processing for two electrodes. Each channel monitors the status of its associated electrode. Four conductors are used between the control unit and each electrode so it can differentiate between steam, water, short-circuit, and open-circuit. A green LED indicates water, a red LED indicates steam and an amber LED indicates a fault condition. Each channel has a status relay to indicate water or steam, and a fault relay that will de-energise on a fault condition. The two channels are completely independent having separate power supplies, signal processing, and fault detection. The relay outputs can be externally wired for a ‘one out of two’ or ‘two out of two’ tripping scheme.
A Hydratect 2462 system consists of electrodes fitted into inserts and welded into the pipe work. Alternatively, manifolds can be supplied to technical drawings with inserts already in place. Electrodes are protected by covers. A military specification high-temperature cable connects each electrode to the Hydratect control unit.
A typical application to ensure TWIP (Turbine Water Induction Protection) is condensate level detection in drain pots (condensate pots).
Hydratect can be used to give compliance with ASME TDP-1, Prevention of Water Damage to Steam Turbines Used for Electric Power Generation: Fossil-Fuelled Plants.