Introduction

In the process of generating electricity using coal, water is an indispensable medium that is used to transfer heat and power steam turbines. However, this process requires that the water be purified to remove certain impurities that would otherwise contribute to the breakdown of the turbines equipment. This article examines what water purification does in coal power plants and how it contributes to the overall performance of the power plant.

Water Impurities

Before the water is used in coal power plants, it contains several impurities that need to be removed. These impurities include mineral salts, dissolved gases, and organic matter. Mineral salts such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium are harmful to heat transfer equipment because they can contribute to the buildup of scale deposits on the equipment surfaces. Dissolved gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide can cause corrosion in pipelines and boiler tanks, and therefore, affect the equipment's lifespan. Organic substances in the water such as bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms can cause fouling on the equipment's surface and reduce heat transfer efficiency.

Water Purification Methods

Coal power plants use various techniques to purify water before it can be used. These techniques are classified into two categories: physical and chemical purification methods.

Physical methods are based on the principle of removing impurities through physical processes such as sedimentation, filtration, and ion exchange. Sedimentation is a process of separating suspended solids by allowing them to settle down under the influence of gravity. Filtration is a process of removing impurities by passing water through a porous medium that traps the impurities. Ion exchange involves the exchange of ions in the water with ions in a resin bed.

Chemical methods, on the other hand, are based on the use of chemicals to remove contaminants from water. The most common chemical used in water treatment is chlorine. Chlorine is added to the water to disinfect and kill microorganisms that might be present in the water. In addition to chlorine, other chemicals like lime and alum are used to remove suspended solids from the water.

Benefits of Water Purification in Coal Power Plants

Water purification in coal power plants provides several benefits that ultimately lead to the production of high-quality electricity. These benefits include:

Reduction of equipment damage: Impurities, if not removed from the water, can cause significant damage to the plant's equipment. When equipment is damaged, it can affect the overall performance of the power plant, leading to increased operating costs.

Increased lifespan of equipment: Purifying water removes harmful impurities that would otherwise cause corrosion, scale buildup, and other types of damage to the plant's equipment. Removing these impurities leads to an increased lifespan of the equipment.

Improved efficiency: Purifying water also leads to increased efficiency of the power plant's equipment. Water that is purified has a higher heat transfer rate, leading to the production of high-quality steam that is used to turn the turbines.

Reduction in maintenance costs: Reduced equipment damage and an increased lifespan of equipment leads to a reduction in maintenance costs. When equipment lasts longer and operates efficiently, less maintenance is required.

Conclusion

In conclusion, water purification is a critical process in coal power plants. It plays a vital role in ensuring the production of high-quality electricity by removing harmful impurities from the water that is used to transfer heat to produce steam. By using physical and chemical methods, water is purified, resulting in reduced equipment damage, increased lifespan of equipment, improved efficiency, and a reduction in maintenance costs. Therefore, water purification is critical to the overall performance of coal power plants.