PLC-Based Turbine Governor System

Abstract

The governor system used by many pulp and paper facilities with steam power generation creates many challenges. Challenges such as inadequate response times; poor speed regulation; analog control drifting; high maintenance and support costs; expensive or unavailable parts; and extended lead times. Machine availability is affected and extended generator downtime may result. Governor replacement provides the solution to these problems. Advantages of upgrading to a PLC-based turbine governor system include: off-the-shelf control and hydraulic components; governor algorithm contained in PLC-based regulating system; governor system independent from lube oil system; reliable hydraulic proportional valve replaces flapper nozzle system; user-friendly interface provides control and monitoring and extensive alarming and diagnostics; open communication allows connection with existing mill distributed control system (DCS)