Document 1yK3XYgqam3rNGq4ogOQoze1j

FILE NAME: ZK/L DATE: & DOC#: BO/L DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: d:Z FEBRUARY 1951 VOLUME 95 NUMBER 2 FEATURE ARTICLES Engineers for deferise-an editorial 67 Utility tie gives old industrial hydro plant needed reliability 71 What control to use fo~ condensate pumps 75 Tough insulating job? Here are some answers 78 :f bombs wreck our power plants, will portable units take over? 82 Free-piston air compressors offer practical application advantages 84 Quick test determines dissolved solids 87 i-iigniower iexiiie buiiding conditions air for all fabrics 88 Booth Point plans for future fuel flexibility 92 Diesel Jube filters save man-hours and dollars 96 PEARL HARBOR will always be a meaningful name to Americans_ Now, as we start along a path strangely like that of nine year, ago, it is perhaps fitting that a n.w pow~r plant at Pearl should stand a, a symh.)l of a nation rearming in time of dang'!". Like forwardlooking utilities all over the D. 5., Hawaiian Electric Co i.> expanding to me~l mobilization demand,. Waiau Station, pictured on our cover, now boasts two 4O,OOO-kw 850-psi 950-F units_ The second was dedicated in 1950. Tips on handling coal in a small plant 98 Selle Isle gas turbine sets records 99 HoVv to burn calcium-base sulfite liquor without auxiliary fuel 100 Gas analyzers guard pump stations, save space 103 Industrial water pollution-a new headache for power engineers? 107 Developing supercharged spark-ignition gas engines 110 New hot lime-zeolite process offers low first cost 114 DEPARTMENTS Electronics-No_ 34 118 Data sheet 138 Power engineers notebook 120 Engineer's bookshelf 140 Next month. Big package for March is Part I of the new POWER HA:iDBOOK. First published in 19+3, it turned out to be one of our most popular special sections, It ran through two reprintings, left us unable to meet a continuing demand. So we're bringing out a completely revised edition--bigger, better, easier to look at and use_ Part I will cover: (1) weights and measures (2) practical math (3) math tables (4) mechanics and mechanisms (5) materials (6) fundamentals of heat (7) steam tables (8) practical electricity (9) hydraulics and pumping (0) piping, flow, tanks_ Prvb:clIlS fronl iht: p:anr j~4 Technical briefs 128 News of the power field 134 Piant eqUipment news George Edwards Reader's service page 142 150 1880 iI This month, pp 114-117, you get basic facts on using hot-lime-soda proc- ess in combination with zeolite_ In :\[arch we follow through with a case history of a plant that's operated this combination, kn,)ws what it can do. Watch for their experience report_ Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG for POWER Dlemi",r ABC an,l ABP) short) has gone a long way from the I Vol 95-No_ 2 day, when it wa5 only a way to run I. a gas range out beyond the mains_ Now Puwer (with whil..'h are consolidated Scieuce awl 11ldutry, The E'lIgitlcf:'T Ret:ie,~. The Engineer and The StatiollanJ Engineer), is pubJished monthly with an additional directory number in June, by ~lcGraw-Hill PUblishing Company, Inc, Jam H llcGraw (1560-1948), Founder. PUBLICATlO:-< OFFICE: :.IcGRAW-HILL BUILDING, 330 W 42ND ST, NEW YORK 18, N_ Y_ EXECUTIVE, EDITORIAL and ADVERTISI:-<G OFJo'ICES: 330 W 42nd St, New York 18, that it's finding wide industrial use, power engineers need to know how to handle, store and burn it_ You'll find :-<. Y. Curtis W :.IcGraw, President; Willard Chevalier, Executive Vice-President; J"o8eph A Gerardi. Vice.President and Treasurer: John J Cooke. Secretary: Paul Montgomery. Senior Vice- the answers in :\farch. President, Publications Division; Ralph B Smith, Editorial Director; Nelaon Bond, Vice-President and Director of Advertising; J E Blackbum, Vice-President and Director of Circulation. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Addre58 correapondence to POWf;R. Subscription Service. 330 W 42nd St. ana future months New York IS, N. Y_ Allow ten days for change of address. Please indicate position and company connection on orders. Single copies 65c. Subscription rates-U. S. and U_ S. possessions: $5.00 Cor one year, $7.00 A topnotch series on maintaining for two years. Canada: $7.00 for one year. $11.00 for two years. PanAmerican countries: $10.00 Cor one year. $1&.00 Cor two years. All other countries: $15.00 for one year, $25.00 for two Years. Entered as i!eCond-elass matter J"anuary 26, 1949 at the post office at New York, N. Y. under centrifugal refrigeration compressors kicks off in :\larch with a quick review Act oC :.larch 3, 1879. Printed in U. S. A_ Copyright 1951 by :.IcCraw-Hill Publishing Company. " Inc. All rights reserved_ of the way these machines operate_ POWER articles are indexed in both the Industrial Arts ludex and the Engineering Index. PO\\'ER Thpn come down-to-earth article., on publishe!i its own ind.ex annually. copit>~ of which are availahlt! on rcque~t to the editorial otliccs. operatioll ilnd lllilintenance procedures. -! POW E R February 1951 3 . I Insulation Handbook: Part 6 :1 ! Tough Heat-Insulating Job? Here Are Some Answers P,esea~ ,inq Insulation" Asbestos fell " , asphalt sot~'oled Ai, space - _ " \ ~ Asbestos fell, ,ospha/~ saturated Air space ( Preseo/ ring Vent plug I I Asbestos-fell jocke~ asphalt saturated .. Steam,hat-woter, Oil er refrigeration pipes , I ASIJeSfOS-ieir jocKet, asphalt saturated , I Sleam,hol-lWler, od or refrigeration pipe Vent plug PREFABRICATED UNITS Factory prefabricated in:;ulated - pi units built to any specifications 10 .,;ingle or a combination of pipes. ~ fof steam, hot water, oil and otbe fluids_ Pipe may be steel, iron, bras, 0 ;i copper, any size, en <Is beveled for weld iug ur threaded, St.1ndard length 21 ft, odd lengths made as needed. Jr.. stall underground or overhead, Uttl field work needed Rosin-sized poper .,I-i" hai, fell -"7":'-",?"..".....,...,,.,,;' / Dooble-coated jacket, Rosin siz~ paper " . I-in hOlr fell , Ceil_'.r , " / /' asbestos , . \ / , / "'}' sechon of CSbI!S/OS- Double-coaled jockel 'sponqe felled pIpe / insulo/ion Asbestos felt BUILT-UP HAIR FELT l For hot'Jil, air or water pi pes that IDa~ freeze, huilt-up hair felt combined witl! cellular asbestos does good job. tefj sketch is standpipe with steam tracerl right, hotoil line with steam tracerJ Asbestos or asbestos.sponge felt use~ around tracer, depending on fluid con veyed. Be sure to imulate all expo' pipe and fittings that may free <': ----------------------------------------------------------------~ ~~~i~_~la~eOli~:u~~~}~!~n-c~~~C;Od .J for fast, permanent in,Ulation0'j: underground pipes. Rot, vermin, rodent and fireproof. In,tall on structur. concrete base for support. Preca"t blocks under pipe carry its weight. Partin medium, corrugated paper or special grea,e on pipe prevents bonding by cemen~ Waterproof membrane or concrete con'r- in.'ulati'ln ;\ , I base pod COS/-m-place insulating concrete :;0 of 0/1 <nsulot,cn sam,';' as l/'!ot of ston~/ord plpe; ..-,----"- NESTED PIPE COVERING OD of each size same as OD of a standard pipe. So insulation is nestable. Increase thickness without removing original layer. Made sectional and segmental; single-layer standard thicknesses to 3 in. Double layers vary with pipe size, follow usual practices. Lightweight calcium 'silicate, K is 0.41, 0.54, at 100 and 500 F mean temperatures. Use at 200 to 1200 F and install like other pipe insulations. Work is easy; stock-sizes are few. Moisture and steam resistant Il 78 -i,f POW ER' FAoruarv 195 Run over these insulations for a quick picture of a few good ways to cut heat losses. These aren't the only types available, but they give an idea of what can be done today. Cutting heat losses is easy if you match insulation to job By PHIL SWAIN, Editor - SCrews a'!.d cap~ ~ ' ....... COATED DUCT INSULATION ~hd<.' of ;:.:1a-5 fibers, insulation is light. 'JIC'i"hl, fi~e ,;afe, won't ab,;orb water. ~(}I fur duct exteriors exposed to weath ~'r;,~ unl,>,.., the insulation is protected W':!! 1 .... ,l!'rpfoof cover. Usual limit i~ 1:,(1 F. :\lLII:h insulation in any of j..ur W3YS "hown. Similar material is 1Y'lihk can be put on circular ducts of ,.Ih,r ran-. Use manufacturer's in .1!;K!ions fOf applying. Sketches give :<nrr;t! det3il, only. They are not to !,.. !I-tt! for actu31 construction. Coated .!Ud in,uLtion can also be used on duct ,!1! ..!j"f-. Here it combines thermal and F,tJtic.t! in,;ulation in one layer. K .. IJ.~3 at 75 F mean temperature " \ Top and bottom sect,ons lop side pieces SCREW AND CAP Cooled duct insula/Ion'" Top' and bottom sectionS lap Side pieces METAL EDGE AND ADHESIVE T:Jp and bottem sections . lop .Slde pieces ': I (" ,J I ! q J ::1;:1 ii\"iitd;; .,"..". - - nl~.. ,~:"". TrcNe/ adhes/ve on top and Side ~ / - . '''' sections Attach' bot lam section wdh cops and screws SCREW AND ADHESIVE Impale Insula lion on clips and bend clip j prongs In opposlfe dlrec'ions Top and bottom seclions lop side pieces MECHAN ICAL CLIP CELLULAR GLASS l!~. !1l:i1i"n, 'If tiny sealed celb, e3ch filled with dead air. Good from -350 to 800 F. I ,.... '11 :.111\.; pipe-, fittings and othe.,. hot or cold power equipment. Canvas or I';.::-,;! :',le paint finishes give SlI100th exterior. Factory.wnpped pipe insulation ~r"IJ' n,. ad.litional finish. Tank. duct and breeching fastening;; shown in sketch Cel/ular-gloss Insulotie)'1 Depth of bury to /;'~mOV"()le fop .............. Suit, .... ~~p:~~~==~~'~'~ _Plaslic seo/ ~ 0 W ER. February 1951 FOR CARRYING LOADS Insulating ronnd'? ha, cold Cl'u ..hing strength of 525 psi. cal\ carry pipe loads. SuitaLlc fur all underground pipe,.;. For large heavy pipe,; standard concrete LJ-e carries load. Insulating concrete is tht'n used for tunnel interior. Plastic waterproofing" Ill:llerial around exterior protects tunnel Continued on next pagE 79 Heat.lnsulating Job-Continued ..... " BloCkS-- __ , Sectlima! insu!aflon ~~--~ ~~~ Asbestos ___ _Sectional F0Y8~/'ng , j BloCKS cloth / __ Loose asbestos lelt-' -, Asbestos cement-- -' NESTED PIPING ne INSULATION FOR EVAPORATORS. CONDENSERS, FUEL-OIL HEATERS, AMOSITE ASBESTOS MOLDED PIPE COVERING In'-ulation good for pipes to 1200 F. ~Iade in half sections and cylinders to 24 in. dia, quadrants to 44 in. on special order. Material is highly fibrous amosite asbestos. Singlelayer con"truction, feIted square edges, permit" ea,;y in,;tallation, removal. Thie kne,.s and temperature. Insulation has good i5 water and moisture resi,.tant. Pipe expansion is ahsorhed in an expan.;ion joint without harming ~~: ~_~i~;~%1i~~stos - - -Steel stock ,i _85% moqnesio blocks, Jomts butted ond seoted wrth osbestos cement -Wire cables 2'in (mor) fIefoqortJlmesh qolvonued ",,'re Asbestos-cement fInish VIiRiFIED-ASBESTOS SHEET Asbestosfelt.;. corrul!ateu and built to form cellubr sheets, are one of asbestos insuhtions good for a of jobs. Sheets shown are proces5ed vitrified, have high moisture and perature resistance. They make stack and flue linings at temperatures, up to 700 F. :'.lade flat or curved, weight " ",' is about 1.8 Ib per sq ft per in. thick:,: I: ness. Steel angles support stack lin ' STACKS INSIDE BUILDINGS STACKS ruTSIDE BUILDINGS Refractory c~ment", Sflver fOIl (001 inJ Knitted Inc~1 screen , InsUlation blanket HIGH TEMPERATURE BLANKET Guod for above 1000 F, lightweight fi broilS silica has sevcral thickne.;ses "ith various materials to cOI'er blanket. The ~ketch shows one type. U:,e only for work above 1000 F; below this, less ex pensive insulation is good, Easy to in!'taIl and remove. K is 1.3 to 2.4 at 1600 F mean temperature for 9 to 3 lb per cu ft blanket~. Sume blankets are good for continuous work to 2000 F and intermittent shortduration jobs ol'er 2000 F. Fu,;es at ahout 3100 F REFR.A.. CTORY DUCT LINING Protects metal duct:; from high temper ature.;, stops hip: hcat ]0';5 from hot ;Iir or ga- duct-. 1:,ll'ac:,,[\ and insula tioJl layers are combined in onp lining. Sketch show;; the ca-table-refractory cement on duct interior. 'Iineral wool or other fibrous in,;ulation is used in the blanket. Good for gases up to 950 F. Uo'e for flues, hntga,; mains and other unit5 conveying hot air or gas. Force insulatio~ against metal surface so the whiskers pierce. Bend whiskers flat ol'er the lath to hold insulation in place REFLECTIVE ASBESTOS .\IUlllinulll foil and l~in.thick cor nl~~lt('d a-be-tll- ha~ high in-uhting dlici,ncy. Iow ellli--i\ ity. n~ [(fleet ing 95(.~ of r:ldiant heat and by re ducing conduction and cOlllcction losses.' : : in,;ulation j,; good for boiler,;, hot water heater.;, pipe and ducts. where light w~ight, low cost, efficiency are important. Plain cor~;' gatt'd a"bestos may be in direct contact,' with inside or outside jackets of unit., in.;ulated. So fo il face is turned toward. or a\\"ay froIll t':le heat ,;ourre 80 POW ER February PRECAST PANELS Ilr!r J.t"r' in-ulations are precast for easy assembly into "Z.~~,-h.Jpt:-. When precaldned refractory fireclay-base in.:;I.;li.dl i- \I-cd, temperatures to 1800 F are allowable. The ",... r eln ;Ji-o ca"t panel;,; mix dry matprial and water. K i,; l':..t) .It 300 F, 0.8J, at 1500 F. Above) 800 F and to 2500 F rt.'Ii<' in-ubting concrete is used SPRAYED INSULATIONS Ea,;ily, quickly applied. Spray with h:ghpressure air or use trowel. One type i,; 6.5 to 7.5% granulated cork in matrix of gi1.~onitf' and :1,ph:dt ~'!i!h sc~e !:!c:-;;rrnic fi1I(;rs. IiiSuLties, waterproof". rtbtproofs, prevents corcdensation and resists fire. Thicknes.; of IS to 1/4 in. reduces heat loss through metal 60 to 6.5%. Greater thickness may be costly. K is about 0..36. Good for tank-, pipes, ducts Tips on Insulating Hot Equipment ~ 1:,i, :irtide gives only a bird's-eye .;.,,. "i hot in'iulations. Constant re~ Jf"!J for better insulators in all tem....!II Cl re ranges permits wider selection IlIAil H"r before. Today you can usually iin.1 a lowcost insulation to do your ;"(; ".11. Let's look over a few modern High Temperatures. Continued drive rnr hi;.:h.output, loweost production in ill indll-tries usually means higher "P'"fdting; temperatures. Insulation to '-:11 ',,",It I'F'i must be used. So we find S ell ,~, 'i,d. like calcium silicate and fi;.r"". ,ilica being studied for high-temrr,lr;lr.~ application,. These do a good ':'!, ~ ith"ut ch;J[ring or breaking down !':; ::l'.! lI ... P. t:.l-tlhle iu"ulation,; with some strue:CJr JI -trtn;.:lh serve moderate and high:"'I1I"r.lture operating demands. Simple I.. lPply. tlIPY cut costs by replacing 'I"/a] t"nr!o;;ure, around pipe and other ''l"ip!llt'nt. Prefabricated insulated :'l);h for underground or overhead ser,.",. ,Ire packed with any insulation 'Ilr"iti"d for a given job. ~Iachinery 1l1.j '"1 fJcturer; march toward increased I"mpt'ratures and pressures but insula11"n kel"ps right up with them. Witness ~,h turbines with ultra-high tempera- tures but fitted with good insulation for safe, dependable operation. Simplified Dimensions. Chief complaint against insulation was never that it cost too much. Instead, people complained about in-taIlation cost. Much handwork increased job costs, required !:l!'~~ S~8C!-~3 of ';pare; lH:,ulaiiun ior emergencies. But that problem is being licked today. Precisionmade, nested ill"ulation now fits standard pipe sizes snugly and r~rmit" adding more layers at minimum co.;!. Original layer needn't be removed to install second layer. Watch for more advance., in this field as the idea catches un. IIHalbtion i.s being studied to reduce time, effort an!1 job c04s. With today's rate, for skilled labor this is mighty important when you have miles of insulated piping as found in many central and indu,;trial station,-. Aluminum foil insuhtion-, to take just one example, can be put in with simple lungla"ting staple,; on wall; and eeiling.;. How to Find It. Bigge,;t problem tod:lY is not so lIluch whether there i, an in"liIation that will do a given job but where it can be found. Manufac turers' catalogs and magazi~e articles are the tll") best sources of information. Give your prohlem to a manufacturer; if he can't solve it he'll name someone who can. Keep a file of new equipment items and catalog5 to tdl you who make~ a particular i-nsulation. Supplement these with a good book on heat transfer and in-ubtion. It will guide you when making; calculations for all usual jobs and gmo\a"nty~~numen'u1t"upa;lnnopnch-sloetsAgnidvindgonst'tanfdoarrgdest for yarioll- types of insulation. They're mighty handy. Of course, POWER will keep you up to datt~ on many insulations, both old ancl new. But remember we can't coyer all. Get Most From It. AftPr buying an in,;ulation. fintl h'lw it should be installed and-ee that it's properly done. Follow instruction.; carefully and don't skimp. You mu'! live with an insulation a long time and a poorly installed job i. " h""Jache. Once it's in. see that your operating and lIl"iutenance crew treat it well. In~ubtion savps plenty of money and !o rates topnotch treatment. Gi\'en proper care, heat insulation la,ts mapy year~, a silent but efficient way to put dollars in your pocket. POWER' February 195: 81 Mr. Insulation says: "In every major industry, Johns-Manville Insulations are the Number One fuel savers" It :miny to': ... Vo. :0 1:0; .HED Elt lsion t suI- _, comtrate on IN PLANTS with stacks or stills, tanks or towers, the story is the same-"Insulatioo by JohosManville" means the maximum return on your investment. There are two good reasons for this: l. YOU GET THE RIGHT .\fATERIALS-From asbestos and other selected raw materials, Johns~bnvil1e manufactures a wide range of industrial insulations for service from 400F below zero to 3000F above. Ifyou need engineering advice in determining exactly the right one for your job, you can get experienced and authorit:u:ive assistance from your local Johns-Mam-ille insulation engineer. 2. YOU GET THE RIGHT APPLICATIONEven correctly selected insulation needs proper application to permit it to sen'e at peak efficiency through the years. Here you can always count on J-M Insulation Contractors and their highly skilled mechanics. These organizations are trained in Johns-~Iamille application methods. and have generations of insulation experience behind them. Why not get the complete picture? Call on insula- tion headquarters when your next job is in the planning stage. Just write JohnsManville, Box 290, New York 16, N. Y. I.~"'D~~'.','. ~~ Johns-Manville INSULATIONS WE HAVE BEEN ASKED: I ' ,. "\Vhat IS the best finish for an outdoor boiler?" orne the nita , id~;- ~C.'.'.~ ~ical ~ .~.'. !.. ~ded unit;.! Air ;-r,,: Ldily ~~. ergy ~. ex take must ectly Nith. Inel A letter we received recently stated: "'Ne plan to install our new boiler outdoors, and we have a question about the best finish to use. The boiler will be insulated with 85% :-'lagnesia Block. What type of finish would you recommend, taking into consideration both cost and durability?" We advised two coats of Armstrong's In~~!~?,,!;c: '''' 8 fini"h for this boiler because it is less expensive than many other finishes that are suitable for outdoor applications. Also, it does not crack in cold weather or soften in summer's htat and has unusual durability under wind, [:lin, and snow. It requires only periodic painting with aluminum or Armstrong's No. 3 Asphalt Paint. However, for best results the Insulmastic must be applied properly. After the Magnesia Block has been installed, a layer of hexagonal mesh should be secured in place, and one coat of asbestos cement POWFR FAbruarv 1951 troweled on to an even surface. Next, a second layer of mesh is applied OVer the plaster and two coats of Insulmastic troweled on to a smooth, even finish. Should the boiler be in a busy area where it might be subjected to dam- age, it's wise to erect bump rails for protection. Almost every job presents problems that must be well thought out if the insulation is to be truly effective. Armstrong's engineers are ready to help tailor your insulation specifica- tions to meet your requirements. In addition to m the advice of highly trained engineers. Arm- strong offers a complete Contract Serv- ~'... _'. ice with skilled workmanship and highest quality materials. '. -' IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS on the construction of high-temperature or low-temperature equipment. please do not hesitate to write to us. We'll do our best to give you a practical answer. Just address a letter or post card to Armstrong Cork Company, 7002 Maple Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Where the best in insulation is a must Public Service Co. of Oklahoma uses K&M Insulations in Weleetka Power Station ,l ; 21STAGE EXTRACTOR PIPING (left) and PRIMING EJECTOR EXHAUST PIPE insulated ~' , EVAPORATOR CONDENSER (right) insulated with K&M Hy-Temp. Hy-Temp is with K&M "Featherweight" specially designed to withstand high S5'/. Magnesia-effective and practica. 'llSulation for heated surfaces surface temperatures and to provide up to '- ~ f. efficient heat control up to 1900'> F. tnstAotion Contractor: Armstrono Cork Company Thase K&M insulations keep steam hotter-longer-at less cost! In power stations, oil refineries, chemical Your Keasbey & Mattison Distributor- plants, factories, steamships, hospitals-in who is an experienced applicator-will be fact, wherever exacting steam control is a glad tql give you complete information on I, must-you'll find K&M "Featherweight" these or any K&M Insulations. Or, write us. 1 : .. i '.""-.r.5) 85(-; Magnesia and K&M Hy-Temp Insula- \ - l \ tions. These two K&M products give you highly efficient, cost-cutting insulation in ~ every service temperature range. And, for .A-alu~e made .rhleJIOJ ... Kcasbe,v & .1Iuttisun has made it SCrt'e mankind siTlCe 1873 (' "~I , . especially difficult heat control situations, KEASBEY & MATTISON the advantages of both are combined in K&M Hy-Temp Combination Insulation. COMPANY AMBLER PENNSYLVANIA In Canada-ATLA~ ASBESTOS CO., LTD., MONTREAL, TORONTO, WINNIPEG and VANCOUVER