Portable Leak Detection Instrument Improves Heat Rate at Electric Power Plant.

By using a ruggedized portable ultrasonic leak detector, Mr. Brian Thorp, PdM Technician for Seminole Electric has been able to provide quick leak detection and repair on an aging steam condenser, allowing the utility to provide maximum power during high demand periods.

Seminole Electric is a generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Tampa, Florida. It provides bulk supplies of electricity and wholesale energy services to 10 cooperatives located throughout peninsular Florida. More than 1.5 million individuals and businesses in 45 counties rely on Seminole and its members for electric service. Seminole's primary generating facility is located on the St. Johns River in Putnam County, Florida, about 50 miles south of Jacksonville. This 1,300 megawatt (MW) station has two 650 MW generating units. (Guidelines vary, but one megawatt of capacity can power approximately 660 homes that each use about 1,000 kilowatt hours of energy per month.) You can see the plant's water hyperbolic cooling towers (450' tall and 400' across) and 675' stack from many miles away.