Author(s): Ilija Radeljić Msc
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Intake pipelines; Discharge pipelines; Polyethylene; Pehd; Hdpe; Power plant; Long length; Solid wall
Abstract: In this paper, a power plant project in Algeria, 40 km north-east of Algiers on the seaside, which uses seawater for cooling will be presented and analyzed. Thermoelectric power plants boil water to create steam, which then spins turbines to generate electricity. The heat used to boil water can come from burning of a fuel, from nuclear reactions, or directly from the sun or geothermal heat sources underground. Once steam has passed through a turbine, it must be cooled back into water before it can be reused to produce more electricity. Colder water cools the steam more effectively and allows more efficient electricity generation. In this paper, a power plant project in Algeria, 40 km north-east of Algiers on the seaside, which uses seawater for cooling will be presented and analyzed. Ras Djinet combined cycle power plant () is a project worth over USD 1.1 billion which is currently under construction (due to commission in 2016), with intake pipelines already installed. Intake pipelines consist of four Polyethylene (HDPE) Ø2500 [mm] pipes, installed in parallel lines, approximately 1 [km] long each. Pipes are produced with solid wall (compact and homogeneous wall, no internal structure) in Norway and towed to the destination for installation. The technology used to produce and deliver the pipelines is unique, with only one company in the world having the expertise and capability to produce and deliver solid wall Ø2500 [mm] HDPE pipes in long lengths to the site. Such technology has numerous advantages: significant reduction in the number of connections which lowers assembly time and eliminates leakage problems, fast installation of 360-500 [m] per hour, greatly reduced ovality, and no need for on-land storage. These numerous advantages, ensure safe and fast installation of the pipelines whilst maintaining the highest quality of the installed pipeline. This paper explains all the stages of the project from production of nine pipes in long lengths (430 [m] and 452 [m] sections), transport with ocean going tugs from Norway to Algeria, mounting of weights, other equipment and finally submerging of pipes into ready-made trench. For the project, special fittings Ø2500 [mm], 5-12 [m] long (puddle flange fittings for connection to the pumping station with 15 degree bend and puddle flange fittings for connection with intake head) were produced and delivered on site. Standard specialty electrofusion saddle Ø2500 [mm] with inlet of 1000 [mm] was also produced to ensure watertight connection during projected lifetime of the project. Manufacturing of the pipes and fittings for this project represents the latest development in plastic pipe technology and clearly shows the numerous advantages over conventional solutions for all projects involving intake or discharge pipelines used in the marine environment.
Year: 2016