SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION ...............................................................................................1
1.1 INTEK’S POWER INDUSTRY SERVICES ................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 PURPOSE AND FUNCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – check custom page to determine which components apply to your CMS .......... 3
1.3.1 Main Electronics (SCADA, RTU and HMI) ......................................................................................................... 3
3.1.1 Compressing Data (to USB Stick) ...................................................................................................................... 18
3.1.2 Change Line Size (i.e., pipe diameter) ................................................................................................................ 20
3.2 UPLOADING TO INTEK’S SECURE FTP SITE FOR DATA EVALUATION ...................................................... 22
SECTION 4 - COMMUNICATION METHODS .....................................................................................24
4.1 ANALOG OUTPUT ................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.2.2 Serial Modbus ..................................................................................................................................................... 26
4.2.3 Modifying the Modbus Configuration File ................................................................................................ ......... 28
4.3 OPC – (OLE for Process Control) ............................................................................................................................... 30
5.1 COMMON ISSUES .................................................................................................................................................... 33
7.2 FACTORY AND FIELD SERVICE ................................................................ ................................ ........................... 35
7.4 CONDENSER MANAGEMENT AND RheoVac/CMS TRAINING ......................................................................... 36
SECTION 8 - CUSTOM INFORMATION ...............................................................................................37
8.1 UNIT IDENTIFICATION AND CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................... 37
8.2 SPECIAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................ 37
Intek, Inc. warrants each Rheotherm, RheoVac and CMS product to be free
from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service;
Intek's obligation under this warranty being limited to making good any
part or parts thereof which shall, within one (1) year after delivery of such
product to the original purchaser, be returned to Intek with transportation
charges prepaid and which Intek's examination shall disclose to its
satisfaction to have been thus defective; this warranty being expressly in
lieu of all other warranties, express or implied and all other obligation or
liabilities on Intek's part. The purchaser will assume all responsibility and
expense for removal, decontamination and reinstallation of equipment.
Rheotherm flow meters are manufactured under United States patent numbers 4,255,968, 4,942,763, 4,949,578 and 5,445,018.
Rheotherm circulating water flow and fouling meters are patent pending in the USA. RheoVac instruments are manufactured under United States patent numbers 4,255,968, 5,485,754, 5,752,411 and 6,526,755. CMS products incorporate Rheotherm and
RheoVac technology as well as technology under US patent numbers 6,526,755, 7,065,970, 7,926,277 and international patents.
Intek, Rheotherm, and RheoVac are registered trademarks of Intek, Inc.
Intek manufactures RheoVac condenser and air in-leak monitors, Rheotherm circulating water
flow and fouling meters, flow meters, flow switches, as well as specialty temperature and pressure
measurement instruments. These specialty instruments for the power industry provide continuous
monitoring of critical steam surface condenser parameters important to plant thermal performance and
life cycle.
The data from these instruments have been used to gain a unique comprehensive understanding
of steam surface condensers and the condensation process. This understanding has enabled Intek to help
customers troubleshoot condensers with greater speed and accuracy than ever before. Intek has
expanded service offerings and developed an online information website for steam surface condensers,
available at www.MyCondenser.com.
Intek has also taken advantage of its aerospace design tools and design expertise for the purpose
of retrofitting condensers to maximize performance and improve condensate chemistry. Intek has
transformed underperforming condensers into some of the best performing condensers in the world.
The condenser services team under Dr. Joseph Harpster’s leadership has also sought to educate
the industry by contributing volumes of material to ASME and EPRI regarding proper condenser
measurement and steam flow dynamics. Intek conducts a unique Condenser Operations and
Management Workshop for continuing education purposes. Tutorials and case studies are also available
at www.MyCondenser.com for registered users.
Intek is The Gateway to
Improved Condenser Performance, Fast Response Maintenance and Optimized Operations
The Condenser Monitoring System (CMS) integrates unique instruments allowing
comprehensive examination of condenser performance. These unique instruments are specifically
designed to provide direct measurement of performance degradation mechanisms and data that exceed
the requirements of instrumentation outlined in ASME PTC 12.2. A complete system will provide data
used to derive information for quantifying specific degradation mechanisms such as microfouling,
macrofouling, cooling water flow, waterbox fill, air binding, low vacuum equipment capacity and
condensate inundation. This information can also be used to evaluate the cooling water system changes,
fouling control systems, waterbox eductors, vacuum equipment, and new or refurbished condenser
commissioning. In essence, this system puts a microscope on your condensing heat exchanger and
empowers engineers with direct measurements to organize actionable effort.
Illustration of the Condenser Monitoring System (CMS)
Used for comprehensive online continuous heat exchanger performance measurement and monitoring
1.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – check custom page to determine which
components apply to your CMS
1.3.1 Main Electronics (SCADA, RTU and HMI)
Input Power:
100-250 VAC, 50/60 Hz (UPS recommended)
Digital Communication:
TCP/IP:
Windows File Share (SMB)
OPC
Modbus
Web Interface
Wireless (optional)
All TCP/IP options are enabled by default
Serial:
RS-232 (Modbus) (optional)
Analog Communication:
4-20mA signals (optional)
Temperature Environment:
Operating: 40 to 120°F (5 to 49°C)
Storage: -20 to 158°F (-29 to 70°C)
Local Display (optional):
LCD Screen
or
2 x 20 alphanumeric LCD – displays output parameters and diagnostic messages
Parameter scrolling
Wireless Handheld Tablet (optional)
1.3.2 RheoVac Multi-Sensor Probe (MSP)
Typical Calibration Accuracy:
±5% of total mass flow
Repeatability:
±1.5% of reading
Operating Temperature:
Electronics: 40 to 120°F (5 to 49°C)
Probe: 40 to 158°F (5 to 70°C)
Never subject probe to temperatures above 210°F (99°C)
(high temperature protection optional, up to 450°F)
Operating Pressure:
0.5 to 10 inches Hg absolute
15 psia maximum
Storage Temperature:
-20 to 185°F (-29 to 85°C)
Storage Pressure:
15 psig (maximum)
Process Connection:
Ball valve assembly (1½" thread-o-let must be welded to pipe for installation)
Wetted Surface:
300 Series SS and engineered plastic (depending on model)
1.3.3 Rheotherm Cooling Water Flow and Fouling (CWFF) Meters
Primary Calibration Accuracy:
Better than ±2% of reading
Flow Range:
2-20 ft/s (extended range optional)
Repeatability:
±0.5% of reading
Operating Temperature:
Electronics: 40 to 120°F (5 to 49°C)
Sensor: 40 to 140°F (5 to 60°C)
Operating Pressure:
60 psi (1000 psi optional)
Storage Temperature:
-20 to 140°F (-29 to 60°C)
Storage Pressure:
60 psig (maximum)
Wetted Surface:
300 Series SS (material options available)
Neoprene, Polyolefin (cable included)
1.3.4 Pressure/Temperature (PT) Probe
Accuracy:
±0.02 inches HgA for pressure
±0.1°F for temperature
Repeatability:
±0.5% of reading
Operating Temperature:
Electronics: 40 to 120°F (5 to 49°C)
Probe: 40 to 300°F (5 to 149°C)
Operating Pressure:
0.5 to 10 inches Hg absolute
15 psia maximum
Storage Temperature:
-20 to 185°F (-29 to 85°C)
Storage Pressure:
15 psig (maximum)
Process Connection:
Ball valve assembly (1½" thread-o-let must be welded to pipe for installation)
Wetted Surface:
300 Series SS
1.3.5 Thermocouple (TC) Temperature Sensors and Arrays
Temperature range:
40-175°F (higher temperature components optional)
Accuracy:
±0.2°F
Repeatability:
WARNING — Never operate any instruments at or subject them to temperatures or
pressures beyond the specified limits. (See Section 1.3)
Use reasonable care in handling the RheoVac and PT probes. Do not bend the probes, damage
the tips, or obstruct the sensing ports. If moving or shipping the unit, make sure the probe is
adequately protected from foreign objects and damage during handling and shipping; save and
reuse factory provided custom probe protector and shipping boxes.
Keep the USB memory stick disconnected during normal operations to extend memory lifetime.
All instruments should be serviced on a 1 or 2 year cycle to ensure all instruments are within
specifications and electronics are maintained with appropriate software/hardware updates.
Use the USB stick to retrieve data after the system has been online and flow has been established
for at least 48 hrs. E-mail data to Intek for evaluation.
Intek recommends using the RJ-45 network connection for all data traffic (as opposed to serial
and 4-20 mA communication).
RheoVac probes and PT probes:
WARNING — Be sure to power up your RheoVac probe(s) for at least 30 minutes before
inserting probes into the vent line. DO NOT leave probe in vent line without power or
when flooding the condenser.
WARNING — Never allow live high temperature steam to flow either direction in the
exhauster line where a RheoVac probe is located. This can happen if steam jet ejectors are
operated incorrectly.
WARNING — Do not allow RheoVac or PT probes to come into contact with liquid water,
including water from condenser flooding (hydro testing) and entrained liquid water.
Entrained liquid water is an indicator of poor condenser venting and may be present in
your condenser vent line due to design configuration. See EPRI’s “Air In-Leakage and
Intrusion Prevention Guideline,” TR 1014125. Intek offers analysis and design services to
improve condenser venting and reduce or eliminate entrained liquid water and excess
condenser back pressure.
Recalibration every 2 years: RheoVac probes and PT probes should be returned to the factory
for inspection and calibration service every two years.
Rheotherm CWFF and thermocouple sensor arrays:
WARNING — Ensure cleaning crews do not apply lateral pressure, “cock,” to the cleaning
guns; this can damage epoxy cladded tubesheets and the installed meters.
WARNING — Do not attempt to disassemble the meters/sensors – there are no user
serviceable components.
When cleaning condenser tubes, it is recommended to insert projectiles into the CWFF meter.
Inspect the installation on a scheduled basis or as opportunities arise to ensure the epoxy coating
is securely sealing the installed meters/sensors in place. Follow epoxy coating manufacturer’s
(Plastocor, Duromar, etc.) recommendations to touch up coat as required. Intek recommends
annual inspections, as a minimum.
1. Be sure location is accessible for probe removal and maintenance.
2. Install mounting hardware. Drill a 1½" through-hole, center the thread-o-let over
the hole and weld it onto the condenser vacuum pipe (see Figure 2). Thread the
ball valve assembly into the thread-o-let. Use thread tape or pipe dope to seal the
connection (Alternate: weld thread-o-let to pipe wall, then drill a 1¼" hole in pipe
wall using a hot tap drill).
3. Make sure the probe installs parallel to the floor (see Figure 2).
4. Verify that the probe slides easily through the ball valve assembly and pipe
2.1.1.3 Installing/Removing Probe Instruments – refer to Figure 3
1. Power up your RheoVac MSP for at least 30 minutes before inserting probe into the
vent line ball valves. DO NOT leave probe in vent line without power or when flooding the condenser.
2. Prepare each probe. Verify stop clamp location (see Figure 3). It is important that
the stop clamp is securely in place which determines the position of the multisensor assembly and ensures that the probes do not contact the opposite pipe wall.
Contact with the pipe wall could damage the probe. The clamp’s location is set at
the factory and is marked with a groove on each probe shaft. This location roughly
places the thermal mass flow elements (two metal probe tips) in the center of the
pipe. Refer to this mark if a stop clamp is inadvertently moved. Loosen the
compression nut on the thermocouple connector of the ball valve assembly and
clean the inner surface of the thermocouple connector to ensure it is free of particles
that may cause probe damage.
3. Insert probe until the extraction line meets the compression nut and snug the
compression nut.
4. Install each probe. When installing under vacuum, do not allow the clamp to
“slam” against the seal nut upon opening the valve. Grasp the probe firmly, with
hand against the seal nut, before opening the ball valve.
5. Align the FLOW arrow to the direction of flow and the centerline of the pipe.
6. When removing the probe, loosen the compression nut on the thermocouple
connector of the ball valve assembly and slowly extract the probe until the
Extraction Line is visible (see Figure 3). This indicates that the probe is clear of the
ball valve. Close the ball valve, then remove the probe from the assembly.
Figure 3: Installing and removing probe instruments