Power Generation

Q: Why is pressure regulation critical in power generation systems?

Stable pressure protects boilers, turbines and piping, preventing trips and improving thermal efficiency. Using self operated and air loaded regulators (e.g., Jordan Valve Mark 60/66) provides reliable control with straightforward integration into existing utility loops.

Q: How do Coriolis meters improve fuel oil measurement accuracy?

Coriolis meters measure mass flow directly and handle high viscosity fuels with excellent uncertainty and repeatability, reducing combustion variability and safeguarding burner performance. Rheonik RHM sensors offer accuracy down to 0.15% with robust, high pressure designs.

Q: What role do peristaltic pumps play in boiler water treatment dosing?

Peristaltic pumps deliver precise, repeatable chemical dosing (phosphate, oxygen scavengers, biocides) with simple maintenance and tubing swaps—ideal for treatment skids and compact OEM installations. Longer’s T100 OEM drives provide wide flow control with RS 485/analog options.

Q: How does Alicat improve combustion gas control?

Alicat ISMCQ mass flow controllers combine fast response, multi gas capability and hazardous area certification, keeping air/fuel ratios stable under dynamic load. Their digital/analog I/O makes PLC tie in straightforward for burner management and purge control.

Q: What’s the benefit of Alicat pressure controllers in emissions sampling?

Alicat PCS replaces mechanical back pressure regulators with fast, closed loop pressure control, stabilizing sample line conditions and improving analyzer repeatability and audit outcomes. Multi parameter telemetry supports traceable QA records.

Q: How can compressed air monitoring reduce energy costs in a power station?

Inline meters like CS Instruments VA 570 quantify consumption, locate leaks and map system profiles, allowing plants to cut compressor energy, fix wastage and validate savings for ESG reporting.

Q: Do these instruments integrate cleanly with existing PLC/SCADA systems?

Yes. Alicat devices support 4–20 mA/0–10 V plus RS 232/RS 485/Modbus, while other ranges offer pulse/analog/digital outputs—simplifying drop in upgrades and data capture for compliance and optimization.

Instruments used for the Power Generation industry sector

Power generation in the UK and Ireland relies on precision control and measurement to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance. From steam regulation in turbine systems to accurate fuel oil flow monitoring, every process demands reliable instrumentation.

This page explores key applications in power generation and highlights advanced technologies that optimize performance in conventional, combined-cycle, and renewable power plants.

Typical applications

Boiler Feedwater Pressure Control

Boiler feedwater systems supply water to steam generators under high pressure. Maintaining stable pressure prevents thermal shock, protects equipment, and ensures efficient steam production. Accurate pressure regulation is critical for safety and energy efficiency.

Relevant products:

Jordan Valve Mark 60 Self-Operated Pressure Regulator - This regulator provides reliable pressure control without external power, making it ideal for feedwater systems.
Key benefits:
- Self-operated design for simplicity
- Rugged construction for high-pressure environments
- Easy installation and maintenance
- No continuous energy requirement

Steam Distribution and Regulation

Steam distribution networks deliver steam to turbines and auxiliary systems. Precise pressure control ensures optimal turbine performance and prevents energy loss.

Relevant products:

Jordan Valve Mark 66 Air-Loaded Pressure Regulator - Offers remote setpoint adjustment for automated steam control.
Key benefits:
- Air-loaded for precise control
- Handles high-pressure steam
- Durable for demanding conditions
- Integrates with automated systems

Turbine Steam Pressure Management

Turbines require stable steam pressure for efficient power generation. Fluctuations can reduce output and damage components.

Relevant products:

Jordan Valve Mark 33 Electric Motor Control Valve - Provides accurate modulation of steam flow to turbines.
Key benefits:
- Electric actuation for automation
- Sliding gate design for precision
- Handles high-temperature steam
- Long service life

Fuel Oil Flow Measurement

Heavy fuel oils power many generators. Accurate flow measurement ensures proper combustion and prevents waste.

Relevant products:

Rheonik Coriolis Flow Meter (RHM Series) - Delivers high-accuracy mass flow measurement for viscous fuels.
Key benefits:
- Exceptional accuracy
- Handles viscous liquids
- ATEX-certified for hazardous areas
- Low maintenance

Lubrication System Monitoring

Lubrication systems protect turbines and generators from wear. Monitoring flow ensures reliability and prevents costly downtime.

Relevant products:

Coriolis Flow Meter - Ideal for measuring lubricants in critical systems.

Combustion Gas Flow Control (Alicat device)

Efficient, low emission combustion depends on tightly controlled gas delivery (natural gas, hydrogen blends, oxygen enrichment, purge lines). In UK & Ireland power stations—covering conventional boilers, CHP and peaker plants—combustion air/gas ratios must stay consistent despite rapid load changes, variable line pressures and ambient swings. Instruments need fast, stable control to prevent trips, keep NOx down, and protect burners during light off and shut down. Robust diagnostics and multi gas capability also simplify operations for mixed fuel strategies and outage testing. Finally, hazardous area compliance is key around fuel trains and enclosed plant rooms.

Relevant products:

Alicat ISMCQ Series - Intrinsically Safe High Pressure Mass Flow Controller Alicat ISMCQ controllers deliver precise, fast mass flow control for combustion gases with Zone 0 / IECEx / ATEX certification, making them suitable around classified fuel systems. They support 98 preloaded gases + 20 user mixes, offer <30 ms control response, and provide analog + digital (RS 232/RS 485/Modbus RTU) for PLC/SCADA integration. High pressure capability (to 22 bar) and rugged IP66 options fit utility environments, while built in temperature/pressure compensation stabilizes control under load swings. Full details and datasheet: ISMCQ Mass Flow Controller
Key benefits:
- ATEX/IECEx Zone 0 certified for hazardous areas; safer combustion skids
- Fast, stable control (<30 ms) preserves burner stability during ramps and trips
- Multi gas library + user mixes support fuel switching (NG/H₂ blends)
- High pressure service (up to 22 bar) with IP66 options for plant reliability

Emissions Monitoring and Gas Sampling

Continuous emissions monitoring (CEM) and periodic stack sampling require highly repeatable sample extraction and conditioning flows to meet UK environmental permits. Maintaining a stable sample line pressure and metered flow prevents analyzer drift, improves data quality, and reduces time at risk during audits. Instruments should integrate easily to plant PLCs, offer fast setpoint tracking when probes purge or switch streams, and provide diagnostics for validation runs.

Relevant products:

Alicat PCS Series: Single Valve Pressure Controller (for sample line control) Alicat PCS pressure controllers regulate sample line pressure with fast, precise, closed loop control, improving analyzer repeatability and uptime. Their multi parameter outputs (pressure, temperature, flow) assist QA records, and the devices integrate via analog + RS 232/RS 485/Modbus for supervisory control. PCS is a proven alternative to mechanical back pressure regulators in CEM sampling trains—offering tighter control and automated setpoint changes. Product info: PCS/ PCRS Pressure Controllers.
Key benefits:
- Fast closed loop pressure control stabilizes sample trains for consistent analyzer data
- Digital + analog comms (Modbus/RS 232/RS 485/4–20 mA/0–10 V) simplify PLC integration
- Multi parameter telemetry (P, T, flow) supports traceable QA/validation records
- Automated setpoint changes reduce manual intervention and audit risk

Chemical Additive Dosing for Water Treatment

Water treatment chemicals prevent scaling and corrosion in boilers. Accurate dosing is essential for system integrity.

Relevant products:

Longer OEM Peristaltic Pump Drive - Provides precise chemical dosing in water treatment loops.
Key benefits:
- Accurate and repeatable dosing
- Chemical-resistant tubing options
- Compact for OEM integration
- Low maintenance

Compressed Air Flow Measurement for Pneumatic Systems

Compressed air powers actuators and control systems in power plants. Monitoring flow prevents energy waste and improves efficiency.

Relevant products:

CS Instruments VA 570 Flow Meter - Measures compressed air and gas flow for system optimization.
Key benefits:
- High accuracy
- Easy installation
- Energy-saving insights
- Durable construction

Cooling Water Pressure Regulation

Cooling water systems prevent overheating in turbines and generators. Stable pressure ensures effective heat removal.

Relevant products:

Steriflow Mark 96 Sanitary Pressure Regulator - Provides hygienic and precise pressure control for cooling circuits.
Key benefits:
- Hygienic design
- Accurate pressure regulation
- Stainless steel construction
- Easy maintenance

Application Selection Guide

Application	Recommended Technologies	Why It Helps
Boiler Feedwater Pressure Control	Jordan Valve Mark 60 Self Operated Regulator	Reliable feedwater pressure without external power
Steam Distribution and Regulation	Jordan Valve Mark 66 Air Loaded Regulator	Automated, precise steam pressure control
Turbine Steam Pressure Management	Jordan Valve Mark 33 Electric Motor Control Valve	Accurate steam modulation into the turbine
Fuel Oil Flow Measurement	Rheonik RHM Coriolis Flow Meter	High accuracy mass flow of viscous fuels
Lubrication System Monitoring	Rheonik RHM Coriolis Flow Meter	Stable lubricant flow monitoring for rotating machinery
Chemical Additive Dosing for Water Treatment	Longer T100 OEM Peristaltic Pump Drive	Precise, repeatable chemical dosing
Combustion Gas Flow Control	Alicat ISMCQ Intrinsically Safe Mass Flow Controller	Fast, stable control of combustion gases; ATEX/IECEx Zone 0 compliance
Emissions Monitoring & Gas Sampling	Alicat PCS Single Valve Pressure Controller	Tight, automated sample line pressure control improving analyzer accuracy
Compressed Air Flow Measurement (Pneumatics)	CS Instruments VA 570 Inline Flow Meter	Accurate compressed air measurement; leak detection
Cooling Water Pressure Regulation	Steriflow Mark 96 Sanitary Pressure Regulator	Hygienic, precise cooling water pressure control

FAQs

Why is pressure regulation critical in power generation systems?

Stable pressure protects boilers, turbines and piping, preventing trips and improving thermal efficiency. Using self operated and air loaded regulators (e.g., Jordan Valve Mark 60/66) provides reliable control with straightforward integration into existing utility loops.

How do Coriolis meters improve fuel oil measurement accuracy?

Coriolis meters measure mass flow directly and handle high viscosity fuels with excellent uncertainty and repeatability, reducing combustion variability and safeguarding burner performance. Rheonik RHM sensors offer accuracy down to 0.15% with robust, high pressure designs.

What role do peristaltic pumps play in boiler water treatment dosing?

Peristaltic pumps deliver precise, repeatable chemical dosing (phosphate, oxygen scavengers, biocides) with simple maintenance and tubing swaps—ideal for treatment skids and compact OEM installations. Longer’s T100 OEM drives provide wide flow control with RS 485/analog options.

How does Alicat improve combustion gas control?

Alicat ISMCQ mass flow controllers combine fast response, multi gas capability and hazardous area certification, keeping air/fuel ratios stable under dynamic load. Their digital/analog I/O makes PLC tie in straightforward for burner management and purge control.