Power plant products |
New piezoelectric sensors for ultra-high temperature use
HBK, a prominent maker of test and measurement equipment, has enhanced its high-temperature measurement capabilities with a new piezoelectric material: gallium orthophosphate (GaPO4). The value of this technology is that it can deliver reliable and accurate performance at ultra-high temperatures – up to 700°C (1300°F) and even higher for certain applications. Designed to deliver unmatched accuracy in the most demanding high-temperature applications, these sensors are ideal for several industries including oil and gas, power generation, and steel rolling. In practice, the sensors can be used in a wide variety of harsh environments and in the form of acceleration sensors providing stable vibration measurements for predictive maintenance and long term monitoring of rotating shafts, turbine
blades and bearings; pressure sensors to monitor performance and gather data for control systems; and force sensors in demanding applications such as flatness measurement in steel rolling processes. Major qualities for engineers include what is considered unmatched long-term data stability unaffected by demanding high-temperature environments, and the longest Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) in the industry – significantly reducing the likelihood of equipment downtime.
All sensors can be customised to suit customers’ needs – ensuring they fit specific applications and deliver optimum results. HBK’s director of R&D, Denis Varak commented: “As piezoelectric sensor designers, we are always on the lookout for
new piezoelectric materials to better serve our customers’ needs. There is no single material that can do it all. Typically, a material is suited for a particular application. When it comes to ultra-high-temperature applications (over 450°C), gallium orthophosphate (GaPO4) offers unsurpassed performance, stability and conservation of measurement properties.” These piezoelectric sensors are part of a new offering from HBK, enhanced by the acquisition of Piezocryst, the company that originally pioneered the growing process of the GaPO4 crystals for industrial use. For more information go to:
https://www.hbkworld.com/en/Campaign/ reliable-accurate-high-temperature- piezoelectric-sensors
WTG milestone in Inner Mongolia
XCMG’s independently developed 4000-tonne all-terrain crane, the XCA4000, is taking on central construction duties, at the site of the Ordos Zero- Carbon Industrial Park, on what is believed to be the world’s tallest hybrid tower wind turbine. The huge crane has become an integral part of the park’s 500 MW integrated wind-solar- storage demonstration project, a joint venture of the Ordos municipal government in Inner Mongolia, and Envision Technology Group, and is believed to be the world’s first fully operational zero-carbon industrial zone. It boasts a 100% green electricity supply, with 80% of the energy coming directly from sources such as wind, solar, and storage, and the remaining 20% sourced through grid-purchased green power.
The introduction of the 4000-ton crane marks a significant milestone in the global energy transition. The XCA4000 is designed primarily for
the installation of large wind turbines with hub heights of up to 190 m and maximum power output of up to 15 MW. Powering the crane is a 566 kW Weichai diesel engine, and to help with manoeuverability, all 11 axles on the 29.7 metre long carrier are steered, and eight of them driven.
In this, its most recent operation, the XCA4000 lifted a 117-ton nacelle and drive train, along with 35-ton blades measuring 118 m in length, to a height of 190 m. Reportedly the crane performed flawlessly in executing each step of the process, lifting, rotating, aligning, and positioning, with remarkable efficiency and precision, earning praise from both the project owner and contractors.
Tugdock TSP technology earns DNV endorsement
Tugdock has reached a significant milestone as its Tugdock submersible platform (TSP) is awarded the prestigious ‘Statement of Feasibility’ from DNV, the prominent energy expert and assurance provider.
This endorsement recognises the TSP as a transformative technology with applications
across multiple markets, including floating offshore wind, vessel dry–docking and decommissioning.
The TSP is a pinned, open steel-frame that uses the company’s patented vertical air buoyancy cylinders. The system is road transportable and once assembled on site serves as a modular dry dock of any width or length combination (in 5 metre increments) up to 120m x 120m. It can be used for lifting and launching heavy marine structures or vessels and as a modular workstation.
The unique challenges faced by the nascent floating offshore wind industry include limited port capabilities, vessel shortages, and project delays. Tugdock’s TSP technology is designed to address these challenges, allowing floating
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offshore wind activities in ports with water depth or quayside space constraints, as well as serving as an independent temporary facility near project sites.
Aseem Dhingra, Floating Structures and Moorings service manager at DNV (UK & I), said: “We are delighted to issue our ‘Statement of Feasibility’ following a rigorous evaluation process that confirms that innovations and challenges associated with the TSP concept have been identified, and the qualification activities have been well defined to demonstrate that the technology is feasible and thereby suited for further development and qualification. Tugdock have developed a comprehensive qualification plan that has been endorsed by DNV and will facilitate the next steps of qualification.”
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