In September 2023, TEC artec, a manufacturer and supplier for the gas and power plant industry, dispatched a team to Cuba to provide service on valves at a combined cycle power plant.
Already in March of the previous year, two employees from TEC artec had traveled to Cuba to perform specific repairs on the cooling water control valves. At that time, the plant operator had not yet received permission from the Cuban government for comprehensive maintenance and shutdown of the power plant, requiring repairs to be conducted during ongoing operations. The necessary authorization was finally granted in August.
A ten-member team, including seven staff recruited from abroad by TEC artec, embarked on the journey to Cuba. In total, five steam turbine bypasses required inspection and repair, as well as ten 54-inch sea water valves from the condenser's cooling water lines. These valves, last maintained twelve years ago, showed significant damage caused by corrosive saltwater and barnacle infestation. For the repairs, they were removed and transported to the workshop.
Leaky Valves
After assessing the damage, TEC artec experts began by cleaning the valves. They also replaced seat seals and packing, repaired drive consoles, and performed final painting work.
Many of the shut-off and control valves of the steam turbine at the power plant had become measurably leaky. To rectify this, the team disconnected the drives from the hydraulic system and removed the inner fittings. Some units had to be replaced, but for most, the issue was resolved by regrinding the seats. Finally, the hydraulic drives were reinstalled and readjusted. Two of the staff remained on-site for an additional 14 days to verify the durability of the repairs under operational conditions.
Despite obstacles such as the shipment of tools and materials, the work progressed well. At the same time as the repairs, a major overhaul of the steam turbine and generator also took place at the power plant. According to their own statements, the various parties involved managed to coordinate well with each other. Thus, TEC artec was able to complete the measures faster than expected.
