Ensured Quality and Shorter Downtime
Any questions?
Tommi Penttilä
Sales Manager Conventional Power
Phone. 0207 416 208
Mob. 040 512 2308
Advantages of Prefabrication
Need
A pulp mill approached Askalon AB with a request for the delivery of steam traps with shut-off valves for isolation upstream/downstream, as well as bypass flow control. The application involved the drainage of condensate from a steam turbine, where eight drainage lines connected to a collection header. The reason for the replacement was leakage and insufficient functionality, which had led to an increased frequency of maintenance. The new installation included over 30 products in total, including steam traps and valves.
In a conventional installation of this type, the products would typically be purchased from multiple suppliers, and a welding contractor would be hired for assembly. Additionally, consultants might be needed to develop manufacturing documentation, and third-party inspection bodies may be engaged for manufacturing control. Since many of these services are charged as ongoing costs, efficient internal coordination—both before and during the maintenance shutdown - is crucial to managing the total installation cost. Furthermore, the complexity of the installation and the number of work steps involved increase the risk of timeline disruptions, which could, in turn, delay the restart of the plant.
Solution
Askalon AB delivered the turbine drainage system as a prefabricated module, assembled and tested at our workshop in Hammarö. This approach simplified quality control, ensuring compliance with pressure vessel directive requirements for welding, heat treatment, non-destructive testing, and the intended function of the application. This method was significantly more efficient compared to performing the installation from individual components directly on-site. By purchasing the module at a fixed price, the customer gained greater cost predictability for the total installation. This was in contrast to a scenario where the welding contractor - who was now only responsible for the final installation - would have carried out the entire installation on-site. Additionally, the number of work steps required during the limited maintenance shutdown window was reduced, providing greater control over the timeline, working conditions, and the quality of the final result.
Proven Industrial Improvements
- Quality assurance of the completed installation.
- Increased control over scheduling during the maintenance shutdown.
- Reduced burden on internal resources for coordination.
