Coal power plant gets better performance with HOLZ expansion-joint replacement

HOLZ experts assisted a coal plant with a replacement expansion joint.

HOLZ Rubber Company is trusted by industrial clients across North America for its high-end products – especially its lines of expansion joints. This manufacturer produces piping, flue-duct, high-temperature, and metallic expansion joints for myriad applications, all of which prove to be superior to joints from other companies when put to the test. These products are available in Canada through Northern Industrial Supply Company (NISCO).

From time to time, companies turn to HOLZ for its wide-ranging expertise on expansion joints when they are having problems with machinery and equipment. Every single time, HOLZ can recommend an alternative of its own for a long-term solution. One coal-fired power plant in the United States can thank HOLZ for its cleaner, more efficient performance.

Now meeting the emission regulations

More than 45,000 homes rely on this coal plant for power, which it generates from abundant urban waste, scrap wood, and tree trimmings from the area. But just a few years ago, the plant was having issues with its wet scrubber inlet. At the time, the plant was using a ¼-inch Viton expansion joint in the inlet, and the joint was tearing at the corners near the flanges because of the duct system’s excessive movement.

HOLZ experts paid a visit to the plant, along with its local distributor, to take a look at the problem. The company soon determined that the joint’s design was insufficient to compensate for the three inches of concurrent movement in the system.

After conducting a full evaluation of the application, the HOLZ team custom-designed a new expansion joint specifically for the plant’s wet scrubber inlet. This was a 3/8-inch-thick Viton expansion joint with wire reinforcement to eliminate tearing. In addition, HOLZ designed the joint to allow for the excessive concurrent movements in the system.

Results? No more tearing. But the coal plant received far more than just better performance with the inlet. It has since been able to meet the strict emission regulations and save local jobs in the process. Today, it is one of America’s cleanest solid fuel plants – all of this with HOLZ’s help.

For more information, contact NISCO.

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