Valve developments in reducing the costs of power generation

The economics of purchasing and operating power plants depends on the relative costs of capital equipment, fuel, labour, etc, all of which can change with time. Thus, after an interval of time, it is possible to re-examine the costings of power generation and to possibly identify improvements. Here, the author describes how valves have a useful role to play in minimising the operating costs of power plants, and examples of two main areas of interest are examined: (1) reducing direct costs by improving plant efficiency, lowering flow losses, reducing fluid leaks, etc; and (2) minimising the indirect costs of maintenance, repair and replacement