Atlas Copco nitrogen generators help eliminate corrosion at major Portuguese power plant

The power plant at Tapada do Outeiro represents a new era in the production of electrical energy in Portugal. Using combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology to generate power, the CCGT power station has three groups of turbo generators, producing electric power from natural gas. The gas is burned in a gas turbine, which is similar in operation to an airplane turbine. The gas from the exhaust, which is extremely hot, goes into the steam generator like a steam boiler, heating the water and transforming it into superheated vapor. The vapor is then used to engage another turbine similar to the ones used in coal thermoplants. An alternator is then driven by both turbines, gas and vapor, creating power. Carlos Carqueja, engineering manager of the company, explains the fundamental role Atlas Copco Rental’s NG 81 generator has in the operation of the plant. “Nitrogen is used to preserve the steam generators. When they are not in use, air goes into the tubes, so the steam generators can suffer corrosion. The replacement of air by high-quality nitrogen eliminates the corrosive effect on the steam generator.”