Feb 27 2007
International studies predict a significant increase in demand for electrical energy. In response, wide-ranging efforts are being made to raise the efficiency of power plants. The materials used in power plant construction are becoming increasingly important. ThyssenKrupp VDM is playing a big part in this with a series of new developments. “Whatever the power plant of the future looks like – nickel alloys will play a role in it," said Dr. Jutta Klöwer, head of marketing at ThyssenKrupp VDM, at a ThyssenKrupp Stainless trade press workshop in Essen today.
ThyssenKrupp VDM is involved for example in the COORETEC (CO2 Reduction Technologies) project funded by the German economics ministry. As well as looking into the design of zero-emission power plants, the project is investigating ways to raise the efficiency of fossil-fueled power plants by increasing the boiler temperature to 700 degrees Celsius. ThyssenKrupp VDM together with partners has developed a special material for this. The corrosion-resistant nickel alloy is used in the heat displacement systems of flue gas desulfurizers to utilize the residual heat of the flue gas. Developed by ThyssenKrupp VDM and already in use around the world, this material has provided trouble-free operation for a year now at the Vattenfall power plant “Schwarze Pumpe" in Brandenburg. Another new development is currently being tested in field trials: these nickel alloys withstand extreme corrosion attack from sulfur- and chloride-containing gases such as are encountered in waste incinerator boilers and in power plants fired with waste, wood or heavy oil.
ThyssenKrupp VDM is also active in the gas area. Together with partners it is involved in the development of safe material concepts for transporting liquefied gas. Nickel alloys are used here too, traditionally in liquefied gas tankers and in future also in pipelines.