Skip to content Go to sitemap View accessibility statement
  • M-F 7a-5p EST
  • 800-222-2177
  • [email protected]
  • LinkedIn
ChemTec Equipment Company
  • About
    • Quality
    • Example Applications
    • Media
  • Product Catalog
    • Adjustable Flow Monitors, Sensors & Switches
    • Non-Adjustable Flow Monitors, Sensors & Switches
    • Flow Meters
    • Excess Flow Valves
    • Accessories
    • Request a Quote
    • Application Inquiry
    • Flow Monitors, Flow Meters, and Excess Flow Valves
  • Find A Distributor
  • Resources
    • News
    • Join Our Email List
    • Crash Course Videos
    • Terms & Conditions of Sale
  • Contact
  • About
    • Quality
    • Example Applications
    • Media
  • Product Catalog
    • Adjustable Flow Monitors, Sensors & Switches
    • Non-Adjustable Flow Monitors, Sensors & Switches
    • Flow Meters
    • Excess Flow Valves
    • Accessories
    • Request a Quote
    • Application Inquiry
    • Flow Monitors, Flow Meters, and Excess Flow Valves
  • Find A Distributor
  • Resources
    • News
    • Join Our Email List
    • Crash Course Videos
    • Terms & Conditions of Sale
  • Contact

Steam Rules: The Future of Power Generation

Home » News » Steam Rules: The Future of Power Generation
  • Originally published April 15, 2015
  • in ChemTec News & Updates

Despite all the low energy lightbulbs and high efficiency appliances, demand for electricity is projected to increase over the next 25 years. More air conditioners will be installed in southern states to meet the needs of the growing population and more power will be needed for factories, shops and warehouses. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that between 2014 and 2040 residential electricity usage will grow 21%, commercial use by 27% and industrial use by 30%.

Steam turbines

The EIA estimates that keeping the lights on will need an additional 351 GW of generating capacity. Some of this will come from wind and photovoltaics, but most is expected to be gas-fired. Gas power plants generate electricity with turbines similar to jet engines but boost efficiency by adding secondary steam-turbine generators.

Theses systems use huge quantities of water, and the chemistry of that water has a big effect on the performance of the system. Left unchecked, the water can become corrosive, attacking the materials used in pipes, pumps and heat exchangers. When that happens particulates build up, clogging filters and reducing overall efficiency.

The role of sample panels

A sample panel is an automated unit that first conditions water for sampling by controlling temperature and flow, and can then, depending on the requirements, monitor water chemistry. (Some sample panels only produce samples for manual testing.) Power plants with steam systems are big users of sample panels because keeping water chemistry within defined limits helps maximize efficiency and extend system life.

For reliable operation, sample panels include a flow monitor. This continuously checks that flow rates are within the range needed for accurate sample monitoring, sending an alert when abnormal conditions, as might be caused by a partial blockage, are sensed.

ChemTec Featured product

ChemTec’s LPH Series is a non-adjustable flow monitor intended for both corrosive and non-corrosive liquids and gases. Produced in acrylic, brass, 316 stainless and teflon, this senses high and low-flow conditions, sending a signal to a control panel should either occur. Designed without seals for reliable operation, LPH Series Flow Monitors are a compact solution to water and steam monitoring needs.

Related Industry Articles

Sentry Equipment Corp Case Study

In the power generation industry, it’s essential to maintain the chemistry of steam and water within Sentry3DLogoprescribed limits to prevent performance-eroding corrosion and catastrophic failure, which results in unforeseen downtime, capital expenses and compromised service and safety. READ MORE

Market Trends: Electricity demand

Growth in electricity use slows, but use still increases by 29% from 2012 to 2040. READ MORE

  • Tagged as: chemtec, flow monitor, lph, power generation, sample panels, steam turbines

Recent Articles

A photo of a chemical processing plant with the Chemtec logo overlayed

Flow Solutions for Process Instrumentation and Sensors

January 22, 2025
A photo of rushing water in a narrow canal with the ChemTec logo and a dotted pattern overlaying the image.

The Future of Flow Control – Trends and Predictions

December 4, 2024
Photo of a hydrogen plant and the chemtec logo overlayed

Hydrogen Regulations and Applications of Excess Flow Valves

October 14, 2024

Quick Links

  • Online Product Catalog
  • Download Product Catalog (PDF)
  • Find A Distributor
  • News
  • Request a Quote
  • Application Inquiry
  • Join Our Email List
  • Online Product Catalog
  • Download Product Catalog (PDF)
  • Find A Distributor
  • News
  • Request a Quote
  • Application Inquiry
  • Join Our Email List
ChemTec Equipment Company

Monitoring Perfection Since 1968

Based in the USA
3077 S.W. 13th Drive
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Toll-Free: (800) 222-2177
Local/Int’l: +1 (954) 428-8259

Proud Supporter of Florida Trade

Florida Trade Logo - ChemTec is Proud Supporter of Florida Trade
As seen in: Industry News Alert. Hydraulics and Pneumatics. Process Cooling. The Morning Bell.
Copyright © 2025 ChemTec Equipment Company, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Web Marketing by Connect Agency.
  • Quality
  • Terms & Conditions of Sale
  • Website Privacy / Terms
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Sitemap
  • Quality
  • Terms & Conditions of Sale
  • Website Privacy / Terms
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Sitemap
ChemTec's Newest Excess Flow Switch Designed for Ultra-High Purity Applications. Inventory available for immediate delivery. Contact us for in-stock sizes and flow rates. Request more info about ChemTec's LPH UHP 250/375 Series and LPH UHP 8 Series. Two CAD images of the LPH UHP 250/375 and the LPH UHP 8.
By continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Website's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible website experience. You can learn more about the cookies we use and how to manage them here.Okay