The NTPC thermal plant at Kudgi village of Basavanabagewadi is making hurried preparation for the crucial hydrotest which is an important element in generating the power.
According to sources, the Hydrotest is a method to check the condition of the boilers through which condensed air is passed.
“The test will prove whether the boilers have any defect or leakage. Even a minor leakage can cause technical problems. Hydrotest is conducted to rule out any such possibilities”, sources said.
It may be noted that the plant is expected to start generating 800 MW of power by June next year which is first unit of 2400 MW to be produced in first phase. The total power generating capacity of the plant is 4000 MW.
Sources said that the technical experts for hydrotest would be arriving in a few days and the test is expected to be conducted in the first week of this month. Officials have been preparing for the test for past one month.
Since only demineralised water is used for testing, the officials are separating all minerals from the water for supplying into the boilers for testing. Sources mentioned that the water should demineralised because normal water that contains many minerals could accumulate on the surfaces of boilers and obstruct the smooth supply of water. Demineralised water prevents any chemical reaction. Moreover, the demineralised water ensures longer life to the metal objects, the sources said.
Though the government had agreed to supply water to the plant from Almatti dam, but owing to the tussle between farmers and the government on laying pipeline for drawing water, the NTPC officials have decided to use borewell as a temporary solution for testing.
“We are waiting for the hydro inspectors to arrive and once the test is successfully completed, we will go for other important test such as turbine generator”, sources said.
