KEPL Commissioned its First API Turbine in Indonesia

Having immense experience in manufacturing, KEPL designed and developed API 611 compliant steam turbine up to a power rating of 3000 Kw for the global API industry. This first “K-TUR” was supplied through ISGEC Heavy Engineering Limited, India with a rating of 380 Kw. This turbine is capable of variable speed / power operation from 30% to 110% of the boiler load and has been designed in a way that it has the best operational efficiencies over its designed life of 20 years. In addition to No Load Mechanical Run Testing (NLMRT) as per API 611. KEPL also tested the turbine on part load for the first time using a calibrated pump to evaluate its operational performance vis-a vis the designed performance.

Being the first KEPL turbine in the international market, the erection and commissioning had its own set of challenges. However, the rich experience and in-depth expertise in commissioning API turbines for its customers in India and the availability of expertise from KBI global operations, KEPL was able to plan and execute the commissioning activities smoothly.

“KEPL is the first company from India to have developed steam turbine as per the international specification. After successful commissioning, the officials form ISGEC heavy Engineering Limited complimented KEPL for excellent design and smooth operations. KEPL is now ready to commission its indigenously developed API steam turbine at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Vadodara, India” said Ashish Deshmukh, Associate Vice President-Turbine division, KEPL.

Commissioning of K-TUR was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, deputing the engineers during the election stage when all activities related to grouting of turbine base, coupling with driven equipment (Boiler Feed Pumps), alignment with inlet and exhaust steam piping were monitored closely. This was followed by reviewing the connections of water and air piping, electrical wiring, thus completing the first stage of the project. In the next stage, KEPL engineers verified quality of steam and ensured that it was as per specified purity. Finally, before handing it to the regular operations, the turbine testing on load and over speed trip test were witnessed by customers and the end users.