Realisation of Industrial Projects
ESA Messtechnik GmbH happens to be a highly capable partner when stress analytical measurements in industrial scale projects are at stake. Such projects require meticulous planning and careful preparations. Also, highest possible flexibility is called for when preparations and measurements are performed because very often an appropriate adaption to local conditions and workflow is necessary.
Overview of unsettled major projects
Power Station Reißeck II in Kärnten (Austria)
2012: Strain measurements with strain gauges within the scope of a pressure test at the pre-turbine water pipe of the pumped storage hydropower station Reißeck II (Austria)
36 strain gauge measuring channels had to be prepared, 14 of which had to be installed at the inner surface of the pipe which required a pressure-proof (160 bars) cable feedthrough to the outside.
2012: Strain measurements with strain gauges within the scope of a pressure test at the post-turbine water pipe of the pumped storage hydropower station Reißeck II (Austria).
Here, 28 measurement channels had to be prepared with 14 strain gauge measuring points at the inner surface of the pipe. A pressure-proof cable feedthrough (27.5 bars) was required again.
2013: Strain gauge measurements during a pressure test at two ball valves for hydropower station Reißeck II (Austria).
These measurements were performed in Zgorzelec (Poland). 90 strain gauges had to be installed at each ball valve, 24 of them inside the valves. That again called for pressure-proof (160 bars) cable feedthroughs.
Pumped Storage hydropower Station Linthal (Switzerland)
Strain gauge measurements at the MG 12 pipe system of the pumped storage hydropower station Linthal (Switzerland)
In total, 91 strain gauge measuring channels had to be installed. 44 of these measuring points were on the inner surface of the pipe system which called for a cable feedthrough to withstand 115 bars.
Strain gauge measurements at the MG34 pipe system, pumped storage hydropower station Linthal (Switzerland)
Strain gauge installations and measurement preparations for 72 measuring channels had to be performed with 24 measuring points inside the pipe. The cable feedthrough had to be good for 115 bars.
The Linthal construction site presents itself with extraordinary dimensions. The pumped storage hydropower station which is in construction here has a planned budget of 2 bio. Swiss Francs. The first turbine is supposed to be operative by end of 2015. The construction site is completely located in high-altitude mountain area between 1500 m and 2500 m, and it is accessible only by passenger ropeway and a 40 tons cargo ropeway, both ending in the middle of rock face of the Kalkrittli mountain. From here a 7 km long tunnel leads to the construction site and to Lake Limmern. Further from Lake Limmern, another 30 tons cargo ropeway leads to Lake Mutt. All the construction material and machinery as well as the entire personnel have to be transported with these ropeways. In peak-periods more than 2000 people were simultaneously working at the site. Due to the location and the extraordinary dimensions of this construction site, working on this project was a very special experience.
More Major Projects
2014: Strain gauge measurements during a pressure test at an aluminium tank for liquid hydrogen. 37 strain gauge measuring points were specified, 18 of which inside the tank. The pressure-proof cable feedthrough here had to withstand up to approx. 90 bars. The measurements specifications asked for a filling of the tank with liquid helium with a temperature of -245 °C which added significant complications to the job.
2014: Strain gauge measurements at a tank made of carbon fibre composite. 20 strain gauges had to be installed at the outside surface of the tank for a bursting test by internal pressure. Here, our unchallenged expertise in strain gauge measurements on composites was called for.
2015: 45 strain gauge measuring points had to be installed and prepared at different rail modules. Long measuring cables were required due to relatively large distances in the rail system. The entire measurements preparation had to be performed at day time during operation breaks whilst the measurements were carried out during the main operation time of the system during the night.
