ECN Forum Forums Safety Discussion and News Occupational Safety Discussion Steam Line Rupture at Power Plant

The photos show a pipe failure in a fossil plant hot reheat steam line. The hot reheat line is the line that passes steam back to the turbine after its first pass through the turbine and return to the boiler for additional heat. The pressure in this line is significantly reduced from main steam pressures (possibly 700 psi, down from 2500 psi) as much of the steam energy has been used in the high pressure stages of the turbine. Reheat steam temperature is about 1000 degrees F, the same as main steam.

Piece of pipe traveled over Admin Building an estimated 400+ yards, before hitting and bringing down two (2) 345 kV transmission lines and falling in parking lot.