VLB3: Third Generation Steam Conditioning Valve

A turbine bypass valve optimised for high cycle power plants

IMI Critical Engineering’s VLB3 turbine bypass valve has been optimised for high cycling Combined Cycle Power Plants (CCPPs). The cycling frequency and gradients have increased in recent years, as non-dispatchable renewables have become a greater part of the energy mix. Gas fired power plants play a key role in managing load in support of renewable energy sources under peak demand conditions, resulting in a higher number of start-up and shut-down cycles. The VLB3 valve has been designed to cope with these higher cycling demands, and is a modular valve, with a range of standardised components.