Damaged steam turbine expected to be ready by last week of November

The damaged steam turbine from the Delimara power station extension is expected to be ready for operation around the last week of November when the performance testing programme will recommence.

Enemalta said that, as opposed to the three-to-six months timeframe as originally estimated, the shorter timeframe was now confirmed.

"From investigations carried out so far, indications are that the blade fracture on the rotor was caused by the impact of a piece of metal from the broken steam strainer. The cause of the failure of the strainer is still being investigated," the corporation said in a statement.

Enemalta has now engaged specialised external consultants to assist its engineers in carrying out a critical review of the report of the analysis on the broken rotor blade and the full damage report by the manufacturer including the root cause of the failure of the strainer.

"Works to reassemble the steam turbine will commence this week, immediately after the delivery of the rotor and stator to Delimara," it added.

Enemalta reiterated that it would be taking over the Delimara extension "only after the root cause of the failure of the strainer has been identified and addressed to its satisfaction and the satisfactory completion of the performance testing".

Enemalta explained that that the manufacturer in the UK has already carried out an inspection of all parts, including the non-destructive testing.

"The manufacturer has sent the broken rotor blade to an independent specialist laboratory in the UK for further examination and detailed fracture analysis. It has now repaired the damaged rotor and the stator which have been shipped and are expected to arrive at the Delimara Power Station this Wednesday," a spokesperson for the corporation said.

The manufacturer has also carried out repair works on the steam chest inlet nozzle, which works are also very advanced and delivery to the Delimara Power Station is expected next week. 

The steam turbine control and stop valve have also undergone repair work and delivery to the Delimara Power Station is expected next week.