Application of Markov Process technique for optimal maintenance in a power station

Maintenance, reliability and availability of Pulverised Fuel Mills are of vital importance forthe effective and efficient running of boiler at anybrown coal power station. Achieving these targetsbecome more critical when the unit boiler andturbine have been upgraded with no majorupgrade on mills. Mill redundancy play major rolein overall boiler operation and performance. In this paper, present mill operating strategy at LoyYang Power station is challenged and revisedstrategy is proposed with strong evidences provedwith the application of Markov Processes. Markovanalysis is done at mill system level to establish thefacts about the effects of mill operation on systemavailability. Short term and long term benefits ofrevised strategy are also discussed. Management isnow convinced and actual trials have started. Millmaintenance strategies shall be reviewed andrevised based on this work. It is also expected togain considerable savings on mill maintenancecosts in coming years if proposed operatingstrategy is adopted.