THODUPUZHA: KSEB has decided to replace the 48-year-old spherical valve in the Idukki Hydropower Project. This is in the wake of the alarming increase in leakage in the valve. The Electricity Board Full-Time Directors' Meeting has approved the DPR (Detailed Project Report) with an estimate of Rs 34 crore submitted by the Generation Chief Engineer.

The leakage is in the spherical valve of generators number two and three in the Moolamattom Powerhouse. The leakage in the second valve is extreme. The only way to control the water flow is to close the butterfly valve located 18 km away. Therefore, the decision to take immediate action was taken considering safety aspects, age, high water pressure and reduced efficiency of the electrical and mechanical related systems. Following severe leakage, the spherical valve of generator number one was replaced in 2020.

Potential power crisis

To replace the spherical valve, the three generators in the first phase will have to be shut down together. This will cause the state to lose 390 MW of electricity. The spherical valve is controlled by operating the butterfly valve. If a fault is found in the butterfly valve at this time, the main inlet gate will have to be closed and the power house will be completely shut down. Then the state will have to find an alternative way to meet its peak demand.

Six generators of 130 MW each have been installed at the Moolamattom power house. The total generation capacity is 780 MW. Generators number one, two and three were installed in 1976 and generators number four, five and six in 1986.