Alutal's participation was one of the highlights of the HRSG Forum Latin America 2025, held from September 23 to 25 in São Paulo. With a presentation on advances in real-time monitoring of the water-steam cycle, the company consolidated its position as a leader in technology, temperature measurement, and reliability for the energy sector.
The lecture Compliance and Reliability in the Water-Steam Cycle, presented by Sergio Xavier, manager responsible for the line of Analytics of Liquids and Gases from Alutal, next to Matheus Domingues, Green & Brownfield Business Manager, attracted engineers, managers and technicians interested in deepening the debate on the reliability and safety of the water-steam cycle, a key component for the efficiency of power plants.
With over 20 years of experience in industrial instrumentation and author of leading articles in the sector, Sérgio Xavier led a presentation that combined technical data, practical cases, and strategic analyses. "Online monitoring is not just a trend; it's a necessity to ensure safe and economically viable operations," the expert emphasized, in a speech that received close attention from the audience and generated a series of questions at the end.
Alutal highlights real-time monitoring at HRSG
Sérgio Xavier explained that, traditionally, water analysis used in power plants was performed in a laboratory, with results that could take hours to obtain. This delay increased the risk of operational failures and unscheduled shutdowns. According to the expert, Online Steam-Water Cycle Analysis Systems (SWAS) represent a paradigm shift. Sensors for pH, dissolved oxygen, silica, and phosphate allow continuous monitoring and immediate responses, optimizing chemical dosage and preventing scaling or turbine damage.
Case studies presented during the presentation demonstrated that adopting these systems enables a return on investment in less than 18 months, thanks to reduced forced downtime and increased operational availability of units. This data generated visible interest among attendees, who took notes and raised questions at the end of the presentation.
The presentation also highlighted the importance of meeting global safety and quality standards. Guidelines from IAPWS, VGB, EPRI, and ASTM establish strict parameters for the operation of water-steam cycleTo meet these requirements, SWAS systems rely on a robust architecture, consisting of cooling systems, pressure regulators, high-performance filters, and high-precision sensors. "More than just meeting standards, it's about anticipating potential problems and preserving operational reliability," stated Xavier, reinforcing the need for prevention in a highly critical sector.
Another point emphasized was integration with digital protocols such as Modbus, OPC-UA, and SCADA, which enable remote monitoring and predictive diagnostics. Xavier also highlighted that the incorporation of artificial intelligence is the next step, allowing for the prediction of failures even before any perceptible signs appear. "AI is already proving to be a strategic tool for increasing efficiency and reducing operational risks," he noted.
The company took advantage of the forum to reinforce its proposal of offering customized solutions, combining local expertise and strategic partnerships with manufacturers with global reach.
A meeting focused on the future of energy
Organized with support from IAPWS and other international organizations, the HRSG Forum Latin America 2025 addressed topics essential to the sector's evolution, such as decarbonization, operational efficiency, and new technologies applied to process control. The discussions highlighted that the adoption of more intelligent analysis systems is an essential path to the competitiveness and sustainability of energy generation in the region.
With the forum's conclusion, the message remains clear: the future of energy generation depends on real-time monitoring, and companies that invest in cutting-edge technology, such as Alutal, occupy a strategic position in building a safer, more efficient, and sustainable sector.
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