RFI: leakage detection technologies for coal power station air cooled condensers

• Request for Information (RFI) on commercially available leakage detection technologies for Air Cooled Condensers (ACCs) at coal-fired power stations.
• This RFI is a stand-alone information-gathering and market-testing exercise to inform Eskom's strategy development.

• Closing date for submission: 20 July 2026 at 10:00 South African Standard Time.

• Enquiries: Letsibogo Mahlatji
• Email: [email protected]
• Eskom Research and Innovation Centre (ERIC) address: Lower Germiston Road, Rosherville, Gauteng.

• Submit electronically via Eskom E-tendering page (Eskom Tender bulletin site).
• Deadline: 20 July 2026 at 10:00 South African Standard Time.
• Upload documents in PDF and Excel format only.
• Maximum upload size per document is 500 MB; total submission restricted to 4 GB.
• Do not upload Zip/compressed files.
• No hard copy submissions accepted.
• If resubmitting, only the latest version will be accepted; previous submissions become null and void.
• Ensure submission status is marked as complete.
• Supplier Help Manual and video available on Eskom E-tendering page.
• It is the supplier's responsibility to submit before the closing date and time.

• Submit via Eskom E-tendering site by the stipulated closing date and time.
• Upload size per document is 500 MB; total submission restricted to 4 GB.
• If resubmitting, only the latest version is accepted; previous submissions become null and void.

• Scope: Information on commercially available leakage detection technologies for Air Cooled Condensers (ACCs) at coal-fired power stations.
• ACCs are large outdoor structures (approx. 100m x 100m at 55m elevation) with tubes, fans, and ducts.
• System must maintain vacuum (approx. 15 kPa absolute); defects as small as 1 mm² must be detectable.
• Must operate in harsh environments with high noise levels, high air velocities, and limited access.
• Must detect leaks from a distance (up to 10m or more) and filter out background noise.
• Technology should support monitoring of large, distributed ACC structures.
• Must be capable of detecting leaks in seals, joints, tube leaks, and expansion joints.
• Should be applicable during both on-load operation and outages.
• Provide details on technology principle (e.g., infrared thermography, acoustic detection).
• Specify required equipment (e.g., drones, thermal cameras, acoustic sensors).
• Detail inspection process, including mobilisation, data capture, and reporting.
• Outline operational constraints (height, wind, accessibility, safety, noise).

• Explain the technical basis of your leak detection technology (e.g., infrared thermography, acoustic detection).
• Specify required equipment (e.g., drones, thermal cameras, acoustic sensors, pressure monitoring).
• Detail how background noise is eliminated during on-load or outage conditions.
• Describe detection capability for small defects (size and distance).
• Indicate if plant shutdowns, temporary installations, or modifications are required.
• Provide additional information Eskom should consider when evaluating your solution.

• Provide details of your company's experience in supplying or applying air in-leakage detection technologies for vacuum systems, including countries, companies, and period of usage.
• Detail experience using infrared thermography for vacuum system leak detection, including equipment and outcomes.
• Detail experience using acoustic detection methods for identifying air in-leakage in industrial condenser systems.
• Provide case studies where your technology successfully identified air in-leakages in ACCs or similar vacuum systems.
• Describe training and knowledge transfer offered to operational and maintenance personnel.

• Provide expected equipment lifecycle and associated costs (CAPEX, OPEX, consumables, maintenance).

• Provide expected equipment lifecycle costs (CAPEX, OPEX, consumables, maintenance).

• B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) is referenced.

• Consider safety restrictions and plant conditions when operating in ACC environments.
• Account for environmental limitations such as wind, height, and accessibility.

• Consider environmental limitations (wind, heat, plant layout) when applying technology to large structures like ACCs.

• This document is uncontrolled when downloaded; users must ensure alignment with the authorized version.
• No part may be reproduced without written consent from Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.

Deadline for submission 20 July 2026 At (South African 10:00 Standard Time)