Power Engineering articles from July 2006

Power Engineering archives from July 2006

Energy-stick politics.(OPINION)
July 1, 2006... Energy's prominence as a "big stick" in the global political arena comes and goes. Allied forces in World War II attacked supply routes and fought to control oil production as a way to drive the Axis powers to their knees. In the early 1970s,...

Help for renewable companies going global.(VIEW ON RENEWABLES)
July 1, 2006... When Energy Photovoltaics (EPV), a Lawrenceville, N.J.-based solar energy panel manufacturer, was looking to expand its export sales, it found a partner in the U.S. Commerce Department's Commercial Service, including renewable energy trade...

No good deed goes unpunished.(NUCLEAR REACTIONS)
July 1, 2006... Electricity customers across the country are feeling the pain of the higher price utilities are paying for natural gas. Generating companies which rely more on coal and nuclear plants have largely escaped the dramatic fuel price increase. Now,...

NRG Energy thinks big.(UPDATE)(Company overview)
July 1, 2006... Just days after rebuffing an unsolicited $8 billion takeover bid from Mirant because its management believed the offer undervalued the company, NRG Energy announced an aggressive plan to develop approximately 10,500 MW of new generation...

Device burns fuel with almost zero emissions.(UPDATE)
July 1, 2006... Georgia Tech researchers report they have created a new combustor designed to burn fuel with next to no emission of nitrogen oxide (N[O.sub.x]) and carbon monoxide (CO). The device has a simpler design than existing state-of-the-art combustors...

PJM requests transmission corridors.(UPDATE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The PJM Interconnection has petitioned the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to designate two electrical paths as "national interest" electric transmission corridors to address transmission needs in the Mid-Atlantic region. PJM is the first...

CFBs.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Foster Wheeler has been awarded a contract by Bechtel to design and supply two 315 MW circulating fluidized-bed boilers (CFBs) for a new TXU plant at the Sandow Station at Rockdale, Texas. The new CFBs have been designed to use lignite and will...

Fluor.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Fluor will complete engineering, procurement and construction services for two new units as part of TXU's 1,634 MW Oak Grove power plant in Robertson County, Texas. The supercritical units will be built where preliminary work was completed for...

AEP's SWEPCO.(Southwestern Electric Power Co.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... To meet power requirements for 2007 to 2009, AEP's SWEPCO unit will build up to 480 MW of simple-cycle gas-fired peaking capacity near Fayetteville, Ark., and sign firm power purchase contracts with third-party suppliers for up to 450 MW.

Manitoba Hydro's 224 MW Kelsey Hydroelectric Station.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)
July 1, 2006... ALSTOM has been awarded a contract to upgrade five generators at Manitoba Hydro's 224 MW Kelsey Hydroelectric Station.

SCR.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Black & Veatch will provide engineering and procurement support for adding SCR to two 640 MW coal units at the FP & L/JEA St. Johns River Power Project in Jacksonville, Fla.

Minnesota Power's Boswell Unit 3.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Burns & McDonnell has been selected to provide engineering and project management services for major environmental upgrades to Minnesota Power's Boswell Unit 3 unit in Cohasset, Minn.

GE Energy.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Tacoma Power has selected GE Energy to upgrade the two hydro generating units at the utility's Mossyrock hydropower station on the Cowlitz River in Lewis County, Washington.

Patriot Renewables LLC.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Patriot Renewables LLC has applied for state approval to build a wind farm consisting of 90 to 120 turbines in Buzzards Bay off the Massachusetts coast.

Washington Group and Riley Power.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Washington Group and Riley Power have received a contract valued at more than $30 million for the design and supply of a selective catalytic reduction system for Unit 3 at Detroit Edison's Monroe Power Plant located south of Detroit.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has received a bulk order for 443 wind turbines from Babcock & Brown for its four new wind projects in the United States. It is the largest order the company has ever received and brings the company's aggregated wind...

Fuel-Tech.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Fuel-Tech will install its NOxOUT selective non-catalytic reduction equipment on two small coal-fired units in the southeastern United States and provide design engineering and equipment components for a urea solutionizing and storage system...

Intergraph Corporation.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Pebble Bed Modular Reactor has selected Intergraph Corporation to supply its SmartPlant Enterprise plant design and engineering solution for the development of South Africa's first pebble bed modular nuclear reactor. The initial PBMR will be a...

The PIC Companies.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The PIC Companies will provide commissioning support for outages being performed at AEP's Cardinal and Clinch River Facilities and commissioning schedule and forecasting services for installation of wet flue gas desulphurization systems at the...

Emerson Process Management.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Emerson Process Management has won a contract to install its Plant-Web digital plant architecture with the Ovation expert control system at Omaha Public Power District's new 660 MW Nebraska City Station Unit 2 sub-critical coal plant expected...

Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Mitsui Babcock has been awarded the contract for the steam generator and auxiliary equipment for the 750 MW Trimble County 2 supercritical coal plant being built by Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities.

Salt River Project.(CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Foster Wheeler has received a contract valued at $65 million to provide the boiler for Salt River Project's 400 MW coal-fired unit to be built at Tucson Electric's Springerville Station. The unit will be owned by SRP and operated by Tucson...

Massachusetts might go with the tide.(UPDATE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Massachusetts, currently a battleground over the proposed Cape Wind offshore wind farm and site of a second proposed offshore wind facility in Buzzards Bay, could eventually be home to a tidal wind generation facility. Vineyard Sound is one of...

Advanced Burner Technologies.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
July 1, 2006... Siemens has acquired Advanced Burner Technologies, maker of low N[O.sub.x] burners and combustion modifications for pulverized coal plants.

EnXco.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... EnXco is selling its 25 percent interest in the Buena Vista Wind Farm in California's Altamont Pass to Babcock & Brown, which intends to replace 74 old wind turbines with 38 new Mitsubishi 1 MW units.

Atlantic Services.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Day & Zimmermann, provider of outsourcing solutions and managed services, plans to acquire Atlantic Services, a Norfolk, Virginia-based provider of maintenance and modification services to the power industry.

Basler Electric.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Basler Electric has acquired the Cutler Hammer excitation control product line that includes voltage regulators, static excitation systems along with excitation products and designs from the Westinghouse distribution and control business...

Avista Corp.(PERSONNEL & PROMOTIONS)
July 1, 2006... Scott Morris has been named president and COO of Avista Corp. Malyn Malquist has been named EVP and CFO.

Paragon Airheater Technologies.(PERSONNEL & PROMOTIONS)
July 1, 2006... Paragon Airheater Technologies, maker of seals and baskets for rotary, regenerative airheaters, has named Douglas Reid EVP of world sales.

ConEdison Solutions.(appointment of Jorge Lopez, Michael Perna )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Jorge Lopez has been named president and CEO of ConEdison Solutions. Michael Perna has joined ConEdison Solutions as vice president of business development. He was formerly a principal at Energized Strategies II.

MGE UPS Systems.(PERSONNEL & PROMOTIONS)
July 1, 2006... Daniel Doimo has been named president of MGE UPS Systems.

Pentadyne Power.(PERSONNEL & PROMOTIONS)
July 1, 2006... Flywheel power systems manufacturer Pentadyne Power has named Mark McGough president and CEO.

Invensys Process Systems.(appointment of Jeffrey Larson)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Jeffrey Larson has been named director of nuclear quality assurance for Invensys Process Systems, whose nuclear related lines include Triconex, Foxboro and Invensys Process Systems China.

PPL Corporation.(appointment of William Spence)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... William Spence has been named EVP and COO of PPL Corporation. He was previously president of Pepco Holdings' competitive businesses, which include Conectiv Energy and Pepco Energy Services.

National Coal Corp.(PERSONNEL & PROMOTIONS)
July 1, 2006... Daniel Roling has been named CEO of Appalachian coal producer National Coal Corp. replacing founder Jon Nix who remains chairman of the board.

Progress Energy Inc.(appointment of Anthony Earley, John Rowe at Nuclear Energy Institute )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Nuclear Energy Institute has reelected DTE Energy Chairman and CEO Anthony Earley chairman of its board of directors. John Rowe, chairman and CEO of Exelon, has been elected vice chairman of the NEI board of directors, succeeding Robert...

Peabody Energy.(PERSONNEL & PROMOTIONS)
July 1, 2006... Peabody Energy has named Walter Scheller III senior vice president of strategic operations.

Duke Energy.(appointment of James E. Rogers, Jeff Sterba at Edison Electric Institute)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... James E. Rogers, president and CEO of Duke Energy, has been elected chairman of the Edison Electric Institute. Jeff Sterba, chairman, president and CEO of PNM Resources was elected first vice-chairman and David Ratcliffe, chairman, president...

GE Infrastructure.(PERSONNEL & PROMOTIONS)
July 1, 2006... Michael Kalmes has been named vice president of sales and services for GE Infrastructure.

Kansas City Power & Light.(BUSINESS BRIEFS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Kansas City Power & Light has announced that Aquila, Empire District Electric, Kansas Electric Power Cooperative and Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission will be co-owners of the 850 MW Iatan 2 coal plant it is developing and...

Silex Systems Limited.(BUSINESS BRIEFS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... GE Energy has signed an exclusive agreement with Australia-based technology firm Silex Systems Limited to license the technology and develop the company's next generation low-enriched uranium manufacturing process in the United States.

AES Corp.(BUSINESS BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Arlington, Va.-based AES Corp. has started construction on a $1.4 billion coal-fired plant in Bulgaria. The first unit of Maritza-Iztok 1 is expected to begin operation in three years. The entire facility should be completed by the end of 2009....

Braidwood Generating Station.(BUSINESS BRIEFS)
July 1, 2006... Under an agreement with Illinois state officials, Exelon is removing tritium from groundwater at Braidwood Generating Station.

Constellation Energy.(BUSINESS BRIEFS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Constellation Energy is considering selling 3,145 MW of gas-fired generation. Assets being considered for sale include the High Desert, Rio Nogales, Holland, University Park, Big Sandy and Wolf Hills plants located in California, Texas,...

TXU.(BUSINESS BRIEFS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Dallas-based TXU is looking to build new coal plants outside of Texas. In April, the company announced plans to build 11 new coal-fired power plants in Texas and in June, it announced intentions to file permits to build 3 to 5 GW of coal-fired...

Ontario still depends on coal despite move to shut plants.(UPDATE)
July 1, 2006... As the United States invests billions of dollars in its coal-fired future, Canada's Ontario province is finding it harder to wean itself from an energy dependence on coal-fired generation, representing 20 percent of its energy makeup. The last...

Nuclear energy's 'brilliant' future.(UPDATE)
July 1, 2006... By 2020, approximately 13 GW of new nuclear power will be ordered by electricity generators in the United States. This is according to Andy White, GE Nuclear Energy's president, who spoke at the recent American Nuclear Society's (ANS's) Annual...

Coal gasification: players, projects, prospects; IGCC power plants will soon join utility fleets where they will be called on to dispatch and perform head-to-head with pulverized coal units.(COAL PLANT TECHNOLOGY)
July 1, 2006... Within the next few years, utility-scale power plants using integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology will be built and fully integrated into utility fleets. Standardized IGCC plant designs incorporating knowledge acquired over...

Low voltage circuit breaker upgrade options: replacement circuit breaker can offer a viable alternative for increasing performance.(EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION)
July 1, 2006... Management and maintenance personnel at power generating facilities face the same challenges operating their plant's electrical distribution system as other large industrial plants--shrinking resources, limited planned outage time and aging...

A safety rule compliance strategy: an integrated regulatory compliance strategy can help owners ensure that worker training, training programs and training records meet regulatory requirements.(SAFETY)
July 1, 2006... Regulatory compliance for power producers has become more complex in the past few years for several reasons, including the utilization of hazardous chemicals such as anhydrous ammonia for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, utility...

Coal combustion products: trash or treasure? Coal combustion by products can be a valuable resource to various industries.(COAL COMBUSTION BYPRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... One man's trash is another man's treasure. Although the by products created during the coal combustion process are not exactly trash, coal-fired power plant owners must find either a viable use for them or a place for their disposal. In many...

Thinking beyond the fire: assuring optimal performance, adaptability and overall coal yard competitiveness means more than just avoiding catastrophe.(COAL YARD PLANNING)
July 1, 2006... Identifying fire and catastrophe will always be among the most urgent concerns for coal yard operators. Potential trouble spots that can lead to fire and other damage must be prioritized and managed immediately. Consulting companies can help...

Selecting the right pumps and valves for flue gas desulfurization: limestone slurry needs to move efficiently through a complex process, meaning that selecting the right pumps and valves is critical.(PUMPS AND VALVES)
July 1, 2006... As new coal-fired power plants come on line to meet rising demand for electricity in the U.S. and around the world, there is a growing need to scrub plant emissions to meet clean air regulations. Special pumps and valves help to efficiently run...

Manage change at the power plant construction site: have you ever submitted a claim and had it denied? Have you ever been presented with a claim, and had to deny it? It happens all of the time, even when it shouldn't.(CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT)(Editorial)
July 1, 2006... Editor's Note: The article is based on portions an upcoming book by Peter G. Hessler. He is also the author of Power Plant Construction Management: A Survival Guide, published by Penn Well Books. For order information visit...

Events.
July 1, 2006... JULY 18-19, Biomass '06: Power, Fuels, and Chemicals Workshop, The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota (701-777-5113 or dwalters@undeerc.org), Grand Forks, N.D. 24-26, Steam Generator NDE...

Infrared camera performs double duty.(FIELD NOTES)
July 1, 2006... SHIELDED WITH PROTECTIVE visors, operators at Westar Energy's three 800 MW generating units at St. Marys, Kan., attempted to inspect the plant's boiler tubes for signs of slag by looking through the boilers' hot flames. "That's typical...

Wireless technology assures proper heat treatment for critical welds.(FIELD NOTES)
July 1, 2006... FOR MANY YEARS, heat treating critical welds made with alloy steels that have gained wide acceptance in the power industry has been a tedious and exacting procedure. A new technology now makes the process more precise, less expensive and...

Enhancements for small CTs could help big turbines too.(FIELD NOTES)
July 1, 2006... Developers of a non-refrigeration technology that can enhance the performance of small combustion turbines--effectively creating greater output a cost below adding additional capacity--contend it will work with much larger turbines, too. ...

New DCS helps keep power flowing to Newfoundland and Labrador.(FIELD NOTES)(distributed control system)
July 1, 2006... WHEN MANAGEMENT at Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro's Holyrood Thermal Generating Station learned that support for its legacy distributed control system (DCS) would end in 2005, they began planning a DCS upgrade almost immediately. The Holyrood...

Industrial air compressors.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Sullair Corp. introduced a new series of air compressors: The Sullair 3000, Sullair 3700 and Sullair 4500. These 40, 50 and 60 horsepower models are designed for point-of-use facility installations. The Sullair 3700 Series compressors are more...

Filter Bags.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Eaton has introduced PROGAF Filter Bags, which use an advanced bag filtration system to take advantage of all the systems' benefits--including lower initial cost and easier, less expensive disposal of used filtration media. PROGAF Filter Bags...

Gas turbine replacement filters.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Braden Manufacturing LLC has developed a static cartridge filter for gas turbines. The Braden SC (static cartridge) dual stage filter is intended to be a direct replacement for OEM filter cartridges, primarily for aero derivative gas turbines,...

Custom-built mobile generators.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Wacker has designed its mobile generator line for maximum flexibility no matter what the application or environment/climate. Because the units are built in Wacker's facility, manufacturing flexibility allows for factory-installed options....

Generating Solutions brochure.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Babcock & Wilcox Co. (B & W) recently released its Generating Powerful Solutions brochure. It is a new overall company capabilities brochure that describes how B & W generates solutions for its customers. Building upon its successful history, B...

Synthetic lubricants.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Anderol Inc., a manufacturer of synthetic lubricants, is showcasing its industry-proven synthetic lubricant portfolio. These lubricants serve a wide variety of applications, particularly compressors and pumps. Anderol PumpJack 150 is a...

Coal/oil slurries pump.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Moyno Inc. has introduced the Moyno 2000 progressing cavity pump for efficient, cost-effective handling of highly viscous coal/oil slurry. The Moyno 2000 pump is a proven performer in multi-fuel or dual fuel applications for burner feed,...

Wind turbine gearbox bearings.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... New SKF high-capacity cylindrical roller bearings for wind turbine gearboxes have been uniquely engineered to promote longer gearbox service life and optimized performance. Their innovative cage design and other special features offer enhanced...

Torque multiplier.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Norbar Torque Tools Inc. recently introduced what it claims is the world's smallest 1,000Nm torque multiplier, designed to deliver high accuracy where access is impossible with a conventional torque wrench or bulky torque multipliers. The...

Bay Control, Automation and Protection System.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. (SEL) recently released of the SEL-451-4 Bay Control, Automation and Protection System. The bay control allows local operators to view equipment configuration, analog systems quantities and breaker and...

Reverse osmosis membrane elements.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Koch Membrane Systems Inc. (KMS), which develops, manufactures and services membrane elements and systems, recently introduced its Fluid Systems line of reverse osmosis membrane elements. These long-lasting, highly-efficient membranes are ideal...

Mast climbing work platform.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Alimak Hek recently introduced the HEK MS ProMax mast climbing work platform. Designed and developed to meet customer demands for higher payload, faster travel speeds at 36 feet per minute and longer platforms at up to 50 feet for a single, the...

Compressed air flow controller.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... EXAIR Corp. has introduced the EFC, a user-friendly electronic flow control for compressed air that is designed to minimize compressed air use on blowoff, drying, cooling, conveying and static elimination operations. The EFC combines a...

Globe control valves.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Dwyer Instruments Inc. introduced the Series GV2 and GV3 globe control valves. When mated to the Series VA electric actuators, these valves offer the same control as larger pneumatic valve packages, but at lower cost and size. The available two...

Gas analyzer.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Perma Pure recently introduced it new GASS-2040 gas analysis sampling system for continuous emissions monitoring. The system uses Perma Pure's proprietary Nafion technology to remove acid mists, coalescent liquids, water and particulates...

Replacement panel switches.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Electroswitch announced that it is the exclusive source for Type W and Type W-2 "Westinghouse" replacement switches for the power industry. Should one of these panel-mount instrument or control switches fail or show signs of wear, Electroswitch...

Handbook of Crushing.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... The 2006 edition of Pennsylvania Crusher's Handbook of Crushing is now available on CD-ROM. It is useful for industries, including power generation plants, where materials are reduced in size. The fully illustrated, 42-page manual provides an...

Gas analyzer transmitter.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Emerson Process Management has introduced a special configuration of the Rose-mount Analytical CAT 100 continuous gas analyzer transmitter to meet all of the measurement requirements for hydrogen-cooled turbine generators in electrical power...

Enhanced valve actuator.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Flowserve Corp. has enhanced its industry-leading Flowserve Limitorque MX smart electronic valve actuator. The enhanced MX expands its list of innovations for the flow control market. The MX's original market-firsts include a patented absolute...

Classifier cone bonding system.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Abresist Corp. recently announced that its Kalbond high performance adhesive bonding system can be used with its cone lining Alresist tile to strengthen and extend the life of coal mill classifier cones. The bonding system can be applied with...

Pulse-jet filter cleaning device.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... FilterSense's recently released ValvePAC IntelliPULSE, a device that provides intelligent pulse-jet filter cleaning to save compressed air and provide instant valve diagnostics for reducing pulse jet baghouses and cartridge style dust collector...

Noise Dosimeter and reporting system.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Quest Technologies Inc. recently announced the NoisePro Series Personal Noise Dosimeters, which are compatible with QuestSuite Professional II and enhance Quest Technologies' System Solution. The addition of the NoisePro Series benefits the end...

Infrared thermometer.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Wahl Instruments Inc. announces the addition of the Heat Spy DHS215XEL to its line of compact, hand-held, non-contact, infrared thermometers. The DHS215XEL provides the user with a completely portable, easy-to-use, cost-effective and accurate...

Biofuels testing online tool.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... PAC introduced an innovative information resource for biodiesel professionals interested in biofuels testing. The new PAC Biodiesel Applications Assistance Chart defines solutions, matching each required application to specific PAC...

Pressure and Temperature Recorder.(PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2006... Hoyt Electrical Instrument Works recently announced the availability of pressure and temperature data loggers. The PRTemp 1000, Rugged Pressure & Temperature Recorder is a battery powered, stand-alone pressure and temperature data logger. Data...