Power Engineering articles from June 2003

Power Engineering archives from June 2003

Shooting for Number 1. (Opinion).(coal fired generation)(Industry Overview)
June 1, 2003... It's tough being Number 1. Someone is always nipping at your heels, anxious to unseat you, and those who aren't Number 1 tend to view you with mild resentment (at best) or overt dislike (at worst). Coal-fired generation has been Number 1...

Compensation survey reveals changing nature of power generation industry. (Update).
June 1, 2003... The results of a detailed compensation survey sponsored by Power Engineering magazine and conducted by Abbott, Langer & Associates reveal some interesting trends in the U.S. power generation industry. Reflecting the changing nature of the power...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
June 1, 2003... In the April interview with John Goodman appearing in the DG Update section, his company's name was misspelled as Integris. The proper spelling of the company is Entegris. Power Engineering regrets the error.

EPA-required cems flow rata certification can be automated. (Update).(United Sciences Testing Inc.)
June 1, 2003... Under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires utilities to install continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) that measure concentrations and volumes of [SO.sub.2], [NO.sub.x] and other...

Inspection confirms value of wet compression at cogen facility. (Update).(Cardinal Cogeneration Plant installs Caldwell Energy and Environmental's PowerFog and Caldwell Wet Compression Technology )
June 1, 2003... Gas turbine power augmentation systems such as inlet fogging, evaporative cooling and wet compression have been applied to many units over the past several years. The ability to generate additional power output during periods of high demand or...

Ultra-sonic nuclear fuel cleaning system restores output, reduces fuel costs. (Update).(Electric Power Research Institute)
June 1, 2003... A new ultrasonic nuclear fuel cleaning technology developed by EPRI removes deposits from reload fuel, allowing higher fuel utilization and reducing worker exposure rates. The process can also lower feed fuel costs and holds promise for...

Process might resolve cyclone/slag-tap boiler issue. (Update).(Crown Coal and Coke Co. Fusion Equalizer process)
June 1, 2003... A process has been patented that allows low sulfur coals, as well as other fuels typically unsuited for use in cyclone and slag-tap boilers, to be used in those boilers while significantly reducing [SO.sub.2] emissions. The process, developed...

Alstom. (Mergers and Acquisitions).(to sell turbines business to Siemens AG)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... ALSTOM has agreed to sell its small gas turbines business and its medium-sized gas turbines and industrial steam turbine's businesses to Siemens AG.

Sulzer Chemtech. (Mergers and Acquisitions).(acquires selected assets of Koch-Glitsch)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Sulzer Chemtech has acquired selected assets of the mixer business of Koch-Glitsch, provider of static mixers, to power markets.

Aquila, Inc. (Mergers and Acquisitions).(to sell Australian assets)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Kansas City-based Aquila, Inc. has reached an agreement to sell all of its Australian assets to a consortium representing AlintaGas, AMP Henderson and their affiliates.

GE Structured Finance. (Mergers and Acquisitions).(acquires Calpine interest in power plant)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Calpine has sold its interest in the 115 MW King City co-generation power plant to GE Structured Finance.

Cleco Corp. (Mergers and Acquisitions).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Cleco Corp. has announced its intent to sell its 725 MW power plant in Perryville, La. to a subsidiary of Entergy.

Lauren Engineers & Constructors, Inc. (Mergers and Acquisitions).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Lauren Engineers & Constructors, Inc. has announced a merger that creates LaurenKamtech, Inc, a large diversified international EPC contractor. The acquisition Kamtech by Lauren in June 2002 created a U.S.-based, international enterprise that...

Parsons E&C. (Personnel and Promotions).(makes several executive appointments)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Parsons E&C has made several executive appointments. Fayez G. Boutros has been named Director of Nuclear Services, James M. Coyle has been named Manager of Engineering, and Daniel L. Martin has been named Director of Power Projects.

Raytheon Co. (Personnel and Promotions).(Daniel P. Burnham announces retirement)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Daniel P. Burnham has announced his retirement as CEO of Raytheon Co. effective July 1.

AES Corp. (Personnel and Promotions).(names Richard Darman chairman)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Richard Darman has been named chairman of AES Corp. Company co-founder Roger Sant assumed the new title of chairman emeritus.

Exelon Corporation. (Personnel and Promotions).(Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr. appointed president)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr. has been appointed president and chief operating officer of Exelon Corporation. Kenneth G. Lawrence has been named chairman of PECO and Denis P. O'Brien becomes PECO president. Frank M. Clark has been named president of...

EPRI's Board. (Personnel and Promotions).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... EPRI's Board of Directors has elected as chairman Erie Nye, TXU Corp.'s chariman and CEO. EPRI's members also elected five new directors to the board: John M. Derrick, Jr., chairman of Pepco Holdings Inc.; Donald C. Hintz, president of Entergy...

Pepco Holdings Inc. (Personnel and Promotions).(elects Dennis Wraase CEO)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Dennis Wraase has been elected CEO of Pepco Holdings Inc.

InterGen. (Personnel and Promotions).(names Marvin Odum CEO)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Marvin Odum has been named CEO of InterGen, the independent power producer co-owned by Shell and Bechtel.

Pavilion Technologies. (Personnel and Promotions).(names new president)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Ralph Carter has been named president and CEO of Pavilion Technologies.

Power Management Partners, LLC and Big Pier Energy LLC have formed ElectroVest LLC, which will seek to acquire a portfolio of electric generating assets from distressed sellers. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Power Management Partners, LLC and Big Pier Energy LLC have formed ElectroVest LLC, which will seek to acquire a portfolio of electric generating assets from distressed sellers. ElectroVest is currently bidding on more than 2,000 MW of...

Great Northern Power Development LP and Kiewit Mining Group. (Business Briefs).(rural Montana coal and wind project)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Great Northern Power Development LP and Kiewit Mining Group will proceed with a 500 MW linked coal and wind project in rural eastern Montana. Permits will be filed later this year.

Catalytica Energy Systems. (Business Briefs).(diesel fuel processor technology test agreements )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Catalytica Energy Systems has signed test agreements with two leading heavy-duty diesel engine OEMs to evaluate its diesel fuel processor technology designed to enable a 90 percent reduction in [NO.sub.x] emissions.

DTE Energy. (Business Briefs).(to expand non-regulated business)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... DTE Energy has announced it will expand its non-regulated business into two coal-based fuel recovery enterprises: waste coal recovery, involving the separation of coal from clay and rock, and the production of coal bed methane gas.

Marsulex Inc., Alstom Power Inc. (Business Briefs).(form air pollution control technology alliance)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Marsulex Inc., Alstom Power Inc. and the Energy & Environmental Research Center have formed an alliance to commercialize a new air pollution control technology for sulfur trioxide emissions.

Henwood's New Generation Index. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... According to Henwood's New Generation Index of units across North America, the pipeline of generation projects is currently at its lowest level in two years at 354,000 MW.

Westinghouse Electric Company and Technofast Industries. (Business Briefs).(Hydraulic Nut technology agreement)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Westinghouse Electric Company and Technofast Industries have reached an agreement under which Westinghouse will provide TechnoFast Hydraulic Nut technology to commercial nuclear plant customers.

PJM Interconnection. (Business Briefs).(wind generators to receive capacity credits)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... PJM Interconnection has adopted rules that for the first time will allow wind generators to receive capacity credits.

Duke Energy. (Business Briefs).(to discontinue proprietary trading)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Duke Energy has announced it will discontinue proprietary trading at its North American merchant energy businesses, Duke Energy North America and Duke Energy Merchants.

Reliant Energy. (Business Briefs).(National Hydropower Association's President's Award)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Reliant Energy's Erie Boulevard Hydropower is the recipient of the National Hydropower Association's President's Award.

The NRC has approved a request by the Indiana/Michigan Power Co. to increase the generating capacity of Unit 2 at the D.C. (Business Briefs).(Nuclear Regulatory Commission)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The NRC has approved a request by the Indiana/Michigan Power Co. to increase the generating capacity of Unit 2 at the D.C. Cook nuclear power plant by 1.5 percent. The NRC has also approved a 20-year license extension for Exelon Nuclear's Peach...

Richmond, Virginia-based Dominion Resources has agreed to spend $1.2 billion to cut pollution from eight power plants in Virginia and West Virginia over 10 years. (Business Briefs).(We Energies also plans pollution cuts)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Richmond, Virginia-based Dominion Resources has agreed to spend $1.2 billion to cut pollution from eight power plants in Virginia and West Virginia over 10 years. We Energies has agreed to spend $600 million at five Wisconsin Electric plants to...

Mitsui Babcock. (Contracts and Construction).(TVA)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Mitsui Babcock will supply a [NO.sub.x] reduction system for TVA's Colbert station Unit 4. The contract is valued at $12 million.

GE Aero Energy Products. (Contracts and Construction).(Modesto Electric Generating Station turbine packages)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... GE Aero Energy Products will supply two 49 MW LM6000 PC Sprint gas turbine-generator packages to Modesto Electric Generating Station Units 1 and 2 for a simple-cycle installation.

USFilter. (Contracts and Construction).(USFilter)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... USFilter has received a contract to provide a zero liquid discharge water treatment facility for Calpine's new 600 MW Rocky Mountain Energy Center near Hudson, Colo.

Keyspan Business Development Corporation. (Contracts and Construction).(Alstom S.A. turbine)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... ALSTOM has won an order for an 87 MW industrial steam turbine to be delivered to a new power plant at Spagnoli Road, Long Island, New York. The ST6-ST5 turbine will he supplied via EPC contractor Stone and Webster to the end customer Keyspan...

GE Power Systems. (Contracts and Construction).(FPL Energy )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... FPL Energy plans to build three new wind energy facilities in North Dakota, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania by the end of the year. In support of these and other FPL projects, GE Power Systems will supply 315 wind turbines, representing more than 470...

CAE. (Contracts and Construction).(Detroit Edison Co.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... CAE will perform the largest single power plant simulator upgrade in the U.S. since 1992 on Detroit Edison's Fermi 2 simulator. The project calls for a complete refurbishment of the nuclear power plant simulator's computers, instructor stations...

New Power, Inc. (Contracts and Construction).(Siemens Building Technologies to build gas-fired combined heat and power plants)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Siemens Building Technologies will build and operate two gas-fired combined heat and power plants for Monroe (N.Y.) New Power, Inc.

Thermal Engineering International. (Contracts and Construction).(Basin Electric Power Cooperative)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Thermal Engineering International, a subsidiary of Babcock Power, has received two orders for replacement feedwater heaters at Basin Electric Power Cooperative's Antelope Valley Plant and Laramie River Plant.

Plug Power Inc. (Contracts and Construction).(and Vaillant GmbH install proton exchange membrane fuel cell heating appliances )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Plug Power Inc. and partner Vaillant GmbH have installed 13 proton exchange membrane fuel cell heating appliances in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Luxemburg.

SmartSignal Corporation. (Contracts and Construction).(Arizona Public Service Co. )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Arizona Public Service Company has implemented SmartSignal Corporation's predictive monitoring software solution at the Palo Verde nuclear plant.

Industry still faces uphill PR battle. (Nuclear Reactions).
June 1, 2003... The headline screams, "Study finds high cancer risk for nuclear workers." The news release from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment states, "The research showed that in comparison with death rates for the general public,...

Coal-fired power generation: the need to be nimble.(Industry Overview)
June 1, 2003... U.S. COAL PLANTS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE MORE THEAN HALF OF THE NATION'S ELECTRICITY, REPRESENTING A DEPENDABEL SOURCE OF BASELOAD POWER FROM A PRICE-STABLE FUEL YET TO AN INCREASING DEGREE, A COAL PLANT'S VALUE MIGHT BE TIED TO NEWLY ACQUIRED...

Transmission upgrades key to low-cost power and greater use of coal-fired generation. (Generation Transmission Constraints).
June 1, 2003... Lost amid the general clamor of energy policy discussions is the realization that upgrading and strategically building new transmission lines would enable the U.S. to more fully use its abundant, low-cost coal resources and ensure access to...

Steam turbine upgrades improve reliability. (Steam Turbines).
June 1, 2003... Since the late 19th century steam turbines have been used for the generation of electricity. A prototype steam turbine, designed by Charles Parsons in 1890, had 15 expansion stages and was one of the first steam turbines to be connected to an...

Proper steam bypass system design avoids steam turbine overheating. (Steam Bypass Systems).(combined-cycle power plants)
June 1, 2003... Combined-cycle power plants operate by integrating a combustion turbine generator (CTG) and heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) with a steam turbine generator (STG). However, during some modes of plant operation--e.g., start-up, STG trip,...

Potential for office building adoption of dg substantial. (DG Update).(Integrated Energy Systems (JES) for Buildings: A Market Assessment)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... A recent study prepared by Resource Dynamics Corporation for the U.S. Department of Energy and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, entitled Integrated Energy Systems (JES) for Buildings: A Market Assessment, shows the potential building sector...

Study quantifies world DG demand growth. (DG Update).(Distributed and Cogeneration--Technology and Markets, Volume 1; Worldwide Forecasts, Applications and Competitive Environment)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The worldwide distributed and cogeneration (DCC) market will grow from a current 53 GW to 78 GW in 2008, creating a $30 billion opportunity by 2008, according to Distributed and Cogeneration--Technology and Markets, Volume 1; Worldwide...

True DG costs identified. (DG Update).(diesel generation)
June 1, 2003... While the equipment or purchase cost of a DC system is very important, a system's installation, operation, and maintenance (IOM) costs also are significant and are often overlooked. A new report from EPRI reviews IOM costs for both mature and...

Defining DG: reader response. (DG Update).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... In its February issue, Power Engineering asked readers to contribute their thoughts on the ever-evolving definition of what distributed generation is and what elements characterize distributed resource deployment. Here is how one reader...

Events.
June 1, 2003... JULY JULY 14 - 16 ASME/EPRI Radwaste Workshop, EPRI (518/374-8190), New Orleans, La. JULY 16 - 18 Low Level Waste Conference and Exhibit, EPRI (518/374-8190), New Orleans, La. JULY 29 - 31 Waterpower XIII, HCI...

Improved damper drive lowers heat rate. (Field Notes).
June 1, 2003... THE ELECTRIC UTILITY industry's transition into the age of deregulation is driving the need to improve the thermal performance of fossil-fueled plants. In order to stay competitive utilities must optimize a plant's heat rate and reduce...

Cielo wind power. (Managing the Plant).(Company Profile)
June 1, 2003... Wind energy is emerging as a common, every-day component of the U.S. power generation fleet. Installed capacity is only around 4,700 MW currently, representing less than one percent of total capacity, but wind is increasingly being viewed as a...

Vibration testing. (Products).
June 1, 2003... MicroVibe, a new portable vibration test and measurement instrument from SKF Reliability Systems, allows sophisticated analysis of rotating equipment. The low cost, compact and lightweight MicroVibe can be used with a commercial off the shelf...

Electro-hydraulic actuators. (Products).
June 1, 2003... Jordan Control's new EH-2000 series electro-hydraulic actuators combine the simplicity of electrical operation with the precision of hydraulic control and the reliability of spring powered fail-safe action. Weatherproof and explosion proof...

Chain hoist. (Products).
June 1, 2003... Columbus McKinnon recently introduced an expanded line of Lodestar XL electric chain hoists for lifting applications from 2 to 7 1/2 tons. The new heavy-duty hoists feature faster speeds, less reeving, and higher capacities than traditional...

Rotork introduces a comprehensive range of skilmatic electric fail-safe actuators. (Actuators).
June 1, 2003... Rochester, NY, June 20, 2002 - Rotork has announced the introduction of a full range of Skilmatic[TM] electric fail safe linear and quarter-turn actuators that include modulating, isolating, emergency shutdown (ESD), and spring-return models....

New selection guide helps users select swagelok[R] automated ball valve assemblies. (Ball Valves).
June 1, 2003... The new Swagelok[R] Automated Ball Valve Selection Guide contains the information a user needs to select components to assemble Swagelok 40, 60, or 83 series ball valves and ISO 5211-compliant mounting brackets with actuators, limit...

Velan Valve. (Ball Valves).
June 1, 2003... Velan Valve has introduced a one-piece forged metal seated ball valve for high pressure, high temperature isolation services up to 4,500 psi ASME pressure rating. The one-piece HVOP chrome carbide coated ball valve is available in sizes 1/2...

Ronan Annunciator. (Annunciators).
June 1, 2003... The newest Ronan Annunciator, X11 CA Series, features PC configurable options and serial communications (DF1, MODBUS and OPC). The X11CA is a great compliment to DCS and PLC control systems. Field expandability, several window sizes, and...

Patented bolting tool technology. (Bolting Solutions).
June 1, 2003... TorcUP Inc., introduces the TU and TX Series of Hydraulic Torque Wrenches for use where obstructions make torque application difficult. The TX wrench is specifically designed to fit on applications with behind, above and around the nut fit...

A crippled condenser can cost you big money. (Condenser Solutions).
June 1, 2003... The RheoVac[R] System monitors key parameters to identify specific condenser problems. The instrumentation provides real time data to identify leaks and troubleshoot vacuum operations. This information enables power plant personnel to...

Marley[R] replacement gear drives. (Cooling Tower Fan Drives).
June 1, 2003... The "A" Series right angle gear drives for cooling towers from AMARILLO GEAR are designed as direct replacements for the Marley[R] cooling tower line of drives. Since there are no differences in the critical mounting dimensions, the "A" Series...

2.7 MW "clean" diesel genset. (Diesel Genset).
June 1, 2003... The new PowerCommand 2.7 MW generator set from Cummins Power Generation is the world's most powerful high-speed, production diesel generator set. It is also one of the cleanest. Ideal for distributed generation, utility, peaking and large...

Metso. (FGD Regent Preparation).
June 1, 2003... Metso offers both ball mills and energy efficient VERTIMILLS[TM] for limestone grinding and lime slaking applications. Metso is the leading supplier of grinding systems for FGD applications with over 240 installed worldwide. With Metso...

GE Power Systems. (Gas Turbines).
June 1, 2003... GE Power Systems is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation technology, energy services and management systems, with an installed base of power generation equipment in more than 120 countries. GE Power Systems provides...

Kato Engineering. (Generators).
June 1, 2003... Kato Engineering has released a new brochure for its military products. These products include generators for Navy ships as well as motor-generator sets and high-frequency generators for aircraft ground support and other precision applications....

MQ Power. (Generators).
June 1, 2003... MQ Power introduces the world's quietest and highest-performing portable power sources. With a patented soundproof housing, sound levels are up to 11 decibels quieter (56 to 63dBA full load at 23 feet) than the current WhisperWatt line. ...

MeeFog[TM]. (Inlet Air Fogging).
June 1, 2003... MeeFog[TM], the world leader in gas turbine inlet air power augmentation solutions, announces that their new gas turbine inlet air fogging brochure is now available. This descriptive, 12-page brochure presents an overview of the following: the...

Krytox[R]. (Lubricants).
June 1, 2003... Krytox[R] oils and greases offer a unique combination of properties that provide exceptional, cost-effective solutions to difficult lubrication problems. Krytox[R] oils and greases combine high-temperature performance, nonflammability, and...

GearLogicSM Extended Warranty Program from Philadelphia Gear. (Gearbox Warranry).
June 1, 2003... The GearLogicSM Extended Warranty Program from Philadelphia Gear extends the standard warranty period to a 24-month warranty on all replaced parts and workmanship associated with a gearbox repair at any of the five U.S. Philadelphia Gear...

AMETEK. (Measurement/Controls Portal).
June 1, 2003... Access a kaleidoscope of data about products that measure, control, verify and secure nearly every aspect of power generation. From combustion analyzers to revenue meters, from flame sensors to utility load management, from nuclear remote-seal...

Power Systems. (Metallurgical Services).
June 1, 2003... Power Systems now offers a full range of Metallurgical Services designed to identify the root cause of failures and provide viable, high performance solutions. Our world-class engineers perform failure analysis, metallography, and verification...

NDT Piping Inspection System. (Piping Inspection).
June 1, 2003... The PS 2000 Multi-Channel Inspection System for Service Water Systems and Fire Protection Piping in Nuclear Plants is fully volumetric and quantitative. Testing performed from the O.D. has the ability to detect wall thinning, pitting and...

People. Presence. Proximity. (Power System Services).
June 1, 2003... Mitsubishi Power Systems' dedicated Americas Service Center brings a "world of service" a half-world closer. Discover our new in-hemisphere resource for OEM-style turbine repair and component manufacturing; remote monitoring and...

Swagelok. (Pressure Gauges).
June 1, 2003... Swagelok stainless steel industrial pressure gauges accurately monitor vacuum and positive system pressures up to 15 000 psi (1000 bar [100Mpa]). The product line includes a broad selection of gauge models and options. From general-purpose...

B&W roll wheel[FM] pulverizers. (Pulverizers).
June 1, 2003... Since introducing the roll wheel pulverizer in 1972, The Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W) has made substantial and extensive modifications and improvements to the original design. Design changes have significantly improved boiler load-following...

Rotary railcar dumpers & train positioners. (Railcar Dumpers).
June 1, 2003... Metso rotary railcar/positioner systems set the worldwide industry standards for more than 80 years. With over 300 systems installed, Metso's family of predecessor companies includes Svedala, McNally Wellman, Strachan & Henshaw Bulk Division,...

excom[R] remote I/O for hazardous areas. (Remote I/O).
June 1, 2003... This 330 page catalog on the exom intrinsically safe remote I/O from TURCK details the complete system and its available components including power supplies, gateways, I/O modules and a backplane. Designed specifically for use in potentially...

ProTecht[TM] Fiberscopes and Videoscopes. (Remote Viewing Instruments).
June 1, 2003... Select from over 2,000 standard RVI's for inspecting or observing into inaccessible areas or hostile environments. New, exclusive Camera Dedicated Borescopes, and patented ProTecht[TM] Fiberscopes and Videoscopes. Custom and OEM scopes a...

Powerclean[TM] intelligent sootblowing. (Sootblowing).
June 1, 2003... The Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W) has introduced the latest addition to its Field Engineering Services' line of Asset Performance Products. The new product, called Powerclean[TM], enables intelligent boiler sootblowing. The Powerclean...

Ethemet TCP/IP. (Temperature Measurement).
June 1, 2003... Ethemet 16, 32, and 64 channel thermocouple input modules are ideal for Gas Turbine and Boiler temperature mapping. Multiple thermocouple types E,J,K,S,R,T,&,N may be used in one module. Eliminate long lengths of thermocouple wire by using...