Power Engineering articles from May 2003

Power Engineering archives from May 2003

Clinging to life. (Opinion).(Editorial)
May 1, 2003... Despite the large amount of distressed power plant capacity reportedly on the trading block, there has been relatively Little swapping of assets in the past year. Prices might be coming down to attract buyers, but since most asset owners have...

New welding technology employed in unique plant repair. (Update).
May 1, 2003... When a Midwest U.S. electric utility recently needed to repair high-pressure feedwater heaters at one of its facilities, it used a new power source featuring STT welding technology from the Lincoln Electric Company to get the plant back on line...

SCR catalyst cleaning: sootblowers vs. acoustic horns. (Update).
May 1, 2003... SCR equipment won't work unless the gases can contact the catalyst. Therefore, keeping the catalyst clean is a critical part of the design process, and involves substantial cost considerations. Two competing technologies are used for removing...

Coal plant could help offset Mohave closure. (Update).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Developers of a planned power transmission line that would terminate near Las Vegas have reached an agreement with a German independent power producer that proposes to build a $1.5 billion coal-fired plant. Trans-Elect, a power transmission...

Iowa utility announces world's largest wind farm. (Update).(MidAmerican Energy)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... MidAmerican Energy, Iowa's largest utility, has announced it will build a 310 MW wind facility in the state. The project would become the world's largest land-based wind plant, if completed before a proposed expansion of the 300 MW Stateline...

Babcock Borsig Power Turbine Services. (Mergers and Acquisitions).(acquired by Calpine Corp.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Industrial gas turbine service company Babcock Borsig Power Turbine Services, has been acquired by Calpine Corp. and reverted to the name Thomassen Turbine Systems.

Meridian Energy. (Mergers and Acquisitions).(buying Alliant's Australian interests including Southern Hydra)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... New Zealand power company Meridian Energy is buying Alliant's Australian interests including power provider Southern Hydra.

ConEdison Solutions. (Mergers and Acquisitions).(buys KEMA-XENERGY's assets of its energy and engineering services division )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... KEMA-XENERGY has sold the assets of its energy and engineering services division to ConEdison Solutions of White Plains, New York.

Crane Co. (Mergers and Acquisitions).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Crane Co. has acquired valve distributor NH Valves from Newman Hattersley. The acquisition will become part of the Crane Valves North America division of Crane.

Monarch Electric Service Co. (Mergers and Acquisitions).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Monarch Electric Service Co. (Cleveland, Ohio) has acquired the assets of JC Industrial, an electric motor and generator service center.

GE Aeroderivative and Package Services. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... GE Aeroderivative and Package Services has introduced GE Virtual Test Cell Witness, a system designed to allow customers to view live operating data from gas turbines being tested at a GE test cell facility.

Alvarez & Marsal. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Alvarez & Marsal has launched a global power and utilities group to provide workout, restructuring and bankruptcy advisory and operating services to power companies, utilities, and unregulated utility subsidiaries.

U.S. nuclear industry. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The U.S. nuclear industry generated a record 780.2 billion kWh in 2002 according to preliminary data released recently by the Energy Information Administration -- the fourth consecutive record year for nuclear generation.

Beacon Power Corp. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Beacon Power Corp., developer of high performance flywheel energy storage systems, has invested $1 million in the preferred stock of Evergreen Solar, Inc.

Southern States Power Co. Inc. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Southern States Power Co. Inc. has signed a joint venture agreement with biomass energy provider Carbon Cycle Company International to provide energy for potential customers, particularly in conjunction with Southern States' development of...

GE Wind Energy. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... GE Wind Energy plans to expand its family of wind turbines with the introduction of the 2.x series, which will include 2.3, 2.5 and 2.7-MW machines designed for a wide range of onshore applications. Commercial production is expected in the...

American Electric Power. (Personnel and Promotions).(E. Linn Draper)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... E. Linn Draper Jr., American Electric Power's chairman, president and chief executive officer, has announced his plans to retire in 2004.

MGE UPS Systems. (Personnel and Promotions).(Ray Prince)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Ray Prince has been named president of American operations for MGE UPS Systems.

NRC. (Personnel and Promotions).(United States. Executive Office of the President)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... President Bush has designated Dr. Nils Diaz chairman of the NRC, succeeding Dr. Richard Meserve, who left office March 31.

Wisconsin Energy Corp. (Personnel and Promotions).(Gale Klappa )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Former Southern Co. CFO Gale Klappa has been named president of Wisconsin Energy Corp.

Reliant Resources. (Personnel and Promotions).(Sieve Letbetter)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Reliant Resources CEO Sieve Letbetter has resigned and will be replaced by board member Joel Staff on an interim basis.

Energy Technologies Ltd. (Personnel and Promotions).(Derek A. Howell)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Derek A. Howell has been appointed director of operations for Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd.

Washington Group International. (Personnel and Promotions).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... William G. Poulson has been named vice president of the integrated projects group in the energy and environment unit of Washington Group International.

Entergy Nuclear South. (Personnel and Promotions).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... William Eaton has been named southern region vice president of engineering for Entergy Nuclear South.

Piller Inc. (Personnel and Promotions).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Kevin Collins has been named vice president of technology for power quality system provider Piller Inc.

Roberts & Schaefer/AZCO Inc. (Contracts and Construction).(Tennessee Valley Authority)
May 1, 2003... Roberts & Schaefer/AZCO Inc. has been contracted to design, build and install coal handling equipment for any Tennessee Valley Authority plant built in the next five years.

Wheelabrator Air Pollution Control. (Contracts and Construction).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Wheelabrator Air Pollution Control has been awarded a contract by Strand Hunt Construction for three fabric filter systems to be installed at Clear Air Force Station in Alaska.

Vogt Power International Inc. (Contracts and Construction).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Vogt Power International Inc. has received an order for two beat recovery steam generators for Nebraska Public Power District's Beatrice 225 MW combined-cycle power plant near Beatrice, Nebraska.

Indigenous Global Development Corp. (Contracts and Construction).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Indigenous Global Development Corp. is in negotiations with a major energy project company to jointly finance, develop, construct and own a 500 MW natural gas-fired combined cycle electric power generating facility in Washington state.

GE Hydro. (Contracts and Construction).(General Electric Hydro)(Ontario Power Generation Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... GE Hydro will replace runners on two turbines at the Cameron Falls Generating Station owned by Ontario Power Generation, and also upgrade and install two generators at the 154 MW Jaybird Hydroelectric Powerhouse owned by Sacramento Municipal...

GE Aero Energy Products. (Contracts and Construction).(Brownsville Public Utilities Board of Brownsville, Texas)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... GE Aero Energy Products will supply one 45 MW LM6000 Sprint gas turbine-generator package to Brownsville Public Utilities Board of Brownsville, Texas.

Wahlco Inc. (Contracts and Construction).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Wahlco Inc. will install a complete line of air pollution control systems for a New Hampshire pulp and paper company that generates its own electricity by burning a by-product of their paper production process. Wahlco also has a contract with a...

Caterpillar. (Contracts and Construction).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Five Caterpillar G16CM34 engines -- the first to be installed in the U.S. -- have been ordered for a new 29 MW gas fired peaking plant for the city of Geneva, Illinois.

Hamon Research-Cottrell. (Contracts and Construction).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Hamon Research-Cottrell has been awarded the SNCR De[NO.sub.x] project to be implemented at the Elmer Smith Station Unit 2 in Owensboro, Ky.

East Kentucky Power Cooperative. (Contracts and Construction).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... East Kentucky Power Cooperative received final approval to proceed with construction of Kentucky's first plants to produce electric power from decaying municipal trash.

DOE rises to nuclear waste challenges. (Nuclear Reactions).(Department of Energy rexamines policy for spent nuclear fuel)
May 1, 2003... The U.S. government is reconsidering its 1970s vintage policy of simply burying spent nuclear fuel. The Department of Energy (DOE) is once again examining fuel reprocessing options that could reduce the need for high-level waste disposal,...

Gas turbines breaking through the barriers to higher reliability: recent-model large-frame gas turbines have experienced some growing pains, but modifications and upgrades have increased their reliability substantially.
May 1, 2003... Due to low natural gas prices, low capital costs, ease of permitting, quick installation, and the need to add capacity, the 1990s saw a dramatic increase in the market for gas turbines. To meet the demand all of the major gas turbine...

Uniqueness of SCR retrofits translates into broad cost variations. (SCR Retrofit Costs).(selective catalytic reduction)
May 1, 2003... The growing population of U.S. SCR systems provides an opportunity to examine the impact of various factors on installed costs. This analysis is based on SCR retrofit installations on balanced draft, pulverized coal boiler units with size...

A sunny outlook for grid-connected PV. (Solar Power).(photovoltaic electric power)
May 1, 2003... The outlook for U.S. grid-connected solar photovoltaic electric power is sunny to partly cloudy. The forecast calls for state and local incentives to continue making PV economically viable in some applications. High-pressure disturbances in the...

Consider life-cycle costs in designing or upgrading water pretreatment systems. (Water Treatment).
May 1, 2003... As the demand for clean water increases across the industrial spectrum, including for power plants, companies are searching for more efficient and cost-effective ways to source and select water pretreatment systems or to upgrade existing...

A microgrid worth "Bragging" about. (DG Update).(Fort Bragg, North Carolina)
May 1, 2003... Fort Bragg in North Carolina has created one of the world's largest microgrids by integrating a variety of distributed generation technologies that work in conjunction with the facility's utility infrastructure. The post, which sprawls over 100...

Events.
May 1, 2003... JUNE JUNE 1 - 4 EEI Annual Convention/Expo, Edison Electric Institute (www.eei.org), Honolulu, Hawaii JUNE 2 - 4 Power Quality Applications, EPRI (415/455-9583), Monterey, Calif. JUNE 8 - 11 Hydrogen and Fuel Cells...

Smart relay resolves: recycled generator problems. (Field Notes).
May 1, 2003... TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, the City of Perham (Minnesota) awarded a contract to Barlow Projects, Inc. for the turnkey construction and operations of an upgrade to the city's 116 tpd waste to...

Tipping point. (View on Renewables).(Column)
May 1, 2003... I am here to relay good news -- news that we've heard before, but that has new currency today. The dynamics are in place to propel renewables today from gnat to beast. Politicians are starting to get the message of the American people's strong...

Optimization software. (Products).
May 1, 2003... Emerson Process Management's Power & Water Solutions division, formerly Westinghouse Process Control, has announced the availability of its SmartProcess optimization software module. The software has been designed to improve environmental...

Flame sensor. (Products).
May 1, 2003... A new solid state optical flame scanner sensor, Spectra GT30, provides greater reliability than standard ultraviolet (UV) tube designed sensors. In operation the sensor receives UV energy from the combustion process and transmits a 4-20 mA...

Intelligent sootblowing. (Products).
May 1, 2003... Babcock & Wilcox has introduced the latest addition to its Field Engineering Services' line of Asset Performance Products. The product, Powerclean, enables intelligent sootblowing of boilers to optimize boiler performance and surface...

Honeywell. (Actuators).
May 1, 2003... The Industrial Measurement and Control business of Honeywell [NYSE:HON] has introduced three new models to its HercuLine' family of conventional and Smart actuators - ranging in torques from 50 to 400 inch-lbs., ideal for positioning of...

Rotork introduces a comprehensive range of Skilmatic electric fail-safe actuators. (Actuators).
May 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....

Air pollution control systems. (Air Pollution Control).
May 1, 2003... A global leader in the design and supply of pre-engineered and custom-engineered air pollution control equipment, turnkey systems and services, Wheelabrator offers fabric filters, electrostatic precipitators, wet or dry scrubbers, NOx control,...

Velan Valve. (Ball Valves).
May 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...

CEM package. (CEMS).
May 1, 2003... Ducon's Intelli CEM package offers complete CEMS and COMS to meet EPA 40CFR-Part 60 and 75 regulations, and consists of by-pass extractive & Probe type multi-gas analyzers, all with dynamic online zero and span verification. Ducon's Opacity...

A crippled condenser can cost you big money. (Condenser Solutions).
May 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...

Industrial Measurement and Control business. (Controller).
May 1, 2003... The Industrial Measurement and Control business of Honeywell [NYSE:HON] has introduced the HC900 Hybrid Controller, an advanced process and logic controller with data acquisition. It offers a modular, scalable design that is sized to meet the...

2.7 MW diesel genset delivers big power, low emissions. (Diesel Genset).
May 1, 2003... The new PowerCommand[R] 2.7 MW diesel generator set is the largest standard production genset available, giving power producers a larger power block in a readily available production unit-with full factory testing for fast installation and...

ECOM America proudly introduces the NETLOGG Digital Manometer with Temperature Monitoring & Data logging. (Digital Manometer).
May 1, 2003... ECOM NL Digital Manometer with Temperature Monitoring & Data loggoing. Includes 1 or 2 pressure sensors for high or low-pressure measurement, plus the ability to monitor and record up to 16 separate remote sensors. Remote sensors available for...

The Lighthawk- model 560 compliance Opacity / Dust Monitor. (Emissions Monitoring).
May 1, 2003... Meets All Proposed Changes to PS-1 and ASTM D6216 and utilizes a State-of-the-Art Patented Electro-dynamic Pulsed LED Light Source! Monitor Labs LightHawk Opacity/Dust Monitor offers advanced, patented and configurable technology for...

Utility Engineering - your power solutions partner. (Engineering Services).
May 1, 2003... Utility Engineering Corporation is a full-service, nationwide engineering firm with more than 900 employees and major offices in Amarillo, TX; Atlanta; Denver; Groton, CT; Minneapolis; and Omaha Engineering services include design, project...

Expansion Joint Systems (EJS). (Expansion Joints).
May 1, 2003... Become an Expansion Joint Expert Today. As a world-leading expert in expansion joint design and manufacturing, Expansion Joint Systems (EJS) has a wealth of experience and knowledge that we'd like to share with you. This expertise, along with...

GE Power Systems. (Gas Turbines).
May 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...

GearLogicSM Extended Warranty program from Philadelphia Gear. (Gearbox Warranty).
May 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 US. Philadelphia Gear...

Krytox oils and greases. (Lubricants).
May 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...

Power Systems. (Metallurgical Services).
May 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).
May 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...

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

Rotary railcar dumpers & train positioners. (Railcar Dumpers).
May 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,...

Piping system design & analysis. (Software).
May 1, 2003... CAESAR II is COADE's popular and easy-to-use Windows package for evaluating piping systems according to B31.1 and nuclear piping codes. Along with static and dynamic analysis of piping systems you get API, NEMA, WRC and AISC assessment;...

Ethernet. (Temperature Measurement).
May 1, 2003... Ethernet 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...

Power Systems. (Transition Piece).
May 1, 2003... Power Systems Mfg. invests significant time and resources in the design and manufacturing of our parts. Instrumented engine testing, analysis and metallurgical testing on key components of the 501 F has allowed PSM to offer an improved...

Goodway Technologies Corporation. (Tube Clean Equipment).
May 1, 2003... Goodway Technologies Corporation manufactures and distributes a complete line of Surface Condenser Tube Cleaning Systems and Projectiles as well other Tube Cleaners, Duct Cleaners, Drain Cleaners, Vacuums, Pressure Washers, and Vapor-Steam...

Power Alliance. (Turbine Maintenance).
May 1, 2003... Introducing a proven source for confident solutions to outage emergencies. Why take a chance on Internet marketplace schemes for questionable services and parts vital to your turbine's operation? Power Alliance has partnered with Advanced...

Built and tested to perform with ped cerification. (Valves).
May 1, 2003... KF Contromatics, offers you high temperature butterfly and ball valves that meet Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC power generation standards. We are ISO 9001 certified. 1500 S.E. 89th Street P. O. Box 95249 Oklahoma City, OK...

Larox Flowsys valves. (Valves).
May 1, 2003... Larox Flowsys valves are high performance slurry valves manufactured in an ISO 9001 facility. These high performance slurry valves are utilized in the power industry in FGD scrubbers, fly ash handling, condensate, bottom ash and waste treatment...

Orival introduces it's latest self-cleaning water filter. (Water Filter).
May 1, 2003... Orival Filters protect heat exchangers and prevent clogging of nozzles, tubes and other narrow passages by removing dirt particles down to micron size, of any specific gravity, from once-through and recirculating cooling water systems. Line...

Top 10 signs your SUV is too big. (Efun@pe.laf).(sport utility vehicles)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... 10. Your kids refer to riding the bus to school as "downsizing." 9. Before you go out, you have to file for a parade permit. 8. It has its own gravitational field and has drawn a Geo Metro into its orbit. 7. There are two...