On September 30, the EPA released a new final rule that will impact over 1,080 gas, coal, and nuclear power plants – as well as any new plants that come online – when it comes to power plant discharges and ash handling. The rule, a modification for existing regulation 40… Read More
Woodyards can be classified into three main categories: automated, manual, and semi-automated. Deciding on which approach best suits a facility’s needs requires careful evaluation of several criteria: Volume – the amount of fuel storage and throughput Size – the footprint for the woodyard Budget – capital outlay vs. operating costs… Read More
Many factors drive modern plants to make process equipment changes during outage season. Two of the most common are 1) demands for increased production and 2) process variable changes. Centrifugal fans used throughout the power production process are frequently the subjects of these changes. What follows is an account of… Read More
Many integrated pulp and paper mills built in the twentieth century are still in operation and are largely self-sufficient — some are even capable of generating 75 percent of their own power by burning waste wood. There’s a lot to learn from them about biomass fuel handling. However, most air… Read More
To achieve optimum efficiency, an industrial fan manufacturer needs to size and design a fan so that its performance curve and system resistance curve intersect at an efficient point. If the system resistance curve is not accurately predicted, fan performance and operating efficiency are likely to suffer. Unfortunately, not all… Read More
Scheduled maintenance outages are critical windows of opportunity for any power generation plant to upgrade or retrofit sections of a system to meet today’s standards and regulations for efficiency and emissions. Fundamental assessments of and adjustments to fuel delivery and draft systems can pay big dividends, without the huge capital… Read More
Scheduled shutdowns can often become a plant’s most expensive project. From the expense of equipment maintenance to the loss of production, downtime can significantly magnify financial strain. However, there are ways you can mitigate the costs of routine maintenance. Here are three tips: 1. Plan in Advance Shutdown pre-planning… Read More
In the quest for improved plant energy efficiency, one of the most often overlooked culprits of energy drain is the draft system. Anything from improper fan installation to extremely dampered operation and especially leaky ductwork can create an inefficient draft system. These problems and other culprits can be identified through… Read More
