Energy-Tech Magazine

Optimizing the application of direct electric heat exchangers in energy processes

Direct Electric Heat Exchangers, aka circulation heaters, are used in a variety of applications. They are used to heat gases like nitrogen, hydrogen and hydrocarbons, as well as liquids such as water, oils, acids, solutions and other fluids. DEHE’s...

Simplifying the design of complex piping supports
Unique software program allows engineers and architects to plan and design a pipe support system within minutes

The extensive pipe systems found throughout industry are reliant on complex pipe support chains to provide the control and stability necessary for them to ensure system functionality, safety and longevity. Whether for refinery, petrochemical, power...

WorleyParsons appoints new USAC National Power Sector director

WorleyParsons announced the appointment of Richard Brown, PhD, PE, as vice president, USAC National Power Networks Strategy director. Brown will provide leadership and market strategy for the rapidly growing national Power Networks sub-sector....

ASME EED CCS Committee reforms with new focus

The Environmental Engineering Division (EED) Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Committee has reformed with a new focus. The Committee will now coordinate ASME activities and act as a central focal point for resources and information on CCS between...

Dover’s Pump Solutions Group acquires Maag Group

Pump Solutions Group completed the acquisition of Maag Group for a purchase price of approximately $285 million, subject to normal post-closing adjustments. Maag is a global leader in premium external gear pump technology, pelletizing systems...

Large fan bearing failure

This case study concerns a large induced draft fan that ran for 15 years without any significant operating issues or mechanical problems. However, prior to a recent outage, the plant operators reported step changes on both the drive end (DE) and non-drive...

Optimizing coal-fired power plant performance

Two key initiatives are being used to optimize the performance of coal-fired power plants – performance management using performance data, and environmental management using technological innovations. Consistent with historical trends, coal...

ASME: Advanced combined cycle systems based on methanol indirect combustion

1 Introduction The methanol economy has been advocated since the 1990s. Methanol has been suggested as a potential replacement for fossil fuels in energy storage, as fuel and as raw material for synthetic hydrocarbons and their products. Methanol...

Attention to bearing design detail can keep oil whirl under control

Prior to 1960, cylindrical or plain fixed bore journal bearings were used as the industry standard for most turbine generators operating in U.S. power stations. These bearings were conservatively designed to support heavy rotors that rarely deviated...

Impaired water usage for heat exchanger cooling – a continuing, urgent prospective

A 2011 survey by Black & Veatch identified command and control of the world’s water supply as the top environmental concern. This water sourcing concern also was expressed recently by the NETL (National Energy Technical Lab) during the 2011...

Fabrication guidelines help reduce problems with Grade 91 steel components

The steel alloy known as Grade 91 has achieved broad acceptance within the modern power industry for use in fabricating a variety of critical pressure part components, including tubing, piping and headers. As with all of the creep strength-enhanced...

Take good care of your feedwater heaters

In the April 2011 issue of Energy-Tech Magazine, we wrote about the importance of conducting Quality Assurance (QA) checks when replacing a feedwater heater. Assuming a properly specified and conservative design for the full range of load imposition,...

ASME: Comparison between air blows and gas blows for cleaning power plant fuel gas piping systems

Gas blows have been used in the power industry to clean fuel gas lines during the plant commissioning process, but this practice is being seriously evaluated and reconsidered by regulatory agencies and public safety organizations due to fire and explosion...

Important issues regarding flue gas mercury sorbents

The EPA Utility MACT regulations will require existing coal-fired plants to reduce mercury emissions by 90 percent on average. The final Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS) was issued on Feb. 16, 2012, and in accordance with the Clean Air Act, the...

Turbine water induction protection systems: Cost effective insurance against major forced outages

Background The accidental introduction of water in any part of a steam turbine can cause serious damage, requiring extended outages to make costly repairs. A proliferation of such incidents in the electric power generation industry prompted the American...

Vibration switch with remote low profile industrial accelerometer

Balmac released its new Model 555 Vibration Switch with Remote Accelerometer to provide continuous vibration monitoring on rotating machinery, such as electric motors, pumps, fans, centrifuges, compressors, blowers, gear boxes and cooling tower fans...

Graphalloy Bushings outperform metal wear parts

Graphalloy wear rings and bushings from Graphite Metallizing Corp. provide standard metal stationary and rotating wear parts in pumps. Graphalloy wear rings and bushings operate at longer intervals without the need for replacements or maintenance,...

CMS introduces quality assessment solution

Corrosion Monitoring Services Inc. , the only company in the world to offer complete, integrated inspection, loss prevention and field repair services for tubular air heaters, introduced a breakthrough solution for quality assessment that provides...

First bluetooth module for laser shaft alignment in hazardous areas

Ludeca Inc. introduced its first wireless module for laser alignment certified for use in explosive environments. This unique wireless module operates with the Optalign smart Ex or Rotalign smart Ex laser shaft alignment systems by Pruetechnik. Only...

Uncover oil-based fluid leaks with new industrial leak detection kit

Spectronics Corp. introduced the OPK-341 Industrial Leak Detection Kit, an effective and efficient way to pinpoint the exact source of all fluid leaks in hydraulic equipment, compressors, engines, gearboxes, fuel and other synthetic and petroleum-based...

Rolled Alloys announces new facility

Rolled Alloys will open its newest facility in South Carolina. The new 33,000 sq. ft. service center will feature an extensive inventory of stainless and alloy bar products and processing equipment. The facility is expected to be operating no later...

Watlow announces new vice president, Operations

Watlow , a designer and manufacturer of complete thermal systems, announced that Jim Rowland joined the company as vice president, Operations. Rowland comes to Watlow with more than 20 years of professional experience in manufacturing, human resources...

Norgren Inc. moves distribution center

Citing improved efficiency and closer proximity to customers, Norgren Inc. , is insourcing its distribution and moving the operation to Louisville, Ky. From this new location, more than 70 percent of orders will be in transit three days or less....

New WorleyParsons location manager for eastern operations

WorleyParsons appointed Walter MacFarland as senior vice president, location manager for Eastern Operations. MacFarland has more than 40 years of operational and project management experience, covering a broad range of projects and market sectors...

New Tranter service center in Mexico

Tranter announced the opening of its newest service facility located in Queretaro, Mexico. The facility has been in the planning stages since the fall of 2011 and opened its doors on March 1, 2012. Tranter is the only heat exchanger manufacturer...

Walt Kusnier joins Messinger Bearings

Messinger Bearings, a Kingsbury Inc. brand, welcomed Walt Kusnier to the company effective Jan. 23, 2012. Kusnier has more than 35 years of expertise in the rolling element bearing industry, and is an alumnus of the Michigan Technological University...

Former Polychromix CEO to lead Spectro Inc.

  Spectro Inc. , a provider of instrumentation and software for machine condition monitoring and preventive maintenance, appointed Brian Mitchell as president and CEO. Mitchell is a 30-year veteran in the optical instrumentation industry and...

Dover’s Pump Solutions Group acquires Quattroflow Fluid Systems

Pump Solutions Group , a business unit of Dover Corp., announced the acquisition of Quattroflow Fluid System GmbH & Co. KG in Germany.  Quattroflow’s positive displacement pumps incorporate a 4 piston-diaphragm technology with no...

May 22-23, 2012
Coal Quality & Combustion Class

Versailles, Ky. www.coalcombustion.com

June 5-7, 2012
Electric Utility Chemistry Workshop

Champaign, Ill. www.conferences.uiuc.edu

June 6-8, 2012
Modern Solutions Power Systems Conference

Chicago, Ill. www.selinc.com

June 5-9, 2012
2012 Hydraulic Institute Technical Meeting

Denver, Colo. www.pumps.org/12Technical

June 26-27, 2012
Coal Quality & Combustion Class

Gillette, Wyo. www.coalcombustion.com