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Generating Efficient Calibration for ATCO Power

ControlGlobal.com
01/10/2012

By Beamex

ATCO Power develops, manages and owns independent power generation plants. These plants are  technologically advanced and environmentally progressive in nature. ATCO generates approximately 5,000 megawatts of power through 19 plants worldwide. Sixteen of these plants are operated by ATCO Power in Canada and the United Kingdom while three are located in Australia operated by ATCO Australia. Alberta-based ATCO Ltd., holds assets of approximately $11 billion. The company has over 8,000 employees.

ATCO Power is a division of the ATCO Group of Companies. One of ATCO Power's largest plants in Alberta is the 670 MW Battle River Generating Station. This coal-fired generating station produces an electric capacity of 670 megawatts. There are three main units at the plant, named Units 3, 4 & 5. Alstom boilers and General Electric turbine-generators make up Units 3 and 4. An Alstom boiler and a Hitachi turbine-generator are contained in Unit 5. The station has been in operation since 1956. Coal-fired generating stations, like Battle River, produce the bulk of Alberta's electricity.

The Electrical & Instrumentation Department at Battle River is responsible for maintaining and calibrating all instrumentation, including transmitters, switches and thermocouples. Shane Haugen and Kurt Voss are Instrumentation Engineering Technologists at Battle River.

The Electrical & Instrumentation Department's main goal is to function as a Preventative & Predictive Maintenance team. Shane and Kurt perform weekly calibrations and troubleshooting as a routine part of maintaining the process system and preventing incidents. Calibration also plays a vital role during plant shutdowns and turnarounds.

Download this case study to learn how ATCO Power generates efficient calibration at its plant.