Utilities – Steam and Power: Generation & Distribution
At The Fitch Company, we understand steam, and steam power distribution. Our staff has particular expertise in boilers and boiler combustion controls. Because boilers produce a utility and not a product, many facilities boilers are allowed to operate with older, unreliable controls and instrumentation. We can assist with needed upgrades to these systems. Others may need upgrades because of environmental issues. We also know that a product does not get made without this vital system. That’s where we come in.
Boiler & Steam Systems Application Process
Our highly skilled engineers will tackle a boiler upgrade just like any automation project – by first understanding how the process currently works. Our engineers survey the existing control system, field instruments and motor interlocks. A diagram of the boiler and related processes is developed in order to understand how the boiler is currently controlled. We listen to the operators and other facility staff to determine what works well and what doesn’t. Designers take all of this information gathered and depict the strategy using standard Scientific Apparatus Manufacturers Association (SAMA) documentation.
Next, we work with our clients to specify any new instrumentation and control hardware required for either the boiler controls or the burner management system. For BMS upgrades, Fitch provides detailed design, software configuration, construction coordination, and start-up services. Our staff then develop the wiring diagrams needed for installation and a new boiler control strategy. The existing system is used as a base and incorporates input from boiler operators.
The Fitch Company has developed and programmed boiler systems using several vendor control systems. Since boiler upgrades typically necessitate a change from panel-based indicators and controls to graphic displays, we offer operator training to assist with the transition.
We also provide around-the-clock attention from our design and programming engineers for every boiler start-up, and test the boiler operation at several loads and through several upset conditions to verify that the control strategy is tuned to handle “normal” plant operation. We then finalize the record drawings for the upgrade and file all documentation with your facility.
