Operator Training

Potlatch Steam Facility

Comprehensive Operator Training Program

Owner: Potlatch Corporation

Project Location: Warren, Arkansas

Project Completion: August 1998

Project Description:

ESI conducted a complete training for all utilities operation, instrumentation, and maintenance personnel at the existing Potlatch facility in Warren, Arkansas. This training was conducted with the two-fold purpose of improving the proficiency of the utilities personnel while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the boiler plant. The ESI training consisted of hands-on and classroom sessions for multiple shifts of personnel over a two week period. ESI collated the equipment manufacturer supplied information into a cohesive operating and maintenance (O&M) manual as well as developing a customized operator’s training guide (OTG) which was issued to all operations personnel. The customized OTG included technical discussions of specific plant equipment as well as power plant basics (properties of steam, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, combustion basics, and steam systems) and sections on safety and detailed operating instructions. ESI worked with the operators to improve the combustion and plant efficiency as well as tune the system for optimal performance. The steam plant facility consisted of one 60,000 pph Wellons cell type batch fired wood waste fuel boiler with water cooled grate, fuel handling system (conveyors, hogs, sizing classification system, silos, etc.), air pollution control equipment (mechanical collector and electrostatic precipitator), ash removal and re-injection system, sootblowing system, economizers, make-up water system (demineralized water system, deaerator, boiler feedwater pumps, etc.), steam distribution system, condensate system, compressed air system, blowdown system, chemical feed system, controls & instrumentation, and the boiler control system.