Electric Power Generation

As use of Selective Catalytic Reduction units has increased in preparation to meet fully-operational EPA mandates by 2009, HRI has been called in to do a significant amount of work on SCR units throughout the industry. SCR units must first be locked out and made safe for technicians to enter, but the boiler may continue to operate at full capacity throughout maintenance and/or repairs. While the unit is still in extreme-heat conditions, HRI technicians can remove test blocks, inspect the unit, and clean the unit by vacuuming fly ash off the catalyst blocks and screens to increase efficiency.

Test block removal, unit cleaning and unit inspections can be scheduled in advance as well as performed in emergency situations.

When precipitator emissions levels rise too high — or efficiency levels drop too low — HRI can remove broken and ground out electrodes and inspect the precipitator for any other defects. HRI technicians perform maintenance and inspections after the precipitator has been locked out and made safe to enter, but the boiler may remain online while technicians work. Maintenance and inspection of the unit can typically be completed in a matter of mere hours, allowing you to reenergize bays and resume operations quickly at increased efficiency levels.

HRI technicians can also perform video inspections of precipitators and larger repairs to precipitators as necessary.

When expansion joints develop holes, rip out, or deteriorate from acid eating through their material, the hot, noxious gases that escape from the connecting line make the immediate area hazardous for workers. Regardless of whether the expansion joint's parent material is fabric or metallic in nature, HRI can patch or replace damaged expansion joints while the units are still in complete operation.

HRI technicians are often called upon to rebalance ID and FD fans that are typically from 8 to 12 feet in diameter. Since these tons-heavy fans are balanced to the ounce for smoother spinning, HRI cuts or adds weights to a fan with precision to balance it. In the process of rebalancing, HRI technicians can also perform fan inspections, checking housings for any additional problems that need to be addressed.

• Soot blowers
• Ash hoppers and burners
• Ductwork
• Dampers
• Coal piping
• Valves
• Feed water heaters
• Tube repairs