Power Engineering Mod 1

History of Power Engineering The stage for Power Engineering was set at the beginning of the eighteenth century when the first steam engines were built. The introduction of steam power marked the start of an industrial society. Man would now be able to break free from his limiting dependence “on human and animal muscle, wind and water.” Steam power grew by 60% every decade between 1940 to With the age of steam, boiler explosions became relatively common. The pace was frantic, an no one monitored safety. In 1910, an average of 25 boiler explosions occurred each week and this amounted to nearly one death for every day of the year.

History of Power Engineering In 1911, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) formed the boiler code committee and in 1914 published its first boiler design and construction code. These codes were adopted by all the provinces of Canada and form part of the regulations to the Acts. In Alberta, the Boiler Branch (now ABSA) was formed in 1905 to enforce the legislation and ensure the safe operation of boilers and pressure vessels. In Saskatchewan it is called Technical Safety Authority (Tsask) To protect life and property, it became necessary to certify the people who would operate boilers and pressure vessels. Despite stringent regulations, accidents still occur, but with much less frequency. In 1980,1,900 accidents resulting in 20 deaths and 100 injuries were recorded

Power Engineers There are several classes of Power Engineering licenses. Each class specifies the steam pressure and horse power of the equipment the engineer can operate without supervision.” Power Engineers operate power plants of different types and sizes. –Hydroelectric plants –Thermo-generating plants –Nuclear generating plants –Solar energy power plants Power Engineers also operate Heating and air- conditioning systems in large buildings.

Duties of a 4 th Class Power Engineer Power engineers are responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of industrial equipment such as boilers, steam and gas turbines, generators, gas and diesel internal combustion engines, pumps, condensers, compressors, pressure vessels and related controls. In large industrial or building complexes, they also may be responsible for heating, air- conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, fire systems and building control systems.

Tasks of a 4 th Class Power Engineer Responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, power engineers: –ensure that safety codes and other applicable regulations are followed –use computerized systems to control, start, shut down and track the operation of boilers and related equipment, or use automatic or manual controls monitor alarms, gauges and other instruments associated with plant operations –trouble shoot and take corrective action to prevent equipment or system failures. –isolate and lock out equipment mechanically and electrically for inspection and repair –ensure that equipment and processes operate at maximum efficiency –take chemical tests of boiler water and other process samples, interpret them and determine appropriate chemical treatments –assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures –maintain a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities investigate and report on safety-related accidents or incidents –write reports about plant operation –work with outside agencies, consultants and contractors

Responsibilities of a Power Engineer As a power engineer, you have a number of responsibilities under the Safety Codes Act, Power Engineers Regulation, and other pressure equipment regulations. Some of the responsibilities of a power engineer are: when not holding a valid certificate of competency, shall not control, operate, supervise, or undertake any pressure equipment, process, or activity to which the Safety Codes Act applies, if this Act requires that the person hold a certificate of competency to do so shall not use, operate, or place under pressure a boiler or pressure vessel unless an inspection/certification permit has been issued for it must take reasonable actions necessary to maintain pressure equipment (power plant, heating plant, or thermal liquid heating system) in a safe condition shall not operate pressure equipment if under the opinion that it is unsafe to do so

Responsibilities of a Power Engineer shall not operate pressure equipment contrary to the Safety Codes Act and Regulations, or contrary to any code, standard, or body of rules declared to be in force pursuant to the Act ensure that a log book is updated and maintained to record matters relating to the operation and maintenance of the pressure equipment. Such records shall include information on equipment operation, testing, and servicing of safety valves and other safety devices and controls, and any other matters that may affect the safety of the pressure equipment. do not supervise pressure equipment exceeding the scope of practice (as outlined in the following section) that your certificate of competency authorizes display your valid certificate of competency in a conspicuous place on the premises when working in a power plant, heating plant, or thermal liquid heating system renew your certificate of competency annually before the certificate expires

Responsibilities of a Power Engineer

Working Conditions Working conditions vary considerably in this occupation. In junior positions, power engineers may be exposed to high noise levels, high temperatures, high humidity, all types of outdoor weather conditions, dust, grease, hazardous chemicals or unpleasant odours. For example, those working in coal-fired power generating stations are exposed to coal dust and fly ash. In large plants, power engineers may be required to enter confined spaces or inspect equipment located at extreme heights. Power engineers in senior positions often work in climate controlled environments or offices. Lifting items that weigh up to 20 kilograms may be an occasional or regular part of the work. Safety precautions and procedures must be observed to reduce the risk of injury. Some plants do not allow smoking anywhere on site. Power engineers often work shifts, weekends, holidays and emergency overtime to accommodate continuous production.

Shift Work In most large plants that operate 24 hrs per day a 12 hour shift schedule is used. A common theme with 12 hour shifts is to use a 42 hour work week with the workers gaining 2 hours per week towards “Earned Days OFF”. At plants that have less than a 40 hour work week the workers accumulate more “EDO’S”. Operations that do not require 24 hour coverage still use the 8 hour shift may have the working hours as 7am – 3 pm then 3 pm – 11 pm. When working shift it is important for the worker to follow certain nutritional guide lines to make the move from day shift to night shift as smooth as possible i.e. do not drink caffeine drinks within 4 hours of sleep time.

Employment and Advancement Power engineers may be employed in any industry in which boilers are used. For example, they may be employed in: –gas plants –power generating plants –heavy oil plants –petrochemical plants –pulp mills –plastic plants –breweries –food production plants –refineries –hospitals –hotels –schools and other institutions –office and apartment complexes Competition for entry level positions is keen, especially at the third, fourth and fifth class Power Engineer levels. Advancement to more responsible positions usually requires higher levels of certification. However, higher level certificates do not guarantee promotion.

Salary Earnings for power engineers vary according to the level of certificate held, the responsibilities of the position, and the location and size of the employing organization. According to the 2007 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Stationary Engineers and Auxilliary Equipment Operators occupational group working part-time or full-time earned from $40,000 to $79,500 a year. The average salary was $55,800 a year.2007 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

Personal Characteristics Power engineers need the following characteristics: –mechanical and electrical aptitude –good vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand co-ordination –good communication skills in person and in writing –good organizational and decision-making skills –the ability to work well with others in a team environment