Risk Management - Taking the pressure
Before 1989, the Factories Act 1961 detailed the requirements for the examination of, and reporting on, steam and air plant within the power industry by the Competent Person (often the insurance company). Where water tube boilers were concerned, the Competent Person typically reported on three main components: the economiser, the boiler and the superheater. Inspections carried out to certify a boiler would include advice from technical bodies - in-service specialist bodies. Examples of these bodies today include E.ON's Power Technology division and RWE Innogy's specialist staff, based at Swindon.
Safety that boosts the bottom line
In a world where the failure of even a modest-sized steam boiler can cause millions of pounds' worth of damage, as well as injuries and even fatalities, the management of risk should always figure high on the agenda of any business.
Keeping it simple saves cash
Factory services like compressed air and steam systems are classic examples of functions that are only noticed when they go wrong. Nowadays, like - thankfully - modern cars, these systems can be relied upon to work consistently. But - also like cars - this reliability often means that failures are more painful, because you're less well prepared. And, while your car not starting in the morning just means you'll be late for work, your air or steam supply failing will usually have a catastrophic effect on the entire operation.
Steaming efficiency
Engineers know there are significant opportunities for improving energy efficiency in boiler houses - saving cost and reducing carbon footprint, while also helping users to be eligible for the Carbon Trust's Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme. Yet they also know they rarely attract the investment they need. And, even when they do, less than ideal instrumentation is too frequently chosen for the job.
Atomic kitten
Ever wondered about nuclear submarines and the issues for plant engineers in operational and supporting roles, either onboard or dockside? Andrew Law, specialist in the operational plant support department at Rolls-Royce Nuclear Propulsion Systems, is your man.
The pressure is on
In the post Buncefield era, both the HSE and competent persons have been finding plant operators failing in their statutory duty. Brian Tinham reports
Under pressure
Boiler plant safety is generally well understood, but the demands of work may leave pressure systems exposed to danger. Brian Tinham re-examines concerns and best practice
Unreasonable engineering
So how do you fancy a bit of unreasonable engineering? How about building a variable speed electric motor, rated at 2.5MW for pumping operations 3,000 metres down on the sea bed? Oh, and, for good measure, let's have it driven by an 11kV supply 30km away, and plan for a design life of 15 years, with minimum time between interventions of five years.