Stephen A. Fairfax, President, MTechnology, Inc. Steve Fairfax frequently makes presentations to power industry organizations and has published numerous papers on issues of high availability, engineering, and practical applications.
It's All About Attitude
Sam Glenn, President, Sam Glenn Presentations Attitude affects every aspect of our lives: business, career, family, relationships, health--you name it. The right attitude will profit us always. The wrong, average, so-so attitude will work to defeat us and keep us from what we desire and deserve. This is not your normal "attitude pep talk." You will be amazed by the insight of how the right attitude can take you and every aspect of your life to a whole new level.
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
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Distributed Generation From Both Sides of the Fence
A panel discussion consisting of end-users and equipment suppliers detailing the economics, design and operating theories of CHP systems.
Panelists:
* Vince J. Canino, Vice President Business Development, DG Energy, LLC
* Kevin Best, CEO, Real Energy LLC
* Gerrit Marks, Major Projects Manager, Hawthorne Power Systems
The State of the Market
Ray Kacvinsky, V. P. Power Generation, Marathon Electric Mfg. Corp. This presentation will review EGSA generator statistics through the turbulent times of 1999 thru 2004. There are some very interesting observations by kilowatt range. A comparison will be made to some other industry information. He will then apply an economic early warning technique to these statistics to provide a near-future look at the On-Site Power market.
Understanding Home Standby Generators
Charlie Habic, Vice President of Manufacturing, Gillette Mfg., Inc. This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the many variables in planning back-up power for homes. Each of the main points and recommendations on the appropriate path to take will be discussed.
BREAKOUT SESSION
Educational content tailored exclusively to the needs of On-Site Power Distributor/Dealers!
Rental Fleet Management
Steve Garceau, General Sales Manager, Hawthorne Power Systems
A detailed presentation on the specifications, utilization, maintenance, advertising, retirement and overall economics of rental fleet operations.
MANUFACTURERS SHOWCASE
The exhibit hall is open for 2 hours during the Conference, thus allowing ample time for Exhibitors to interact with attendees. Manufacturers, Manufacturer's Reps, Consultants, or any company that offers a service to Distributor/Dealers are encouraged to exhibit in the Showcase. Here, they will interact with Manufacturers, Distributor/Dealers, Manufacturer's Reps, and Consultants who are interested in On-Site Power products and services. Call EGSA to reserve your tabletop today!
EGSA GOLF TOURNAMENT
Participate in EGSA's Golf Tournament and you may be the lucky golfer to win $10,000 cash at our hole-in-one contest. You also may compete for the "longest drive" and "closest to the pin." Each player will receive a Golf Sponsor "Goodie Bag" filled with valuable items. All golf contest winners will be announced during our Closing Reception on Tuesday night and golf raffle prizes also will be given away.
The designers and builders have created three lakes, five waterfalls, and provided for more than 40 acres of native wildflowers throughout the course. Dramatic, natural rock features and sweeping elevation changes combined with superb playing conditions and unsurpassed service make the Maderas Golf Club a truly unforgettable experience. Don't forget to register for the Golf Tournament when you register for the Annual Spring Convention!
Friday, April 06, 2007
EGSA Bylaws
1. They manufacture prime movers for power generation.
2. They manufacture generators or other power conversion devices producing electricity.
3. They manufacture switchgear or electrical control devices
4. They manufacture or assemble generator sets, UPS systems, solar power, hydropower, geothermal, or any other power production or conversion system including related components, or accessories for national or regional distribution.
5. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of a firm which qualifies under rule one through four.
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b. Distributor/Dealer Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged as a distributor or dealer for products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Distributor/Dealer. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a., it is not qualified under this section.
c. Manufacturer's Representative Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged in the representation of products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Manufacturer's Representative. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a, or b, it is not qualified under this section.
d. Energy Management Company
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation engaged in energy management, including Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Integrators, Aggregators, and other similar enterprises may apply for Full Membership as an Energy Management Company.
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation meeting the requirements of Section 2-Associate Membership, may apply for full membership at their option to enjoy the privileges of Full Membership under Section 4, Paragraph a. Initiation fees and annual dues will be assessed at the existing non-manufacturers full member rates.
Section 2. Associate Membership
a. Any trade publication dealing with the electrical generating systems industry or its suppliers may apply for Associate Membership-Trade Publications.
b. Any trade association made up of individual or company members sharing a common interest in the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Allied Associations.
c. Any consulting or specifying engineer may apply for Associate Membership-Engineer. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
d. Any individual employee of a company who owns or operates electrical generating equipment and/or related switchgear or components, whose responsibility to his employer includes planning, design, installation, supervision, or service of such equipment may apply for Associate Membership-User. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
e. Any individual or organization that offers services such as research, testing, or repair to the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Services. Membership may either be held in the individual's name or the organization's name under this classification. Individual companies whose employer or parent organizations qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
Any individual who retires from a member company may apply for Associate Membership-Retired. This classification does not apply to any individual who is employed more than 20 hours per week.
g. Any individual currently enrolled at an academic institution may apply for Associate Membership-Student.
h. Any postsecondary vocational-technical school or college offering onsite power generation-related instruction may apply for Association Membership-Education Institution.
Section 3. Election of Members
Application for membership shall be made to the Association in writing on a form approved by the Board of Directors. The election of an applicant to membership shall be by majority vote of the Board of Directors at a Board of Directors meeting or by Mail Ballot.
2. They manufacture generators or other power conversion devices producing electricity.
3. They manufacture switchgear or electrical control devices
4. They manufacture or assemble generator sets, UPS systems, solar power, hydropower, geothermal, or any other power production or conversion system including related components, or accessories for national or regional distribution.
5. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of a firm which qualifies under rule one through four.
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b. Distributor/Dealer Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged as a distributor or dealer for products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Distributor/Dealer. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a., it is not qualified under this section.
c. Manufacturer's Representative Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged in the representation of products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Manufacturer's Representative. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a, or b, it is not qualified under this section.
d. Energy Management Company
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation engaged in energy management, including Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Integrators, Aggregators, and other similar enterprises may apply for Full Membership as an Energy Management Company.
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation meeting the requirements of Section 2-Associate Membership, may apply for full membership at their option to enjoy the privileges of Full Membership under Section 4, Paragraph a. Initiation fees and annual dues will be assessed at the existing non-manufacturers full member rates.
Section 2. Associate Membership
a. Any trade publication dealing with the electrical generating systems industry or its suppliers may apply for Associate Membership-Trade Publications.
b. Any trade association made up of individual or company members sharing a common interest in the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Allied Associations.
c. Any consulting or specifying engineer may apply for Associate Membership-Engineer. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
d. Any individual employee of a company who owns or operates electrical generating equipment and/or related switchgear or components, whose responsibility to his employer includes planning, design, installation, supervision, or service of such equipment may apply for Associate Membership-User. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
e. Any individual or organization that offers services such as research, testing, or repair to the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Services. Membership may either be held in the individual's name or the organization's name under this classification. Individual companies whose employer or parent organizations qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
Any individual who retires from a member company may apply for Associate Membership-Retired. This classification does not apply to any individual who is employed more than 20 hours per week.
g. Any individual currently enrolled at an academic institution may apply for Associate Membership-Student.
h. Any postsecondary vocational-technical school or college offering onsite power generation-related instruction may apply for Association Membership-Education Institution.
Section 3. Election of Members
Application for membership shall be made to the Association in writing on a form approved by the Board of Directors. The election of an applicant to membership shall be by majority vote of the Board of Directors at a Board of Directors meeting or by Mail Ballot.
EGSA Bylaws
1. They manufacture prime movers for power generation.
2. They manufacture generators or other power conversion devices producing electricity.
3. They manufacture switchgear or electrical control devices
4. They manufacture or assemble generator sets, UPS systems, solar power, hydropower, geothermal, or any other power production or conversion system including related components, or accessories for national or regional distribution.
5. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of a firm which qualifies under rule one through four.
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b. Distributor/Dealer Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged as a distributor or dealer for products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Distributor/Dealer. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a., it is not qualified under this section.
c. Manufacturer's Representative Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged in the representation of products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Manufacturer's Representative. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a, or b, it is not qualified under this section.
d. Energy Management Company
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation engaged in energy management, including Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Integrators, Aggregators, and other similar enterprises may apply for Full Membership as an Energy Management Company.
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation meeting the requirements of Section 2-Associate Membership, may apply for full membership at their option to enjoy the privileges of Full Membership under Section 4, Paragraph a. Initiation fees and annual dues will be assessed at the existing non-manufacturers full member rates.
Section 2. Associate Membership
a. Any trade publication dealing with the electrical generating systems industry or its suppliers may apply for Associate Membership-Trade Publications.
b. Any trade association made up of individual or company members sharing a common interest in the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Allied Associations.
c. Any consulting or specifying engineer may apply for Associate Membership-Engineer. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
d. Any individual employee of a company who owns or operates electrical generating equipment and/or related switchgear or components, whose responsibility to his employer includes planning, design, installation, supervision, or service of such equipment may apply for Associate Membership-User. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
e. Any individual or organization that offers services such as research, testing, or repair to the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Services. Membership may either be held in the individual's name or the organization's name under this classification. Individual companies whose employer or parent organizations qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
Any individual who retires from a member company may apply for Associate Membership-Retired. This classification does not apply to any individual who is employed more than 20 hours per week.
g. Any individual currently enrolled at an academic institution may apply for Associate Membership-Student.
h. Any postsecondary vocational-technical school or college offering onsite power generation-related instruction may apply for Association Membership-Education Institution.
Section 3. Election of Members
Application for membership shall be made to the Association in writing on a form approved by the Board of Directors. The election of an applicant to membership shall be by majority vote of the Board of Directors at a Board of Directors meeting or by Mail Ballot.
2. They manufacture generators or other power conversion devices producing electricity.
3. They manufacture switchgear or electrical control devices
4. They manufacture or assemble generator sets, UPS systems, solar power, hydropower, geothermal, or any other power production or conversion system including related components, or accessories for national or regional distribution.
5. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of a firm which qualifies under rule one through four.
Advertisement
b. Distributor/Dealer Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged as a distributor or dealer for products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Distributor/Dealer. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a., it is not qualified under this section.
c. Manufacturer's Representative Membership
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation actively engaged in the representation of products listed under manufacturers, Section 1, Paragraph a., may apply for full membership as a Manufacturer's Representative. If an organization qualifies under Section 1, Paragraph a, or b, it is not qualified under this section.
d. Energy Management Company
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation engaged in energy management, including Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Integrators, Aggregators, and other similar enterprises may apply for Full Membership as an Energy Management Company.
Any individual, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation meeting the requirements of Section 2-Associate Membership, may apply for full membership at their option to enjoy the privileges of Full Membership under Section 4, Paragraph a. Initiation fees and annual dues will be assessed at the existing non-manufacturers full member rates.
Section 2. Associate Membership
a. Any trade publication dealing with the electrical generating systems industry or its suppliers may apply for Associate Membership-Trade Publications.
b. Any trade association made up of individual or company members sharing a common interest in the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Allied Associations.
c. Any consulting or specifying engineer may apply for Associate Membership-Engineer. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
d. Any individual employee of a company who owns or operates electrical generating equipment and/or related switchgear or components, whose responsibility to his employer includes planning, design, installation, supervision, or service of such equipment may apply for Associate Membership-User. Membership may either be held in the employer's name or individual's name under this classification. Individuals whose employer qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
e. Any individual or organization that offers services such as research, testing, or repair to the electrical generating systems industry may apply for Associate Membership-Services. Membership may either be held in the individual's name or the organization's name under this classification. Individual companies whose employer or parent organizations qualifies as a Full Member, as described in Section 1, do not qualify for this category.
Any individual who retires from a member company may apply for Associate Membership-Retired. This classification does not apply to any individual who is employed more than 20 hours per week.
g. Any individual currently enrolled at an academic institution may apply for Associate Membership-Student.
h. Any postsecondary vocational-technical school or college offering onsite power generation-related instruction may apply for Association Membership-Education Institution.
Section 3. Election of Members
Application for membership shall be made to the Association in writing on a form approved by the Board of Directors. The election of an applicant to membership shall be by majority vote of the Board of Directors at a Board of Directors meeting or by Mail Ballot.
Impco launches Eclipse engine management system: heavy-duty, spark-ignition gas engine markets targeted; same technology for on-and off-highway; allia
Impco Technologies Inc. is introducing Eclipse, a new product line designed specifically for the heavy-duty spark-ignition gas engine market-place. "The Eclipse product line is an engine management solution for transportation and industrial markets, with OEM and aftermarket engine applications." said Mike LaPlante, director of sales for the Cerritos, Calif., manufacturer.
The Eclipse heavy-duty product line strategy is built around Impco's core products, with additional technology applied in a building Nock approach, technologically matched to increasing levels of global emissions requirements, LaPlante said.
The system can be used with both naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines and is offered in four series--Eclipse I, II, III, IV, which Impco said achieves progressively more stringent emission standards for global proliferation.
"We looked at what our customers will need over the next decade, where more stringent emission standards and improved fuel economy will be major market drivers" LaPlante said. "The Eclipse system is designed to provide unparalleled flexibility for upgrading to obtain emission targets and proven technology for longevity of the engine."
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LaPlante described Eclipse as a full-featured, integrated engine management system for natural gas (CNG, LNG) and LPG heavy-duty engines. The system includes an array of fuel metering technologies constructed in a building block approach based on Impco's existing air/gas mixer, and adding solenoid and electronic pressure regulation enhancements with port fuel and hybrid injection options.
Eclipse employs closed loop feedback and feed-forward fueling strategies, for the control of single point, multipoint and hybrid fuel injection techniques. The system can be configured for both stoichiometric and lean-burn air fuel ratios for naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines.
"The nature of stoichiometric internal combustion requires the use of a three-way exhaust gas catalyst in the system to attain emissions that are compliant with government regulations," LaPlante said. A two-way oxidation catalyst for lean-burn fueling strategies is used to achieve compliance for more stringent emissions standards.
Eclipse has a 24 V CAN Link-enabled engine control unit that has advanced control algorithms capable of precise fuel and air metering management with diagnostics, feedback and feed-forward strategies.
Further, LaPlante said, Eclipse features 10,000-hour target durability, sensors to provide fault indication, and a fail-safe design for engine protection. Additional features include drive-by-wire, vehicle speed limiting, electronic governing, knock detection and abatement, and electronically optimized turbocharger boost via electronic wastegate control.
In bringing Eclipse to market, Impco is looking at a multitude of application possibilities. These include: fuel and spark control systems for gaseous fuel optimized engines; remanufacturing of a diesel engine to gaseous fuel operation using OEM available engine components; diesel-based engine development for gaseous fuel operation and engine management system application; and vehicle intergration.
LaPlante said the same Eclipse technologies can be used for both on-highway and off-highway applications. On-highway applications as transit buses, refuse and cargo vehicles are bring target, ed. Stationary applications would encompass engines with a limited range of speedload operating conditions, e.g., idle to wide open throttle, between 50 hp and 5000 hp. The most common uses are expected to be generator sets, gas compression, drilling and pumping applications.
The launch of the Eclipse system also includes a pair of strategic alliances with E-Controls and Lotus Engineering. The agreement with E-Controls involves the development of proprietary electronic control technology for Impco's commercial product lines. As a result, "the heavy-duty product line has adopted the same ECU technology Impco uses in its material handling applications."
The strategic alliance with Lotus involves, "leveraging each other's resources to provide alternative fuel solutions. This is not an exclusivity agreement, however it does allow Impco to engage with Lotus on a project-by-project basis," LaPlante said.
In cooperation with Lotus, Impco will develop the engine modifications, and then integrate the Eclipse engine management system to the engine. This would include base engine modifications for compatibility with gaseous fuels and calibration to enable power and emission specifications to be achieved.
The Eclipse heavy-duty product line strategy is built around Impco's core products, with additional technology applied in a building Nock approach, technologically matched to increasing levels of global emissions requirements, LaPlante said.
The system can be used with both naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines and is offered in four series--Eclipse I, II, III, IV, which Impco said achieves progressively more stringent emission standards for global proliferation.
"We looked at what our customers will need over the next decade, where more stringent emission standards and improved fuel economy will be major market drivers" LaPlante said. "The Eclipse system is designed to provide unparalleled flexibility for upgrading to obtain emission targets and proven technology for longevity of the engine."
Advertisement
LaPlante described Eclipse as a full-featured, integrated engine management system for natural gas (CNG, LNG) and LPG heavy-duty engines. The system includes an array of fuel metering technologies constructed in a building block approach based on Impco's existing air/gas mixer, and adding solenoid and electronic pressure regulation enhancements with port fuel and hybrid injection options.
Eclipse employs closed loop feedback and feed-forward fueling strategies, for the control of single point, multipoint and hybrid fuel injection techniques. The system can be configured for both stoichiometric and lean-burn air fuel ratios for naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines.
"The nature of stoichiometric internal combustion requires the use of a three-way exhaust gas catalyst in the system to attain emissions that are compliant with government regulations," LaPlante said. A two-way oxidation catalyst for lean-burn fueling strategies is used to achieve compliance for more stringent emissions standards.
Eclipse has a 24 V CAN Link-enabled engine control unit that has advanced control algorithms capable of precise fuel and air metering management with diagnostics, feedback and feed-forward strategies.
Further, LaPlante said, Eclipse features 10,000-hour target durability, sensors to provide fault indication, and a fail-safe design for engine protection. Additional features include drive-by-wire, vehicle speed limiting, electronic governing, knock detection and abatement, and electronically optimized turbocharger boost via electronic wastegate control.
In bringing Eclipse to market, Impco is looking at a multitude of application possibilities. These include: fuel and spark control systems for gaseous fuel optimized engines; remanufacturing of a diesel engine to gaseous fuel operation using OEM available engine components; diesel-based engine development for gaseous fuel operation and engine management system application; and vehicle intergration.
LaPlante said the same Eclipse technologies can be used for both on-highway and off-highway applications. On-highway applications as transit buses, refuse and cargo vehicles are bring target, ed. Stationary applications would encompass engines with a limited range of speedload operating conditions, e.g., idle to wide open throttle, between 50 hp and 5000 hp. The most common uses are expected to be generator sets, gas compression, drilling and pumping applications.
The launch of the Eclipse system also includes a pair of strategic alliances with E-Controls and Lotus Engineering. The agreement with E-Controls involves the development of proprietary electronic control technology for Impco's commercial product lines. As a result, "the heavy-duty product line has adopted the same ECU technology Impco uses in its material handling applications."
The strategic alliance with Lotus involves, "leveraging each other's resources to provide alternative fuel solutions. This is not an exclusivity agreement, however it does allow Impco to engage with Lotus on a project-by-project basis," LaPlante said.
In cooperation with Lotus, Impco will develop the engine modifications, and then integrate the Eclipse engine management system to the engine. This would include base engine modifications for compatibility with gaseous fuels and calibration to enable power and emission specifications to be achieved.
New single-speed gen-set controller
Woodward has expanded its digital engine control systems with the introduction of the APECS 500 single-speed electronic engine controller. Woodward said the APECS 500 is designed as a low cost, easy-to-operate control primarily for small generator set manufacturers.
According to Woodward, the APECS 500 controller combines the convenience of manual adjustments with the flexibility of a computer-based calibration tool. Electrical connections consist of six wires for the battery, actuator and magnetic speed pickup. For most applications, APECS 500 can be connected and adjusted with simple hand tools. The controller has a multi-turn potentiometer for speed adjustment and a single-turn potentiometer for gain adjustment, Woodward said.
The APECS 500 is designed to control engine speed by adjusting the fuel-control lever or engine throttle with a Woodward APECS or EPG proportional actuator. The controller will maintain fixed engine speed regardless of load, provided that the engine's available power is not exceeded (i.e., isochronous operation).
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Additionally, Woodward stud the control can be optimized for specific applications using the available APECS calibration tool (ACT), a Windows-based program that can configure a number of parameters, including: proportional, integral and derivative gains; overspeed shutdown and delay; underspeed shutdown and delay; crank-to-run transition speed; warmup speed and time; start-up gains; offset to actuator command; and battery voltage compensation.
According to Woodward, the APECS 500 controller combines the convenience of manual adjustments with the flexibility of a computer-based calibration tool. Electrical connections consist of six wires for the battery, actuator and magnetic speed pickup. For most applications, APECS 500 can be connected and adjusted with simple hand tools. The controller has a multi-turn potentiometer for speed adjustment and a single-turn potentiometer for gain adjustment, Woodward said.
The APECS 500 is designed to control engine speed by adjusting the fuel-control lever or engine throttle with a Woodward APECS or EPG proportional actuator. The controller will maintain fixed engine speed regardless of load, provided that the engine's available power is not exceeded (i.e., isochronous operation).
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Additionally, Woodward stud the control can be optimized for specific applications using the available APECS calibration tool (ACT), a Windows-based program that can configure a number of parameters, including: proportional, integral and derivative gains; overspeed shutdown and delay; underspeed shutdown and delay; crank-to-run transition speed; warmup speed and time; start-up gains; offset to actuator command; and battery voltage compensation.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Obscuration
Smoke and other obscurants have been used in wars dating back to the ancient Greeks. On today's battlefield, smoke can counter new generations of smart weapons. Smoke is used as camouflage, as blinding smoke laid directly on enemy positions and as a decoy to confuse and mislead enemy forces. These basic smoke applications are used to increase survivability, buy maneuver time for the attacker and protect forward-assembly areas and high-priority rear areas for the defense.
Smoke particles scatter or absorb radiant energy used by troops and smart weapons for target acquisition and for weapon guidance and control. Smart weapon sensors operate in three main parts of the electromagnetic spectrum: visible, near-, mid-and far-infrared wavelengths, and millimeter wavelengths. The most effective scattering smokes are aerosols that are the same size as the operating wavelengths of the sensor to be defeated. The best smoke for the visible spectrum may be transparent in the far-infrared area. The entire chain of electro-optical, infrared and millimeter-wave devices linking a smart weapon to a target is susceptible to smoke and other obscurants. In addition to absorbing light, some smokes emit heat, which can cover or clutter the thermal images of targets.
The reflection of laser or radar beams from smoke clouds can produce false targeting information for smart weapons, which can be blinded and defeated by smoke. Battlefield obscurants allow combatants to take advantage of technology overmatch. In Operation Desert Storm, U.S. ground forces used infrared-viewer technology at night to achieve dramatic results.The Army uses several models of smoke-generation systems, including: the M56 Coyote, the M58 Wolf, the M157A2 Lynx and the M1059/ M1059A3 Lynx. In addition, the M6 countermeasure discharger provides self-screening protection to individual combat vehicles.
The M56 Coyote Smoke-Generation System (SGS) provides large-area obscuration in the visual and infrared spectra. It is a Humvee-mounted, large-area, smoke-generator system. In addition to providing enhanced spectrum coverage, the M56 system provides smoke generators with a new wheeled-vehicle platform. The system is mounted on the new expanded-capacity M1113 Humvee and provides greater payload capacity and higher mobility for supporting smoke units.
Six M56 Coyotes form a smoke platoon. They support light and airborne maneuver units by disseminating smoke on the move or from stationary positions to defeat enemy sensors and smart munitions, such as tank thermal sights, guided munitions, directed energy weapons and other systems operating in the visible through far-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The system is modular and uses a gas turbine engine to disseminate obscurants. The visual screening module is capable of vaporizing fog oil at a rate equal to the M157 smoke generator for up to 90 minutes. The infrared screening module can disseminate particulate material to provide 30 minutes of screening. M56 program planners cite the expanding global use of infrared targeting and sighting devices for prompting development of the M56 Coyote, the Army's first large-area smoke system capable of generating visible and infrared blocking screens.
The M56 Coyote was type-classified "standard" in September 1994 and was followed by an initial production contract award for 296 systems in March 1995. First-article and production verification testing were successfully completed in September 1996. By the end of February 2000, 231 systems had been fielded to U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC). Fielding continues to FORSCOM and USARC with a follow-on six-year contract.
A materiel change program to add a millimeter-wave module began in FY 2001. This program will provide extended spectral coverage to defeat threat weapon systems operating in the millimeter regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The fielding of new M56 Coyotes pushed older M157 SGSs down to lower priority units. The last chemical unit with the aging M3A4 smoke-generation systems received M56 Coyotes in the first quarter of FY 2002.
The M58 Wolf Smoke-Generation System places the capabilities of the M56 on a derivative of the tracked M113 armored personnel family. In addition to its current multispectral obscurant screening capabilities, planned materiel changes will allow the addition of a millimeter-wave (MMW) obscuration module, providing the capability to counter the threat arising from the wide proliferation of advanced visual and infrared sensors and future MMW sensors.
Smoke particles scatter or absorb radiant energy used by troops and smart weapons for target acquisition and for weapon guidance and control. Smart weapon sensors operate in three main parts of the electromagnetic spectrum: visible, near-, mid-and far-infrared wavelengths, and millimeter wavelengths. The most effective scattering smokes are aerosols that are the same size as the operating wavelengths of the sensor to be defeated. The best smoke for the visible spectrum may be transparent in the far-infrared area. The entire chain of electro-optical, infrared and millimeter-wave devices linking a smart weapon to a target is susceptible to smoke and other obscurants. In addition to absorbing light, some smokes emit heat, which can cover or clutter the thermal images of targets.
The reflection of laser or radar beams from smoke clouds can produce false targeting information for smart weapons, which can be blinded and defeated by smoke. Battlefield obscurants allow combatants to take advantage of technology overmatch. In Operation Desert Storm, U.S. ground forces used infrared-viewer technology at night to achieve dramatic results.The Army uses several models of smoke-generation systems, including: the M56 Coyote, the M58 Wolf, the M157A2 Lynx and the M1059/ M1059A3 Lynx. In addition, the M6 countermeasure discharger provides self-screening protection to individual combat vehicles.
The M56 Coyote Smoke-Generation System (SGS) provides large-area obscuration in the visual and infrared spectra. It is a Humvee-mounted, large-area, smoke-generator system. In addition to providing enhanced spectrum coverage, the M56 system provides smoke generators with a new wheeled-vehicle platform. The system is mounted on the new expanded-capacity M1113 Humvee and provides greater payload capacity and higher mobility for supporting smoke units.
Six M56 Coyotes form a smoke platoon. They support light and airborne maneuver units by disseminating smoke on the move or from stationary positions to defeat enemy sensors and smart munitions, such as tank thermal sights, guided munitions, directed energy weapons and other systems operating in the visible through far-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The system is modular and uses a gas turbine engine to disseminate obscurants. The visual screening module is capable of vaporizing fog oil at a rate equal to the M157 smoke generator for up to 90 minutes. The infrared screening module can disseminate particulate material to provide 30 minutes of screening. M56 program planners cite the expanding global use of infrared targeting and sighting devices for prompting development of the M56 Coyote, the Army's first large-area smoke system capable of generating visible and infrared blocking screens.
The M56 Coyote was type-classified "standard" in September 1994 and was followed by an initial production contract award for 296 systems in March 1995. First-article and production verification testing were successfully completed in September 1996. By the end of February 2000, 231 systems had been fielded to U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC). Fielding continues to FORSCOM and USARC with a follow-on six-year contract.
A materiel change program to add a millimeter-wave module began in FY 2001. This program will provide extended spectral coverage to defeat threat weapon systems operating in the millimeter regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The fielding of new M56 Coyotes pushed older M157 SGSs down to lower priority units. The last chemical unit with the aging M3A4 smoke-generation systems received M56 Coyotes in the first quarter of FY 2002.
The M58 Wolf Smoke-Generation System places the capabilities of the M56 on a derivative of the tracked M113 armored personnel family. In addition to its current multispectral obscurant screening capabilities, planned materiel changes will allow the addition of a millimeter-wave (MMW) obscuration module, providing the capability to counter the threat arising from the wide proliferation of advanced visual and infrared sensors and future MMW sensors.
Union Pacific to test low-emissions yard locomotive - lets contract to RailPower Technologies - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included
RailPower Technologies just nabbed a one-year demonstration deal with North American railroad giant Union Pacific (UP) to test its ultra-low-emissions "Green Goat" yard/switcher locomotive.
Not only does the locomotive claim to cut nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions about 80-90% compared to conventional switcher locomotives, but also RailPower claims that at $600,000 capital cost, it's about half the price of a conventional switcher -- and it saves about 30% on fuel while running on ordinary diesel.
Besides capital and operating cost savings seen, "it also has no impact on our fueling infrastructure as both its two generator modalities -- conventional [diesel] engine and micro-turbine -- use standard diesel fuel," UP said.
The remaining issues: Real-world performance and durability. UP hopes to learn whether the "Green Goat" technology can indeed stand up to harsh railroad operating conditions over the next year, before committing substantial dollars to purchase such units, company spokesman John Bromley told us. Green Goat uses a relatively small diesel engine or microturbine to recharge a group of lead-acid batteries that provide 2,000 horsepower, more than enough for typical railroad yard/switcher operations where many old, relatively "dirty" diesel-electric locomotives of 1,500 horsepower typically operate. Because of the avoidance of deep-cycle recharge with the system, the batteries should last 10 years, and the rather small diesel gen-set engine recharging the batteries would only need replacement once or twice over the 20-year standard life expectancy of switchers, RailPower President Gerard Koldyk told us.
Even with battery and engine replacement, the net cost to railroads would represent big savings over conventional switchers, along with big emissions reductions, Koldyk says.
UP will test the unit at a yard near Sacramento, Calif. California is North America's toughest diesel emissions regulatory area, where South Coast Air Quality Management District is pushing very costly natural gas locomotive technology.
Not only does the locomotive claim to cut nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions about 80-90% compared to conventional switcher locomotives, but also RailPower claims that at $600,000 capital cost, it's about half the price of a conventional switcher -- and it saves about 30% on fuel while running on ordinary diesel.
Besides capital and operating cost savings seen, "it also has no impact on our fueling infrastructure as both its two generator modalities -- conventional [diesel] engine and micro-turbine -- use standard diesel fuel," UP said.
The remaining issues: Real-world performance and durability. UP hopes to learn whether the "Green Goat" technology can indeed stand up to harsh railroad operating conditions over the next year, before committing substantial dollars to purchase such units, company spokesman John Bromley told us. Green Goat uses a relatively small diesel engine or microturbine to recharge a group of lead-acid batteries that provide 2,000 horsepower, more than enough for typical railroad yard/switcher operations where many old, relatively "dirty" diesel-electric locomotives of 1,500 horsepower typically operate. Because of the avoidance of deep-cycle recharge with the system, the batteries should last 10 years, and the rather small diesel gen-set engine recharging the batteries would only need replacement once or twice over the 20-year standard life expectancy of switchers, RailPower President Gerard Koldyk told us.
Even with battery and engine replacement, the net cost to railroads would represent big savings over conventional switchers, along with big emissions reductions, Koldyk says.
UP will test the unit at a yard near Sacramento, Calif. California is North America's toughest diesel emissions regulatory area, where South Coast Air Quality Management District is pushing very costly natural gas locomotive technology.
Power Modules feature NEBS-compliant design
ultracapacitor-based, 48 V backup power modules provide maintenance-free alternative to batteries for short-term bridge power in UPS systems. Modules stay fully charged and recharge in seconds in case there are multiple grid power interruptions. Rack-mount units are suited for telecommunications, industrial, and medical applications.
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POWERCACHE[R] Products Feature NEBS-Compliant Design and Construction, Provide Lower-Maintenance And Space-Saving Alternative to Batteries for Short-Term 'Bridge' Power
SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MXWL) announced today that it has introduced two POWERCACHE[R] ultracapacitor-based backup power modules that provide a space-saving, maintenance-free alternative to batteries for short-term "bridge" power in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems for telecommunications, industrial and medical applications.
Robert Tressler, Maxwell's vice president of sales and marketing, said that the new 48-volt rack-mount modules, rated at 1.6 and 2.3 kW, are designed and constructed to comply with Network Equipment Building System (NEBS) standards required for telecommunications installations.Mission-critical facilities, such as wireless telecommunications base stations, data centers, automated factories and hospitals rely on UPS systems to avoid downtime in the event of power interruptions," Tressler said. "The batteries that currently are used in most of these systems are large and heavy, require regular maintenance and replacement, and are difficult to monitor in terms of state-of-charge. For those reasons, many end-users are looking for more reliable, more compact, lower maintenance alternatives, which is where Maxwell's POWERCACHE products come in."
Tressler said that Maxwell has been collaborating for some time with UPS system integrators, fuel cell and other backup power generator manufacturers to integrate its ultracapacitor-based bridge power systems with long-term backup power sources.
"Fuel cells, diesel generators and micro-turbines all take from a few seconds to a minute to start up and reach their full output, so UPS systems in which they are the primary backup power source all require a complementary short-term source that is instantly available," Tressler explained. "Our POWERCACHE modules stay fully charged and recharge in seconds in case there are multiple grid power interruptions.
********************
POWERCACHE[R] Products Feature NEBS-Compliant Design and Construction, Provide Lower-Maintenance And Space-Saving Alternative to Batteries for Short-Term 'Bridge' Power
SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MXWL) announced today that it has introduced two POWERCACHE[R] ultracapacitor-based backup power modules that provide a space-saving, maintenance-free alternative to batteries for short-term "bridge" power in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems for telecommunications, industrial and medical applications.
Robert Tressler, Maxwell's vice president of sales and marketing, said that the new 48-volt rack-mount modules, rated at 1.6 and 2.3 kW, are designed and constructed to comply with Network Equipment Building System (NEBS) standards required for telecommunications installations.Mission-critical facilities, such as wireless telecommunications base stations, data centers, automated factories and hospitals rely on UPS systems to avoid downtime in the event of power interruptions," Tressler said. "The batteries that currently are used in most of these systems are large and heavy, require regular maintenance and replacement, and are difficult to monitor in terms of state-of-charge. For those reasons, many end-users are looking for more reliable, more compact, lower maintenance alternatives, which is where Maxwell's POWERCACHE products come in."
Tressler said that Maxwell has been collaborating for some time with UPS system integrators, fuel cell and other backup power generator manufacturers to integrate its ultracapacitor-based bridge power systems with long-term backup power sources.
"Fuel cells, diesel generators and micro-turbines all take from a few seconds to a minute to start up and reach their full output, so UPS systems in which they are the primary backup power source all require a complementary short-term source that is instantly available," Tressler explained. "Our POWERCACHE modules stay fully charged and recharge in seconds in case there are multiple grid power interruptions.
Turbulence times three: Coast Guard units respond to a trio of deadly storms that hit the Southeast coast
As Southerners stayed glued to radios and television sets, Hurricane Ivan slammed into Gulf Shores, Ala., Sept. 16 with devastating winds clocked at 130 mph hurling debris throughout the turbulent night and spawning swirling tornadoes and pounding surf.
For Florida residents, it was the third major storm in five weeks. With brute force, Hurricane Charley struck just north of Fort Myers, Fla., Aug. 13. Soon after, Hurricane Frances struck the East Coast Sept. 5. The two storms caused dozens of deaths and billions of dollars in damage.
It was the first time since reservists were fully integrated into the Coast Guard that the Southeast braced for a series of turbulent storms. As the storms churned toward the region, contingency plans were tested and response personnel worked long hours in preparation.
The storms posed a series of complex problems for captains of the port. While the Sunshine State has already received $178 million in hurricane aid and, as of press time, 353,716 Floridians have registered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Governor Jeb Bush expressed strong concerns about preserving the flow of commerce and the arrival of fuel to his state even while hopes for a productive citrus season dimmed. It's a series of concerns the Coast Guard is used to juggling. But it's the first time in recent memory Coast Guard advisors were located within the Florida Emergency Operations Center. Their performance received high marks.
"Floridians throughout the state owe a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard," said Bush. "No one could have anticipated what hurricane season 2004 could have brought Florida, and the hard work of the Coast Guard helped ensure that we were prepared for the worst."
From Miami to Charleston, S.C., and from Port Canaveral, Fla., to New Orleans, consideration of keeping ports open to commerce had to be balanced carefully with safety concerns, said Cmdr. George Boyle, senior reserve and training officer at MSO Tampa. Boyle, who works for the Florida Department of Transportation as a civilian, has been on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. Originally joining the Coast Guard as an enlisted member on active duty, he has been a reservist since 1976. He recently returned from a week in the Florida Emergency Operations Center where he worked advising the secretary of the department of environmental protection during the onslaught of Hurricane Frances. Boyle had high praise for both Secretary Colleen Castille and the governor.
"The Governor has so many people tugging at him, but he and Secretary Castille are well-versed in port issues, and they're impressive in their understanding of what we do to maintain navigable ports," he said. "Everyone seemed to be aware of the vital role we play in keeping fuel coming into the state, which affects virtually everything from transportation to food and power," he said. "The governor had grave concerns about the shortage of gasoline and diesel fuel but understood safety issues thoroughly."
There was an interagency element that also impressed Boyle.
"It was good to see the lessons learned after 9/11 put into play. As agencies scrambled to share information, everything flowed smoothly," said Boyle.
The remnants of Ivan pummeled Gulf states--destroying homes, flooding neighborhoods and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power. It has been categorized as the deadliest hurricane since Hurricane Floyd struck in 1999.
According to the 7th and 8th Districts, the integration of active duty and reserve members has ensured quicker response time and smooth management throughout an unusually hectic season. Nowhere was that more evident than in the aftermath of Ivan as teams from the Atlantic coast mobilized support.
Group St. Petersburg mobilized personnel after Hurricane Charley to check on auxiliarists and reservists located on the west coast of Florida. Having well-versed and well-trained teams helps response efforts run smoothly, said Lt. j.g. Brett Chianella, law enforcement officer at Group St. Petersburg.
Chianella heads a Coast Guard team comprised of active duty and reservists with a wide array of abilities, skills and knowledge. That team was quick to respond when Hurricane Charley smacked into an area north of Fort Myers, Fla., in early August.
"The whole area was devastated, and while Station Fort Myers suffered some damage, our fellow Coasties need time off to repair their own homes," he said. "It's very unfortunate, but it was also rewarding to be able to help out our fellow Coast Guardsmen, and I know they'd have done the same for us."
For Florida residents, it was the third major storm in five weeks. With brute force, Hurricane Charley struck just north of Fort Myers, Fla., Aug. 13. Soon after, Hurricane Frances struck the East Coast Sept. 5. The two storms caused dozens of deaths and billions of dollars in damage.
It was the first time since reservists were fully integrated into the Coast Guard that the Southeast braced for a series of turbulent storms. As the storms churned toward the region, contingency plans were tested and response personnel worked long hours in preparation.
The storms posed a series of complex problems for captains of the port. While the Sunshine State has already received $178 million in hurricane aid and, as of press time, 353,716 Floridians have registered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Governor Jeb Bush expressed strong concerns about preserving the flow of commerce and the arrival of fuel to his state even while hopes for a productive citrus season dimmed. It's a series of concerns the Coast Guard is used to juggling. But it's the first time in recent memory Coast Guard advisors were located within the Florida Emergency Operations Center. Their performance received high marks.
"Floridians throughout the state owe a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard," said Bush. "No one could have anticipated what hurricane season 2004 could have brought Florida, and the hard work of the Coast Guard helped ensure that we were prepared for the worst."
From Miami to Charleston, S.C., and from Port Canaveral, Fla., to New Orleans, consideration of keeping ports open to commerce had to be balanced carefully with safety concerns, said Cmdr. George Boyle, senior reserve and training officer at MSO Tampa. Boyle, who works for the Florida Department of Transportation as a civilian, has been on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. Originally joining the Coast Guard as an enlisted member on active duty, he has been a reservist since 1976. He recently returned from a week in the Florida Emergency Operations Center where he worked advising the secretary of the department of environmental protection during the onslaught of Hurricane Frances. Boyle had high praise for both Secretary Colleen Castille and the governor.
"The Governor has so many people tugging at him, but he and Secretary Castille are well-versed in port issues, and they're impressive in their understanding of what we do to maintain navigable ports," he said. "Everyone seemed to be aware of the vital role we play in keeping fuel coming into the state, which affects virtually everything from transportation to food and power," he said. "The governor had grave concerns about the shortage of gasoline and diesel fuel but understood safety issues thoroughly."
There was an interagency element that also impressed Boyle.
"It was good to see the lessons learned after 9/11 put into play. As agencies scrambled to share information, everything flowed smoothly," said Boyle.
The remnants of Ivan pummeled Gulf states--destroying homes, flooding neighborhoods and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power. It has been categorized as the deadliest hurricane since Hurricane Floyd struck in 1999.
According to the 7th and 8th Districts, the integration of active duty and reserve members has ensured quicker response time and smooth management throughout an unusually hectic season. Nowhere was that more evident than in the aftermath of Ivan as teams from the Atlantic coast mobilized support.
Group St. Petersburg mobilized personnel after Hurricane Charley to check on auxiliarists and reservists located on the west coast of Florida. Having well-versed and well-trained teams helps response efforts run smoothly, said Lt. j.g. Brett Chianella, law enforcement officer at Group St. Petersburg.
Chianella heads a Coast Guard team comprised of active duty and reservists with a wide array of abilities, skills and knowledge. That team was quick to respond when Hurricane Charley smacked into an area north of Fort Myers, Fla., in early August.
"The whole area was devastated, and while Station Fort Myers suffered some damage, our fellow Coasties need time off to repair their own homes," he said. "It's very unfortunate, but it was also rewarding to be able to help out our fellow Coast Guardsmen, and I know they'd have done the same for us."
Fuel 'em up and let 'em roll: BNSF's new main line locomotive fueling facility at Hauser Yard in Idaho dramatically improves train throughput
In a move toward increased service efficiency and better motive power utilization for its northern transcontinental corridor, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe has opened a main fine refueling facility at its Hauser Yard near Rathdrum, Idaho. Locomotives handling intermodal and other high-priority shipments now avoid the many hours of downtime involved with being serviced at conventional facilities in Seattle, Portland, or Spokane. Instead, trains pull into the Hauser facility, refuel, change crews, and depart in less than an hour. BNSF says Hauser was the best place to build the facility because there was already a freight yard there with ample room for expansion, and because the site is located along the so-called "Funnel" between Spokane, Wash., and Sandpoint, Idaho, where BNSF's traffic between the Pacific Northwest and the entire eastern half of the U.S. gets channeled onto a single corridor.
Refueling operations were phased in beginning Aug. 31, with full operation officially kicking off Sept. 1. Two run-through refueling main lines are currently in service at the 380-foot long platform, allowing trains to stop for servicing without fouling the corridor's existing double-track main line. A third refueling track handles light-engine consists brought in from the adjacent freight yard. That track, as well as a fourth refueling track, will eventually have its own main line approaches installed, doubling the facility's capacity. BNSF's goal is to have nearly half of the route's 60-plus daily trains refueled at Hauser. In addition to the main refueling shed, there's a 450-foot-long shed housing two spur tracks where diesel fuel is delivered by tank car, as well as a third track where wastewater collected from the facility's surface runoff is loaded into tank cars for shipment to an approved treatment facility.
Not only is the Hauser refueling facility a major boost to BNSF's Northwest operations, it's also a major achievement in engineering, public relations, and safety. After the project was announced in 1997, it drew steady fire from environmental groups and local citizens who feared the large-scale storage of diesel fuel over the region's main aquifer would threaten the sole source of drinking water for nearly half a million people. The facility's original design already surpassed local requirements for fuel containment and groundwater protection, but the final design went even further. Today, many of the people who were previously opposed to the project now embrace it as a model for others to follow. BNSF Assistant Vice President-Technical Research Development and Environmental Mark Stehly says, "This facility does set the standard for handling petroleum products."
Conceptual design, engineering, and construction for the $42 million project were performed by Hanson-Wilson, Inc. Specializing in major infrastructure for the rail and petroleum industries, H-W has built similar refueling facilities for BNSF at Belen, N. Mex., and Commerce, Calif. H-W and BNSF both say that Hauser is far more advanced. From the double-layered, 60-mil, high-density polyethylene membrane installed below ground to the double-walled pipes and double-bottomed storage tanks above ground, everything is designed to prevent fuel from reaching the aquifer. Five-foot-high concrete walls surrounding the tank farm can hold the maximum contents of all tanks if they were to fail, exceeding the regulatory requirements by approximately 300%. Interstitial space within the double-lined piping is pressurized with nitrogen at 20 psi; any change in pressure plus or minus 5 psi might indicate a leak and will automatically trigger all valves to close and activate a plant-wide alarm. In fact, valves throughout the facility are designed to "fail-safe" in their closed positions when locomotives aren't being fueled or any time there's a malfunction or electrical failure. The latter should not be a problem, since Hauser has a large diesel-driven generator that can power the entire facility.
Refueling operations were phased in beginning Aug. 31, with full operation officially kicking off Sept. 1. Two run-through refueling main lines are currently in service at the 380-foot long platform, allowing trains to stop for servicing without fouling the corridor's existing double-track main line. A third refueling track handles light-engine consists brought in from the adjacent freight yard. That track, as well as a fourth refueling track, will eventually have its own main line approaches installed, doubling the facility's capacity. BNSF's goal is to have nearly half of the route's 60-plus daily trains refueled at Hauser. In addition to the main refueling shed, there's a 450-foot-long shed housing two spur tracks where diesel fuel is delivered by tank car, as well as a third track where wastewater collected from the facility's surface runoff is loaded into tank cars for shipment to an approved treatment facility.
Not only is the Hauser refueling facility a major boost to BNSF's Northwest operations, it's also a major achievement in engineering, public relations, and safety. After the project was announced in 1997, it drew steady fire from environmental groups and local citizens who feared the large-scale storage of diesel fuel over the region's main aquifer would threaten the sole source of drinking water for nearly half a million people. The facility's original design already surpassed local requirements for fuel containment and groundwater protection, but the final design went even further. Today, many of the people who were previously opposed to the project now embrace it as a model for others to follow. BNSF Assistant Vice President-Technical Research Development and Environmental Mark Stehly says, "This facility does set the standard for handling petroleum products."
Conceptual design, engineering, and construction for the $42 million project were performed by Hanson-Wilson, Inc. Specializing in major infrastructure for the rail and petroleum industries, H-W has built similar refueling facilities for BNSF at Belen, N. Mex., and Commerce, Calif. H-W and BNSF both say that Hauser is far more advanced. From the double-layered, 60-mil, high-density polyethylene membrane installed below ground to the double-walled pipes and double-bottomed storage tanks above ground, everything is designed to prevent fuel from reaching the aquifer. Five-foot-high concrete walls surrounding the tank farm can hold the maximum contents of all tanks if they were to fail, exceeding the regulatory requirements by approximately 300%. Interstitial space within the double-lined piping is pressurized with nitrogen at 20 psi; any change in pressure plus or minus 5 psi might indicate a leak and will automatically trigger all valves to close and activate a plant-wide alarm. In fact, valves throughout the facility are designed to "fail-safe" in their closed positions when locomotives aren't being fueled or any time there's a malfunction or electrical failure. The latter should not be a problem, since Hauser has a large diesel-driven generator that can power the entire facility.
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