Integration of thermal steam and power systems with industrial facilities is a challenging and complex task. Autopro has developed a strong foundation of experience and expertise in this area, having provided more than 120,000 hours of engineering services to clients in the power and utilities field.

Our specialized design work and implementation strategies for complex systems such as steam header pressure controls and waste fuel boiler furnace controls result in more stable production and optimized power generation. Our process components knowledge and multi-vendor platform integration experience, particularly within complex cycle, co-generation facilities, enable us to seamlessly blend systems in a manner that optimizes plant or facility operations.

Our experience also extends to water treatment, cooling towers, heat recovery and other ancillary processes common to most steam and power facilities. Examples of projects Autopro has done in the power & utilities industry include:

• Facilities integration. The project involved two major elements: the design and installation of controls that would reduce energy consumption in a production plant that was being integrated with a co-generation facility; and the start-up support and controls for the 50MW gas turbine in the co-generation facility.
• Power generation plant automation. Scope of work included process engineering, detailed instrumentation and electrical design, construction management and commissioning support for a combined cycle gas turbine and HRSG/STG generation facility automation system.
• Steam and power plant controls modernization. This project involved the complete replacement of old systems with modern instrumentation and controls at a multi-boiler, multi-generator steam and power plant at an oil sands processing facility. Phased in over several years, Autopro developed and managed the control commissioning process.
• Co-generation and steam optimization. Integration of this complex cycle, co-generation facility with an existing pulp mill necessitated numerous process modifications and strategies to conserve and optimize steam use, steam supply and power generation capability.
• Coal-fired boiler flue gas filtration. This project involved the installation of an upgraded bag house, pulse air, flue gas filtration system and replacement of existing air compressors and ancillary equipment. Project duties included management of a multidiscipline team, process engineering, cost estimating, electrical and instrumentation detailed engineering, process control software engineering, commissioning and start-up support.