Renewable Energy
construction as possible into the controlled environment of a fabrication shop and out of the field to reduce costs, mitigate risk factors such as weather and labour and reduce material handling at the jobsite. It is much more efficient to build a pipe spool, for example, in a shop environment, than in the field. In fact, gains in productivity by as much as 20 times are possible when using mechanical joining methods such as grooved piping in the shop.
Threat assessment
Te second element of success in hydro plant construction is threat assessment. Such threats include availability and quality of skilled labour, weather and safety. Skilled labourers such as welders are in short supply, and with many highly experienced individuals reaching retirement age, declines in quality may result. Furthermore, economic shifts can redirect skilled labour to another sector. For example, as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS), the Canadian government recently awarded $33 billion worth of contracts to renew Canada’s federal fleet of combat and non-combat ships over the next 20 years. A programme of this magnitude will necessitate a number of highly skilled
Fig. 2. Victaulic’s Advanced Groove System consists of couplings, fittings, valves and accessories for large diameter grooved piping systems, with a union at every joint for easy adjustment, system maintenance and system expansion
the best intentions for collabouration, these changes are often made independent of other contractors, leading to conflicts, delays and additional costs. Resolving conflicts prior to arrival at the jobsite results in significant cost and time savings, and speeds the construction process. In fact, every pound spent on project design and construction pre-planning can save as much as £4 in the field. Prefabrication involves driving as much of the
labourers in long-term positions, and could draw those individuals from the relatively unstable construction industry. Weather is also a risk factor. Construction activities
such as welding may be difficult in rainy conditions, and limited or even prohibited in extremely dry conditions when the risk of forest or brush fire is high.
Safety concerns Safety is also a concern. As many steps as we take to prevent accidents, they can occur, and the environments in which hydroelectric plants are built are rife with additional hazards such as elevation changes and rough terrain. Speciality jobs such as re-lining penstocks are also notoriously hazardous. Mitigation of risks through consideration of new and alternative technologies must also be considered. Considering alternatives such as grooved mechanical piping to join penstocks and other piping systems eliminates the need for welding on a significant portion of the project. Tere are, of course, many more factors that play
a role in whether a project will be a success, but these serve as reminders, particularly as the interest in hydro renews, that the stakes are high and we shouldn’t leave anything to chance. ●
Fig. 3. Turbine water cooling system at the Wahleach generating station in Canada. 40
www.engineerlive.com
Scott McDonald is a Power Specialist with Victaulic, Easton, Pa, USA.
www.victaulic.com
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