HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Awarding Contract for Unit 8 Electrostatic Precipitator Maintenance RESOLUTION NO. 23-175
RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT
FOR UNIT 8 ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR MAINTENANCE
FOR THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA
WHEREAS, the Power Plant's boilers co-fire natural gas and refuse-derived fuel(RDF)to
produce heat and generate electricity. The combustion of RDF produces particulate matter (ash).
Therefore, the Power Plant uses electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) to remove particulate matter
from the boiler flue gas before the flue gas is exhausted to the outside. In Unit 8, the ESP is two
separate vessels, an upper section and a lower section, that takes the flue gas from the boiler and
removes 99.99% of the particulate matter before the gas exits the chimney; and,
WHEREAS, the ESP contains hundreds of 30-foot wires charged with 10,000 volts that
hang in the flue gas stream. As it passes the wires, the ash in the flue gas becomes electrically
charged. The ash is then attracted to 30-foot plates hanging next to the wires. The plates are
periodically vibrated, and the ash that has become stuck to the plates drops into collection hoppers
where it is removed through piping. It is a requirement of the Power Plant's operating permit that
this equipment is functioning properly while the boiler; and,
WHEREAS, for approximately 30 years,Unit 8 operated by burning a combination of coal
and RDF. Both fuels generated flyash to be captured by the ESP. Several years ago, Unit 8 was
converted to operate on a combination of natural gas and RDF. This conversion has resulted in
changes to the conditions experienced by the ESP. The particulate composition is now higher in
moisture and flue gas flows are more erratic. Both changes have caused a greater amount of wear
inside the upper and lower vessels; and,
WHEREAS, it has been determined that a number of internal repairs need to be performed
and that customized brackets need to be installed on the lower frames that hold the electrodes.
These brackets will help the equipment stand up to the erratic gas flows.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that awarding a contract for Unit 8 Electrostatic Precipitator Maintenance to The Babcock &
Wilcox Company, of Akron, Ohio, in the amount of$175,056 is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 28th day of March, 2023.
Renee Nall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Beatty-Hansen
Seconded by: Betcher
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 281h day of March, 2023.