Power

Power Plant Development

Led the development engineering for a 1,200 MW gas-fired combined cycle power plant near Oklahoma City.  Developed complete Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Scope Book, negotiated EPC contract, managed a ten-mile water pipeline project as well as transmission and two major natural gas interconnections.  Supported efforts for project financing, special use zoning approval, and air and water permits.

Hurricane Damage Assessments and Loss Estimates

Performed physical inspection and developed estimated cost of loss caused by storm and flood damage due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to electrical power generating plants and electrical distribution systems across southern Louisiana and Texas with specific emphasis in the greater New Orleans area.  Prepared reports for adjustor and insurer and assisted in negotiations with the insured.

Electrical Power Plant Steam Turbine Failure Investigation

Performed root cause failure investigation of 160 Megawatt (MW) power generating steam turbine in Nevada, including site inspection, physical evidence analysis, review of design, construction practices, and steam path cleanliness practices during maintenance.  Failure caused by the circulation of debris through the steam path.  Provided expert report and testimony.

Coal Gasification Combined Cycle Plant

Responsible for unit and equipment performance analyses, technology assessment, and development of operating and maintenance procedures at a 100 Megawatt (MW) coal gasification combined cycle demonstration plant.

Electrical Power Plant Steam Turbine Failure Analysis

Performed root cause failure analysis of 125 Megawatt (MW) power generating steam turbine after overhaul.  Evaluated vibration data, maintenance records, material failure analysis, and inspected site.  Determined failure caused by poor steam path cleanliness practices during maintenance activities.

Power Plant Gas Turbine Evaporative Cooler Fire

Investigated the cause of a fire involving the evaporative cooler structured media in the combustion air pre-treatment housing for a new power plant gas turbine under construction in Texas.  Matter involved issues of inadequate warning of the flammability of the media.  Provided expert testimony including jury trial.

Electrical Power Line Maintenance Fatality

Investigated cause of fatality during power line maintenance.  Analyzed the physical evidence, reviewed owner and contractor boom truck operation, line workers' maintenance and safety procedures and practices, and developed probable accident scenarios.  Developed virtual reconstruction of the incident. 

Combined Cycle Power Plant Equipment Failures

Reviewed and advised on the suitability of a contractor’s engineering design for an operating 500 Megawatt (MW) Caribbean power plant.  Systems reviewed included the failed seawater cooling steel piping, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuel handling and compression, and compliance with design and environmental standards and practices. 

Domestic Major Refinery and Marketing Analysis

Reviewed publicly available quarterly and annual data for major domestic refining and marketing companies.  Analyses included margin and operating expense comparisons for the purpose of relative performance reconciliation and identification of initiatives to support and sustain competitive advantage.  The results led to identification of multiple refinery site margin improvement and cost reduction projects.