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.

Combined Cycle Cogeneration Plant Valuation

Completed an income analysis for a large natural gas combined cycle cogeneration power plant in Texas and assisted licensed appraiser in preparing a market value report in support of property tax litigation.  Income analyses covered multiple tax years and considered different operating scenarios as part of highest and best use assessment.  Also assisted in cost approach and functional obsolescence determination.  Provided deposition testimony in support of work.

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.

Utility Plant Dispute

Acted as technical expert in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract dispute in International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Arbitration over claims made by owner against contractor related to the design and construction of utility plant facilities supporting a large refinery complex.  Claims involved the design of asphalt fired steam boilers, a seawater desalination unit, seawater piping, corrosion, and other plant design issues.  Conducted several site investigations, prepared expert reports, and testified before ICC Arbitration panel.

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.

Cogeneration Plant Valuation

Conducted economic valuation of large gas-fired combined cycle cogeneration plant located in the Midwest for support of property tax assessment.  Developed cash flow model to verify historical income streams and forecast cash flows based on various fuel and power price assumptions and plant operating and efficiency parameters.

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.

Project Development for Cogeneration Plant

Prepared project specifications, financial evaluation and equipment selection for 80 Megawatt (MW) gas turbine cogeneration plant integrated into a chemical facility in Texas.

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.

Cogeneration Plant

Responsible for development and construction of 40 Megawatt (MW) cogeneration plant in the U.S. Gulf Coast area that provided electrical and thermal energy to adjacent NGL processing plant.  Conducted economic analysis, negotiated EPC and maintenance contracts, and developed unique power purchase agreement with host NGL plant.

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.

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.