Coal Handling Systems Keep the Lights on and Home Warm this Holiday Season

The holiday season tends to put extra stress on power providers. People across the country are using more electricity and if utility companies don't plan appropriately for this surge in use, supply could be affected.

At Richmond Engineering Works, we partner with companies up and down the Mississippi and throughout the country to prepare for the holiday season so that everyone can enjoy uninterrupted service and a warm home. Here are just a few of our recommendations for keep coal handling systems working at an optimal level throughout this time of year:

• Keep a supply of standard equipment parts on hand. If an emergency does occur, utility companies can quickly swap out a new part and continue to provide service. Avoid having to wait while parts are ordered and delivered. Be prepared for common part failures.
• Ensure that all equipment is adequately lubricated. This will improve efficiency and help prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Properly lubricated components will last longer and cut down on operating costs.
• For utility companies that operate in areas of the country that experience cold and harsh winter weather, it is important to be sure that all heat tracing, heaters and insulation are secured in place and working properly. This will allow companies to control the temperature of their equipment and prevent components from becoming sluggish or frozen.
• While is it always important to conduct regular inspections and maintenance, utility companies may want to increase the frequency of these efforts during the winter months. A combination of cold conditions and increased demand can create a recipe for disaster. All vital equipment should be monitored to catch early signs of failure and prevent major problems.
• Check out space heaters. Some plants have electric space heaters in their control panels. Over the summer, drawings, spare parts, and other materials may have been placed in these panels. As temperatures cool, the space heaters turn on and fire could result.

Richmond Engineering Works provides a variety of services that include custom designs and installation, inspection and repair, turnkey solutions and system upgrades. We help coal handling systems across the country operate more reliably and efficiently so that families can enjoy a safe and warm holiday season. Please contact us if we can assist in maintaining your equipment needs. We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a joyful and prosperous New Year!