Power Generation (CCGT)

[ndtman]

Hi. Does anyone work in power generation, specifically CCGT?

Basically I am looking to branch out into this field, either daily op's or maintenance. My background is aero' gas turbine repair and overhaul, followed by NDT. I could do with some advice as to whether or not the skills I already have are transferable. Thanks in advance for any suitable replies.

[crofty1984]

I do, but mainly the HRSG (boiler) side of it. What do you want to know? I can tell you that many of the smaller GTs (up to around 33MW) are what we call "aero derivative" which is basically what you've been working on just bolted to the ground. Off the top of my head there's the GE LM6000 and below. Also the Rolls Royce trent family, but I have nothing to do with that (generaly we do 50MW+)
The NDT side would be good for inspection of the headers and welds at site of the boiler I should think.
So in short, I'd say your skills were very relevant.
Not just CCGT though. The systems are at refineries and desalination projects. A lot of stuff in the Middle East is coming back to life if you're willing to go there.

[ndtman]

crofty1984 said:

I do, but mainly the HRSG (boiler) side of it. What do you want to know? I can tell you that many of the smaller GTs (up to around 33MW) are what we call "aero derivative" which is basically what you've been working on just bolted to the ground. Off the top of my head there's the GE LM6000 and below. Also the Rolls Royce trent family, but I have nothing to do with that (generaly we do 50MW+)
The NDT side would be good for inspection of the headers and welds at site of the boiler I should think.
So in short, I'd say your skills were very relevant.
Not just CCGT though. The systems are at refineries and desalination projects. A lot of stuff in the Middle East is coming back to life if you're willing to go there.

Thanks for the reply. I've worked on some GE engines in the past namely the CF6-50, somewhat older than the CF6-80 which the LM6000 is derived from. I'll submit my CV and see if any suitable positions are available.

[travisg]

I work as an operations shift team leader at a 1260MW CCGT site in Lincolnshire.

When fielding for job applications on the operations side we look for suitable qualifications such as engineering related city and guilds/ONC/HNC for ops techicians positions (e.g. control room operator), this must be backed up with practical experience of power generation (ideal) OR heavy process industry control room operations, though experience of working with (maintenance) of related equipment may be considered. To give you an idea our current staff are a mix of previous power station operators, chemical process operators, and ex-Navy or RAF (experience with Gas and/or steam turbines, diesel ,jet engines on RN ships or subs,RAF jet engines.

We receive hundreds of applications for one job, and usually end up with a dozen or so that meet this criteria.

Suitable training is provided, but we usually require persons that can integrate quickly into a control room environment from previous experience or have the relevant knowledge of power related systems.

My own background is one where I began with a CEGB craft apprenticeship (Control and Instrumentation) (when it was a nationalised industry) and moved to operations some 17 or so years ago when CCGT`s were first been built in the UK (the so called dash for gas).

With your experience, the maintenance side may be easier to get into, but maintenance teams are relatively small in numbers and vacancies fairly rare, with hundreds of applicants. However that said your past exeprience is very relevant and would put you in the higher running I would expect, which could lead to an interview.

Usually these jobs are advertised both within the company and the local press in particular. There are many CCGT`s in the Lincolnshire area which could be your focus.

Hope that helps

Graham

Edited by travisg on Sunday 1st August 01:32

Edited by travisg on Sunday 1st August 01:34

Edited by travisg on Sunday 1st August 01:36

[anonymous-user]

I've been involved in a few motors for CCGT and for Compressor Stations, including maintenece contracts, they are the same basics as the aero derivtives, i.e LM5000 and Trents, they tend to have a few problems specific to the changes in load and rpm that dont occure in the aero field, do a google on LM5000 mid span damper problems.
I've never known an operator do anything but running maintainence, anything that involves a shut down would bring in the manufacture, I've never seen an operator do any NDT, everything has a replecemnt life that is much less than the time any failure would appear, for example I've seen compressor blads changed at 2000 hours on engines driving compressors were as 8000 hours is ( i believe) the norm in Aero, we just send the blades back to the manufacure don't examine or NDT them.
I'd say most operators would pay less than you get in Aero, as thye don't do anything complicated,and you'd need to get involved with the manufatures shut dowm teams if you want to streatch your skill or pay

[ndtman]

Thanks for the replies. Looking into a local position. Advert states experience is a must. Having said that I don't think the job itself is beyond me so I'll send off my CV anyway.