Field Instrumentation forTrack PerformanceVerification

Earth pressure data from the field instrumentation of a cast-in-place reinforced rectangular box culvert are presented in this paper. The instrumented culvert is a 2.60 m by 3.60 m double-cell reinforced cast-in-place rectangular box buried under 25.10 m of fill constructed using the induced trench installation (ITI) method. The average earth pressure measured across the roof was 0.42 times the overburden pressure, and an average of 0.52 times the overburden pressure was measured at mid-height of the culvert on the sidewalls. Base contact pressure under the rectangular box culvert was also measured, providing field-based data demonstrating increased base pressure resulting from downward drag forces developed along the sidewalls of the box culvert. An average increase of 25% from the measured vertical earth pressures on the roof plus the culvert dead load (DL) pressure was calculated at the culvert base. A model culvert was also tested in a geotechnical centrifuge to obtain data on earth pressures at the top, sides, and base of the culvert. The data from the centrifuge testing were compared with the prototype structure, and the centrifuge test results agreed closely with the measured field prototype pressures, in spite of the fact that full similitude was not attempted in centrifuge testing.

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Resurrecting a Major Coke Calcining Energy Recovery Plant

ASME 2007 Power Conference ◽

10.1115/power2007-22039 ◽

2007 ◽

Author(s):

Tommy John ◽

Ray Deyoe ◽

John Gray ◽

Paul Gross

Keyword(s):

Water Treatment ◽

Acid Corrosion ◽

Energy Prices ◽

Particulate Emission ◽

Gas Combustion ◽

Field Instrumentation ◽

Reconstruction Effort ◽

Sulfuric Acid Corrosion ◽

Treatment Facilities ◽

Natural Gas Combustion

Refurbishment of the Port Arthur Steam Energy facility began in early 2005 after key commercial agreements were concluded. The plant, which had been idle since October 2000, was originally constructed in 1983 and 1984 to recover energy from three petroleum coke calcining kilns at the Great Lakes Carbon LLC facility. Major repairs were needed because of extensive damage from sulfuric acid corrosion of the HRSG system and deterioration of water treatment facilities. In addition, major improvements were made including an acoustic cleaning system, multiclones for particulate emission reduction, magnesium oxide injection for corrosion control, a complete new control system with all new field instrumentation, stack improvements to increase dispersion, and improvements to the HRSG system and water treatment system to improve reliability and reduce maintenance. Rising energy prices dictated a fast-paced schedule. Following a major reconstruction effort with a peak force of 435 people, the facility was in full operation by August 2005, less than nine months from commencement. The facility is producing approximately 450,000 lb/hr of high pressure steam, the majority of which is sold to the neighboring Valero Port Arthur refinery, and producing 4 to 5 MW of power. By capturing 1800–2000°F heat that would other wise be wasted, the project recovers nearly 5 trillion Bru/year, off setting over 200 tons/yr of NOx and over 280,000 tons/yr of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted by natural gas combustion. The success of the project can be attributed to management of the project which included innovative inspection techniques, development of the scope of work, design of improvements, and extensive construction and repairs.

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