On-site Engineering Research Articles

M&M 2002: Core Facility Management Session Maintaining Major Equipment in the Core Microscopy Facility

Abstract D. Sherman: This session centers on approaches to maintaining major equipment—primarily electron microscopes. I thought we ought to look at how effective it is to seivice with onsite engineers. So with that I would like to start us out with Pat McGinley from JEOL. Pat is a long—time JEOL employee. He started out as a service engineer in 1976 and is currently Vice President of Service and a member of the Board of Directors for JEOL USA.

COMPUTER GRAPHICS ANIMATION FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Computer graphics animation systems provide the ability to integrate on-site engineers* expertise into design systems as well as construction management processes. Computer graphics animation improves coordination and communication among engineering, construction and client organizations. The expedited communication leads to a substantial improvement of quality and productivity in the AEC industry. Computer graphics animation makes it possible to move through the design objects and view the proposed facility interactively in virtual environment. In this way, all participants can work as a team beyond their specific interests. A collaborative work environment is created. The paper introduces the application of computer graphics animation as a tool for the construction management in terms of computer integrated construction, evaluates the role and proposes recommendations for the application. Several pilot trials have been implemented on a dam construction project, on a currently on-going industrial district readjustment project in Osaka, Japan, and on a highway reconstruction project in Kobe. * Member of JSCE, Konoike Construction Co.,Ltd. 3-6-1 Kitakyuhoji-machi, chuo-ku, Osaka 541, Japan ** Member of JSCE, Dr. of Eng. , Professor, Kumamoto University

Bellefonte Primary Containment Structure

Construction of the reactor building primary containment structure at the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant involved several specialized construction techniques. This two unit plant is one of the nine nuclear units at six different sites now under construction by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The post-Tensioned, cast-in-place interior steel lined containment structure is unique within TVA. Problems during construction were identified at weekly planning meetings, and options were discussed. Close coordination between craft supervisors and on-site engineering personnel drew together “hands-on” experience and technical background. Details of the construction techniques, problems, and solutions are presented.

Analytical Techniques for Evaluation of Oxidation Catalysts for the Abatement of Paint Bake Oven Emissions

The abatement of paint bake oven emissions using oxidation catalysts operated at low temperature (500°-600°F) offers significant energy savings relative to traditional incineration. Pilot testing in the field offers the advantage that the actual vapor stream is utilized to evaluate the catalyst. To this end, four low temperature catalysts based on three different substrates have been evaluated onsite for hydrocarbon solvent abatement efficiency. One of these experimental catalysts is effective in our pilot tests at 550°F even on an exhaust stream containing only 100 ppm (v/v-as propane) total hydrocarbons. In order to evaluate oxidation catalysts, a comprehensive program of vapor stream chemical analysis and catalyst surface analysis was necessary. Vapor stream chemical analysis included methane/nonmethane total hydrocarbon determination, gas chromatography- mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Since it would not have been possible to pilot test each catalyst for a full year, methods of projecting effective lifetime after only a few weeks of on-site testing had to be utilized. The techniques employed were electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, gas chemisorption, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray fluorescence. This paper addresses the problems of on-site engineering and analysis, off-site chemical and physical analysis, and the performance of four different catalysts for the low temperature oxidation of enamel paint bake oven emissions.