Dry Fork boiler passes hydrostatic testing

Another significant step taken in the commissioning process at Dry Fork Station.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative - August 22, 2010

In a significant step in the commissioning process, the boiler at the Dry Fork Station has passed hydrostatic testing. During the test, the boiler was filled with water and proven to withstand 150 percent of its designed pressure rating.

Clyde Bush stamps the steam
drum, certifying it meets code
requirements. Bush is the Dry
Fork Station Project Manager.

Tom Stalcup, Dry Fork Station plant manager, said the test was conducted over three days with staff from the boiler manufacturer, Babcock and Wilcox, on site. "Typical operating pressure for the boiler is around 2,936 PSI. During the test, pressure was raised to and held at about 4,463 PSI for 30 minutes," he said. Pressure was dropped to the operating level, and inspectors examined the boiler for any repairs and adjustments that needed to be made.

With the completion of the hydrostatic testing, Stalcup said the steam drum received its "R stamp," certifying it meets code requirements for pressure vessels. A plaque was also mounted on the structural steel of the boiler, indicating the serial number, pressure ratings, and other details. The next major step in the commissioning process is first fire on propane, which is scheduled for early November. Stalcup said the project is about 90 percent complete, and remains on track for commercial operation in May 2011.

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