Drax Power - Process Control Refurbishment (Units 1-3)

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Analogue Based Technology

First half control systems were based upon various technologies from that age and mainly comprised conventional hard controls and indications, relay based sequencing equipment and analogue based technology for the boiler modulating controls.  This equipment became obsolete and difficult to maintain and also limited the flexibility of the plant.

Therefore Drax needed to replace these systems with a modern and flexible process control system in order that the generation plant could be operated more flexibly to optimise production in line with Drax’s demanding business needs.  In addition, due to the environmental restrictions placed upon all power generators regarding emissions, new plant and equipment was installed which required additional control systems to be closely integrated into themain process control systems.

Complete Refurbishment

Following the successful pilot project of an Advanced Process Management System (APMS) at West Burton in the mid 90’s, the decision was taken to embark upon a complete control and instrumentation refurbishment on the first half Units (1-3) at Drax.

In 1997 Capula was awarded the turnkey contract for the implementation of the full control and instrumentation refurbishments on the first half units scheme. The project was successfully completed on the first unit within 9 months.

As well as advanced control and  automation, this project involved significant electrical installation work involving cabling, instrumentation, desk and cubicle replacements which was included in our contract and implemented with assistance from our installation sub-contractor.