Introduction

Recently, I have had several inquiries regarding the requirements for conveyor safety and guarding. There are many organizations that dictate safety requirements and provide guidelines for guarding, and it can be confusing as to which organization has authority.  The end-user must know which apply in his area.

This article provides general instructions as to where information can be found regarding WorkSafe and OHSA requirements with regards to conveyors in BC, AB and ON.  Also included are comments regarding general conveyor safety and guarding experience that the author has gained over the years. Continue reading →

Introduction

Too often a client will want to jump straight from a preliminary project concept into construction, giving little thought or effort to project planning and engineering.  Unfortunately, many of these ill-conceived projects are unsuccessful in their execution due to faulty or non-existent planning.  To ensure a successful project, it is best to follow established front-end engineering and design (FEED) project development procedures that will give the client and his financiers confidence that the technical process is sound and the financial outcome has a good chance of being realized.

For a description of the steps that all projects go through from feasibility study, raw resource planning, securing a market, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and start-up, refer to the article titled “So You Want to Build a Biomass Plant, A Beginner’s Guide to the Project Development Process”, included elsewhere on this website.

Generally, it is recommended that all projects are set up to go through the following formalized development phases:

• Pre-feasibility phase where a market opportunity is identified and rough costs and possible profits established.
• Feasibility study phase, which considers various alternatives with Class 40 order of magnitude budget(s).
• Definition phase, which includes development of a selected concept and Class 25 budget.
• Detail engineering phase with AFE grade Class 10 budget.

Continue reading →

Vendor Documentation

Vendor documentation is required for equipment purchased as part of a project.  It is very important information to have, if the equipment is to be designed, installed, operated and maintained safely and correctly.

Unfortunately, equipment vendors often don’t understand the contractor’s or end-user’s requirements and `scrimp’ on the quality and quantity of documentation provided with their equipment.  Also, it is helpful if vendor documentation is provided in a format consistent with the end-user’s requirements. So, it is imperative when issuing requests for quotations (RFQ’s) to include the documentation requirements that the successful vendor will be expected to provide with their equipment.

Following are general instructions that should be included in RFQ documents, regarding:

• Drawings for review.
• Certified for construction drawings.
• Equipment manuals.

Continue reading →

Paul Janzé, Advanced Biomass Consulting Inc.

INTRODUCTION

“Metrication in Canada began in 1970 and while Canada has converted to the metric system for many purposes, there is still significant use of non-metric units and standards in many sectors of the Canadian economy. This is mainly due to historical ties with the United Kingdom (before metrication), the traditional use of the imperial system of measurement in Canada, close proximity to the United States, and to public opposition to metrication during the transition period.”

This is a direct quote from an article titled “Metrication in Canada” on Wikepedia, but the emphasis in italics is mine.

46 years later in 2016, the measurement system is still a mixed bag, partly metric and partly imperial. And, everyone, including clients, engineers, other consultants, regulatory bodies, vendors, manufacturers and contractors all interpret the measurement designation requirements differently, and if not controlled can wreak havoc with a complex project. Continue reading →

A Beginner’s Guide to the Project Development Process

Author: Paul Janzé

An editted version of this article appeared in the November / December 2011 issue of Bioenergy Insight magazine, under the title “Building a Biomass Plant”. http://bioenergy-news.com/

You have a good idea for a new way to manufacture a product.  Or, your friend has spotted a market opportunity.  All you have to do is build a plant and start producing.  “Build it and they will come.”  Sounds simple. How can you miss?

Easily, I must say.  The days are long gone when developing a project was as simple as pitching an idea to a bank, getting some cash, building a plant and selling your product.

With the current emphasis on producing `green energy’ from biomass and the subsequent government grants and subsidies available to promote the idea, a lot of well-meaning but inexperienced entrepreneurs are promoting the construction of plants that will process biomass into one form or another.

There are some basic steps that all projects go through, from concept to start-up, whether the `builder’ is new to the process or whether it is a company with a well formulated plan for development.  Following is a brief description of the project development process. Continue reading →