Case Story, Alabama Power - Creating a safe environment through uncompromised accuracy at Alabama Power

Product catalog summary

Introduction
Alabama Power, part of Southern Company, is a major electricity provider in Alabama, serving over 1.4 million customers. The James H. Miller, Jr. Electric Generating Plant relies on precise instrumentation and calibration to ensure efficient and safe power generation.

Instrumentation and Calibration
The plant uses instruments from Endress&Hauser, Rosemount, and ABB, categorized as Critical or Balance of Plant (BOP). Critical instruments significantly impact process and safety, requiring precise calibration to optimize power generation and fuel consumption.

Challenges in Calibration
Previously, calibration was manual, involving multiple tools and paper-based documentation, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors. Journeymen faced challenges with equipment transport and data management during high-activity periods.

Implementation of Beamex Solutions
Faran Rolingson, Senior Control Engineer, led the transition to an automated calibration system using Beamex solutions. This included the Beamex MC6 calibrator, CMX software, and other tools, which streamlined processes, improved accuracy, and enhanced safety.

Benefits of Beamex Integration
The Beamex system reduced equipment needs to a single multifunctional unit, improving safety and efficiency. The MC6's user-friendly interface and automated features minimized manual errors and saved significant time, with documented time savings of up to 75% in some cases.

Conclusion
The integration of Beamex solutions at Alabama Power has maximized safety, improved accuracy, and increased efficiency, leading to substantial time and cost savings. This modernization supports Alabama Power's commitment to reliable and efficient electricity generation.

Catalog excerpts

Case Story, Alabama Power - Creating a safe environment through uncompromised accuracy at Alabama Power-1

Creating a safe environment through uncompromised accuracy at Alabama Power Alabama Power, a part of Southern Company BEAMEX CASE STORY www.beamex.com [email protected] BEAMEX CASE STORY

Open the catalog to page 1

Case Story, Alabama Power - Creating a safe environment through uncompromised accuracy at Alabama Power-2

outhern Company, one of the United States’ largest producers of electricity, operates four utilities with Alabama Power being the second largest within the company. Over 1.4 million homes, businesses and industries in the southern two-thirds of Alabama count on Alabama Power’s reliable electricity supply and service. More than 78,000 miles of power lines carry electricity to customers throughout 44,500 square miles. CALIBRATION AFFECTS THE ABILITY TO MOST EFFICIENTLY GENERATE POWER. IF AN INSTRUMENT IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, IT IMPROVES PROCESS CONTROL. James H. Miller, Jr. Electric Generating...

Open the catalog to page 2

Case Story, Alabama Power - Creating a safe environment through uncompromised accuracy at Alabama Power-3

process. Single function calibrators were used, and meant the E&I Superior functionality journeymen also had to carry a multi-meter and communicator into There were some instances where the information available for an the process area. It was challenging for the journeymen to follow their instrument could not be verified or was somewhat incomplete. To routes while carrying the multiple tools required during high-activity resolve this, journeymen used the MC6 HART communicator to map outage periods. Elevators were also forced to capacity, directly data from the instrument into a tag-based format...

Open the catalog to page 3

Case Story, Alabama Power - Creating a safe environment through uncompromised accuracy at Alabama Power-4

Alabama Power, a part of Southern Company DESCRIPTION • Beamex MC6 advanced field calibrator and communicator • Beamex CMX professional calibration management software • Beamex EXT pressure modules • Beamex FB field temperature blocks • Beamex PGXH calibration hand pumps • Beamex PGM calibration hand pumps CASE STORY IN BRIEF • Beamex PGV calibration hand pumps MAIN BENEFITS • Maximized safety • Improved accuracy and test uncertainty ratios • Increased efficiency • Significant time savings from automated processes • Improved traceability • Enhanced asset management and documentation practices...

Open the catalog to page 4