The Challenge
Acensium, the parent company of AsBuilt, was contracted to provide design engineering, fabrication, and installation support for multiple bunker discharge chutes at a power plant. The existing chute configurations included features that caused frequent coal pluggage during discharge to the feeders, negatively impacting reliability and operations.
The scope required redesigning the discharge chutes, procuring fabricated components, and ensuring proper integration with existing bunker discharge structures—without introducing new flow or fitment issues.
The Solution
AsBuilt conducted a detailed 3D laser scan of the bunker discharge areas, capturing all relevant structural, equipment, and utility conditions. The scan data provided accurate as-built geometry to support chute redesign and interface detailing.
Using the scan-based models, Acensium’s engineering team developed a comprehensive fabrication and installation package. This ensured the new discharge chutes and associated hardware were accurately designed, properly fabricated, and aligned precisely with existing bunker discharge openings and feeders.
Key Outcomes
- Elimination of Pluggage-Causing Features
Redesigned chute geometry improved material flow and reduced operational interruptions. - Accurate Fit with Existing Infrastructure
Scan-based design ensured new chutes integrated cleanly with existing bunkers and feeders. - Fabrication-Ready Documentation
Detailed design packages supported efficient fabrication and installation. - Reduced Installation Risk
Accurate as-built data minimized field modifications and rework.
Deliverables
- Design Engineering
- Fabrication Support
- Installation Support
Why It Matters
Material handling issues like chute pluggage can significantly impact plant reliability. By combining accurate reality capture with engineering-led design and fabrication support, AsBuilt and Acensium delivered a durable solution that improved system performance and reduced operational risk.
