July 18, 2014
Over the past few years, the North Little Rock Electric Department has faced some major decisions regarding the Murray Hydro Plant. The decision began with a retrofit of an old mechanical seal system to be replaced with a new rope packing system. The next phase was major turbine repairs that were needed to carry the plant through the next fiscal year all followed by a major turbine overhaul. Having two of the largest horizontal, Kaplan turbines in the world always makes decisions a bit more difficult. It has been such a relief to have a company like Hyrdo Consulting and Maintenance Services (HCMS) that has the confidence and ability to handle such major projects for our department.
Throughout each of our major projects HCMS has provided an experienced, professional staff to walk us through the process and aid in making the best decisions for our faculty. As with any project, there are obstacles along way HCMS exceeded our expectations in handling these without any delays in the projects and overhauls completion dates. In essence, they are always willing to take on any task no matter the difficulty and their desire is to leave each unit in better than new condition when they are finished.
Sometimes with the age and size of our facility it is not always beneficial to go back to the OEM personnel in order to request help or replacements. HCMS has continually shown that ability to reverse engineer or even present more effective and efficient solutions to issues that arise in our facility. They have a desire and willingness to replace all components with like new or better material.
The North Little Rock Electric Department is confident that HCMS will provide the highest quality work and insight on any project at the Murray Hydro Plant.
-Jessica Stephens, System Mechanical Engineer