Wärtsilä To Supply Performance Monitoring Sealing Solutions To Hydropower Plant In Idaho

Wärtsilä Corporation, a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets, will participate in the refurbishment programme for the US Bureau of Reclamation's Minidoka hydropower plant, Idaho, in the United States. This includes the refurbishment of the two horizontal turbine runners on the Kaplan turbines, located in the Allen E. Inman powerhouse. 

Wärtsilä will supply its REguard Water Lubricated Face Type Seals with integrated Pressurised Interface Management System (PIMS) to GE Renewable Energy who is responsible for the overall refurbishment of the turbines. This is the latest iteration of Wärtsilä's Pressurised Interface Management System which can autonomously monitor, record and analyse performance data in real time, locally.  

Furthermore, the new Wärtsilä seals will increase operational performance and, with the new integrated monitoring equipment, it will learn when maintenance is required, reducing operational downtime and increasing the time between maintenance periods. 

Consulting Engineer, Simon Thompson of Wärtsilä says, "We have an ongoing relationship with the Bureau and with GE Renewable Energy, and this project marks a significant milestone for us in terms of business development. Since visiting the Minidoka plant, we have been able to specifically tailor our product to offer the best solution possible in terms of performance improvement and reduced through life costs." 

Wärtsilä announced in October that it had expanded into a new market segment, offering a comprehensive package of seals, bearings and associated solutions to hydropower installations and industrial plants worldwide. Wärtsilä's Hydro & Industrial services offering targets the specific needs of hydropower, tidal energy and offshore wind installations as well as mining, paper, oil & gas, water management and power generation industries.  

For more information, visit www.wartsila.com/hydroandindustrialservices.

About Wärtsilä Services

Wärtsilä Services creates lifecycle services for its customers, enhancing their business - whenever, wherever. We provide industry's broadest range of services for both shipping and power generation. Our solutions range from spare parts and basic support to ensuring maximised lifetime, increased efficiency and guaranteed performance of customer's equipment or installation - in a safe, reliable, and environmentally sustainable way. 

About Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2014, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.8 billion with approximately 17,700 employees. The company has operations in more than 200 locations in nearly 70 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.wartsila.com.