BEST PRACTICES FOR ASSET CONDITION ASSESSMENT (ACA) & RISK ASSESSMENT (RA) (1 day)

Asset demographics are not always a good indicator of true asset condition. Internal stakeholders and regulators require documented justification for expenditures. This course will provide Utility Engineers and Line Management with the knowledge, skills and process to perform Asset Condition Assessment (ACA) and Risk Assessment (RA) to justify capital and maintenance expenditures to internal and external decision makers. Only a legitimate health-indexing process can lead to the accurate determination of an optimal timing and cost benefit ratio. Kinectrics’ proven methodology is fully compliant with the Gold Standard of Asset Management Programs outlined in BSI PAS 55 and has been used by numerous, large, fully-integrated utilities as well as regional and municipal utilities. For general course outline, click here. Updated June 2010

NEW       INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRIC UTILITY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS (1 day)

This course presents an overview of the electrical engineering fundamentals and equipment used in the Distribution system of electric power utilities.  The course would be useful to new utility staff, regulators and others who need a broad introduction.  The topics covered include the basic engineering principles, design issues, standards and the major components used in distribution lines and transformer stations.  Discussions are included on the types of loads and energy losses in the distribution of power to customers. For general course outline, click here. Updated May 2010

NEW      INTRODUCTION TO DISTRIBUTED GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT (1 day)

This is an introductory course aimed at practicing utility and consulting engineers with peripheral knowledge of Distributed Generation Technologies and power distribution systems, having a need to improve their understanding of the various DG technologies, differences in operational and control characteristics, and their interaction with power distribution systems.  A brief overview is included on modelling DG facilities, and caveats used when conducting load flow studies to assess grid impacts.  Examples are cited to highlight a need for more advanced studies at times. For generation course outlne, click here Updated May 2010

MECHANICAL, THERMAL & ELECTRICAL FUNDAMENTALS OF CONDUCTORS, CONNECTORS AND DAMPERS (1 day)

This course will provide in-depth fundamentals of the design, process and phenomena for understanding the mechanical, thermal and electrical characteristics of transmission line conductors, connectors and dampers. Participants will learn testing and inspection techniques for assessing aged conductors and splices, mitigation schemes for phenomena such as vibration and end of life asset management considerations. Theoretical information will be supplemented with practical knowledge of project case studies demonstrated in the Connector Lab, Span Room and Strong Floor Lab. For general course outline, click here.

  CABLE - RELATED

MITIGATING RISK OF POST- INSTALLATION FAILURE: AC HI-POT & PD COMMISSIONING TESTING OF TRANSMISSION CLASS CABLE (2 days)

Starting with an introduction to cable design and insulation failure mechanisms, this course provides the basics for understanding issues resulting in post installation failure of newly-installed cable.  Referencing international standards, test methodologies will be compared and contrasted, reviewing the theory and practical implementation of each methodology.  Best practices are identified and specific examples / case studies provided.  Finally, Kinectrics’ experiences in the field and lessons learned related to the implementation of cable commissioning testing will be presented and shared with course attendees.  For general course details, click here Updated May 2010

PARTIAL DISCHARGE (PD) IN CABLES - LOWERING THE RISK OF UNFORSEEN CABLE INSULATION FAILURES (1 day)

This course provides a solid introduction to Partial Discharge (PD) in Distribution and Transmission class cable systems.  Following a brief review of the most predominant insulation aging mechanisms and failure mechanisms, the course reviews PD theory, different PD test methodologies, limitations, and the practical implementation framework of each test methodology.  Several case studies will be presented. For general course details, click here Updated May 2010

AMPACITY MANAGEMENT OF CABLES (2 days)

Aging infrastructure in electric transmission systems forces utilities to look closer at asset utilization.  Electric power cables have been sized very conservatively in the past.  This course will review the most important issues concerning cable ampacity calculations and will analyze how cable construction and location influence the amount of current a circuit can carry. It will also address some new trends in cable rating calculations.  For general course details, click here Updated May 2010

BULK ELECTRIC SYSTEM RELIABILITY EVALUATION (2 days)

ENERGY LOSS MANAGEMENT (2 days)

Energy Loss within Distribution Networks is a critical issue that can result in increased costs to clients and is a major concern of regulatory bodies such as the Ontario Energy Board. Utility engineers need to understand the course of the losses, the methods for estimating the losses, and how to reduce the losses in a cost- effective manner. This course will provide the knowledge and calculation methods for estimating losses, and discuss techniques to reduce potential loss. For general course details, click here Updated May 2010

IMPROVING PERFORMANCE IN YOUR HV ROTATING MACHINES (5 days)

This course will cover the working knowledge and practical aspects of design, construction, operation and condition assessment of HV AC machines, empowering attendees with in-depth knowledge of how to increase performance, carry out front-line assessments and produce plant status reports. Comprehensive training in turbo-generators (air and hydrogen cooled) HV motors, testing and failure analysis will be provided by Kinectrics international engineering specialists.    For general course details, click here   Updated May 2010

ARC HAZARD ENGINEERING (1 day)

Utilities and industrial companies are mandated by various regulations and safety organizations to conduct arc hazard analysis to select appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). There are numerous standards and computation methods available for arc analysis; however, each of these has its limitations and advantages. Referencing case studies based on specific projects, this course will provide engineering detail on the arc computation methods and help attendees use the appropriate tool for their application. For general course details, click here Updated June 2010

HIGH VOLTAGE (HV) ENGINEERING (5 days)

Power Engineering is undergoing a renaissance as utilities reassess equipment to upgrade existing, or build new infrastructures. There is a need to train engineers in the fundamentals of High Voltage (HV) technology, equipment, and laboratory test techniques. This course covers HV test system and measuring systems and analysis techniques as applied to power systems apparatus such as cables, insulators, transformers and generators. Hands-on lab work will be done in Kinectrics High Voltage lab, which is equipped with AC impulse and DC test equipment. The HV lab is used on a regular basis by national and international utilities for measuring and testing. For general course details, click here. Updated May 2010

SUBSTATION GROUNDING SYSTEMS (2 days)

This course will help design engineers better understand the theory, requirements, limitations and various in-service tests involved in the design of ground grids. This course is designed for experienced consulting and maintenance engineers, newly-qualified engineers and other technical personnel.    For general course details, click here Updated May 2010

NEW   REVERSE ENGINEERING - CONSIDERATIONS & CHALLENGES (1 day)

Reverse Engineering is the process of duplicating a component using various methods and analysis. As nuclear plants age, spare and/or replacement components to ensure life extension cannot be sourced. Replacement parts must provide the exact fit for function, I/Os and human factors. This course will examine the factors and challenges when considering reverse engineering component options. For general course details, click here. Updated May 2010

NEW    CANDU PRESSURE TUBE INTEGRITY ASSESSMENT (3 days)

The purpose of this seminar is to provide an overview of the life-limiting issues in CANDU reactor pressure tubes and how they are managed through a process of inspection, materials surveillance and emphasis on assessing the risk of hydride crack initiation. For general course details, click here.  Updated July 2010

NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION (NDE) - ULTRASONIC TESTING ONLY (1 day)

This course will provide in-depth information and hands-on lab work detailing how ultrasonic testing can be applied to cover regular and troubleshooting inspections. Topics covered include the theory, requirements, limitations and various in-service problems related to ultrasonic inspection. The course will present the subject organized around the principles of ultrasonic testing, methods and equipment, results presentation and types of images and signal processing. This course is designed for electrical, design, mechanical and system engineers. For general course details, click here Updated July 2010

NEW      UNDERSTANDING ELASTOMER MATERIALS IN USE IN THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY & THEIR POTENTIAL FAILURE MECHANISMS (1 day)

This seminar provides an introduction to the typical elastomer materials and components used in nuclear power plants, their applications, limitations, failure mechanisms, selection, specifications, and procurement.  The term elastomer material covers numerous natural and synthetic compounds consisting of millions of repeated linked units, each a relatively light and simple molecule.  These materials are used as seals, gaskets, diaphragms, insulation, vibration mounts, adhesives and in many other applications as part of different equipment within the nuclear industry. This course deals with the practical application of these polymer materials and components in all applications, with emphasis on their application in Environmental Qualification programs that use either the Canadian or the United States standards, CSA N290.13. For general course details, click here Updated May 2010

NEW    MICROBIOLOGICALLY-INDUCED CORROSION (MIC) (1 day)

Microbial fouling, or biofouling, refers to the attachment and growth of microorganisms in aqueous systems. Microbial biofilms forming on metal surfaces can initiative and accelerate corrosion. The consequences of MIC in nuclear facilities can be severe, where financial losses result from material replacement costs and equipment failure. In addition, perforations of pipes can lead to the release of radioactive liquids, which are a health hazard.

Microorganisms usually cause pitting corrosion. Pitting is one of the most destructive and concealed forms of corrosion, and often causes equipment to fail abruptly. Pits are difficult to detect since they are generally covered with corrosion products. Control of MIC requires implementation of effective monitoring and preventive maintenance programs. For general course outline, click here  Updated May 2010