Michael Richter

• Plant performance and efficiency analysis in order to reduce partial load losses, improve cycle efficiency and reduce fuel consumption (at a coal-fired power station).
• Boiler tube failure reduction via engineering intervention.
• Trip and incident investigation to identify and address the root causes.
• Technical advisory role to system engineers and Operating personnel to improve plant reliability and performance.
• Grid stability custodian for ancillary services (minimum generation capabilities, frequency control and regulating reserve).
• Compilation of operating and engineering procedures.
• Technical report writing.
• Scope of work influence and execution monitoring.

Highlights:

• Reheater drying performance improvement.
• Reduction of temperature related load losses with a focus on sootblowing.
• Reduction of process related emissions load losses with a focus on sootblowing, fabric filter plant and ESP performance.
• Certification of all generating units at Duvha Power station for minimum generating capabilities
• Day-to-day immediate plant performance improvement through engineering analysis and subsequent advise to Operating and Maintenance staff.

• Site construction (demolition and re-construction planning) supervision and QC of Boiler works.
• Ensuring conformance to relevant codes, standards and regulations of construction and quality, including Design codes of Pressurised Equipment and Pressure Equipment Regulations.
• Specification, standards, methodologies and design work development and reviews, technical problem solving on site, on- and off-site Inspections, audits of suppliers, technical assistance during commissioning, providing technical guidance in the Boiler and Construction environment.
• Site representation at technical platforms.

Highlights:

• Duvha U3 Boiler Demolition - Mechanical Engineering Lead
• Duvha U3 Rebuild Design - Lead Discipline Engineer (Mechanical)
• Duvha C&I upgrade Mechanical works - Boiler Lead Discipline Engineer

• Site construction supervision and QC. Ensuring conformance to relevant codes and standards of construction and quality.
• Specification, standards, methodologies and design work development and reviews, Technical problem solving on site, On- and off-site Inspections, Audits of suppliers, Technical assistance during commissioning, Providing technical guidance to engineers in the Boiler environment.
• Site representation at technical platforms.

Highlights:

• Kusile Auxiliary Boiler 1-3 Pressure test, Registration and Commissioning - Engineering Lead
• Kusile Boiler 1 and 2 Hydrotest - Engineering Lead
• Kusile Boiler 1 Registration - Engineering Lead
• Kusile Boiler 1 Chemical Clean - Engineering Lead
• Kusile Boiler 1 Blowthrough - Engineering Co-Lead

• Design work and reviews according to relevant design codes, Technical problem solving on site, On- and off-site Inspections, Audits of suppliers.
• Leading construction maintenance of (mainly) boiler pressure parts systems.

Highlights:

• Return to service of Komati Power Station after being mothballed - System Engineer Construction and Commissioning of Boiler Pressure Parts and Piping