Graycor Industrial Constructors recently completed an EPC program with partner Sargent & Lundy, LLC to enable Midwest Generation to reduce emissions from its fleet of Illinois power plants. The partnership known as GSL successfully completed a fleet -wide construction program for Midwest Generation at power plants located throughout the state of Illinois. Midwest Generation, an Edison International Company, operates coal-fired merchant plants which produce electric power.

Midwest Generation looked to GSL for assistance in developing and executing an implementation plan to comply with upcoming U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and State of Illinois environmental regulations for air quality control. Graycor was intimately involved in every step of the design and construction process, from foundation work to pipe installation. One of the key elements of the project was the installation of state-of-the-art air emissions reduction equipment.

This project marked one of several successful GSL ventures. Due to the collaboration of the GSL partnership, the design, plan engineering and construction were all completed seamlessly. Graycor installed a Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) system and a Rich Reagent Injection system (RRI). The SNCR and RRI systems utilize different processes to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions in conventional power plants.

Given the complexities and the no fail commissioning of the project, the GSL team had to plan extensively and execute efficiently. This project was executed with a fast track design build approach. The project required the retrofitting of the mechanical equipment around existing equipment and the field routing of the new piping throughout the plants, while tying into the plants existing utilities. Starting-up the new SNCR and RRI systems was also critical and each plant was required to maintain full operations during construction.