PROJECT SCOPE:

Operating since 2019, the Pampa Sul Thermoelectric Power Plant, located in the municipality of Candiota (RS), ls considered one of the most important works aimed at the development of the southern region of Brazil. With an investment of around BRL 2.5 billion, the project has the capacity to generate 345 MW of energy, an amount sufficient to serve around 1.3 million people, considerably increasing the production of electricity in Rio Grande do Sul. The Pampa Sul TPP uses a Circulating Fluidized Bed type boiler, which, as it is more suitable for coal in the region, is classified as a clean combustion technology, with low levels of gas emissions, which meets the strict limits imposed by the agencies. environmental issues.

SOLUTION PROVIDED:

In order to ensure the safe transport of coal between the extraction site and the plant's storage yard, Pampa Sul was supported by TMSA. The company was responsible for developing a complete coal handling and transport system that met the following environmental requirements:

• Less noise pollution possible;
• Minimum dispersion of material along the route;
• Minimal impact on the region's fauna and flora;
• Respect for flooding areas and streams.

Taking these aspects into account, TMSA proposed the use of a Tubular Belt Conveyor (TBC) - a solution capable of transporting the material in a cloistered manner, which, consequently, eliminates unwanted leaks during the journey, in addition to enabling a path with curve radii verticals and horizontals much smaller than long-distance conveyors.

In addition to the TBC, TMSA also provided a transfer tower to enable, through a yard conveyor with tripper, the stacking of ore to meet emergency operating situations at the Plant. The system, as a whole, is 4.30 km long and has the capacity to transport up to 550 tons of coal per hour.

MAIN SOLUTIONS ADOPTED:

• Drive area provided with side shielding to attenuate the emitted sound power;
• Side closures along the TBC to attenuate the sound power emitted by the system in operation and also to avoid belt twisting that can occur during rainy periods;
• Use of curved truss structures with special spans to overcome the stretches over existing streams and streams;
• Drive system with medium voltage inverters providing operation in a load sharing regime between its components and meeting the requirements of dynamic analysis for transient start-up and stop operating conditions;
• Fully automated control and supervision system integrated with the plant's control system;
• Asset monitoring system through vibration and temperature sensors;
• Image monitoring system through high-range HD cameras along the entire length of the conveyors;
• Autonomous lighting system along the conveyors through luminaires equipped with photoelectric plates and accumulators, eliminating the need for cables and transformers.

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL:

Since the project's conception, TMSA has adopted a partnership approach to solve the problems, being willing to participate in meetings with the environmental bodies to present the adopted solutions and equipment features. “The engineering with customized solutions, the robustness of the equipment and the after-sales service were TMSA's main differentials”, adds the engineer from Pampa Sul. Janilson Rossa, Mechanical Engineer.

TMSA TESTIMONIAL:

In the view of Engineer Rui Camara – Engineering Manager at TMSA, previous experience with projects of tubular belt conveyors was decisive for the company to be chosen to supply the Coal Handling System. He also emphasizes that, for the success of the project, TMSA's management structured an organizational chart for the Project, cohesively integrating all the work teams involved in its development.

"With our knowledge and international consultancy advice, we develop the mechanical and structural design establishing very strict design, manufacturing and assembly parameters to avoid operational problems that are common with this type of equipment and that arise mainly in the commissioning and assisted operation”, concludes Camara. TMSA Engineering Manager, Rui Camara.