Pre-Conference Workshops

In all operating worlds, a standard of excellence is desired. The world of Powder River Basin (PRB) Coal is one that demands “Best Practices”. The PRB organization has compiled information from the best in business that apply rigor and experience necessary for the ‘Best Practice” to become “Best Operating Performance.” Surgeons known to be the best are so because they can put into practice their knowledge and skill set that led them to success. Success in the PRB coal arena is operating safely and efficiently. These assembled “Best Practices” offer a clear and focused path to “Best Operating Performance”.

In recent years, facilities across the US have experienced devastating fires and explosions causing personnel deaths and injuries. In nearly every instance the resulting investigation called for Hazard Analysis as a mitigation step to avoid future problems. This discussion will outline the Hazards as identified in NFPA 654, NFPA 850 and NFPA 101 to assist your team in recognizing, cataloging and mitigating the hazards at your site. Luminant’s Combustible Dust Guidelines require sites to conduct Hazard Analyses and formulate mitigation plans in response to the findings. Luminant’s Team along with site employees assess the risks and using procedures, audits, and inspections lower the risk of fires and explosions at our sites. Involving the site employees as well as the subject matter experts will help to insure your site is safer for personnel as well as processes. Learn how to perform combustible particulate solids and dusts hazard analysis from a fire and explosion perspective and reduce your risk. Bring your Team!

What are the technical and economic considerations when exploring the potential of converting a power plant to burn PRB coal? This workshop will address technical considerations with boiler components and boiler auxiliaries including sootblowers, pulverizers and air preheaters. It will also address coal handling equipment including bunker design and capacity and coal yard upgrades. It will also address coal dust hazard mitigation related to conveyors, transport chutes, trestle dust suppression, fire protection equipment, washdown systems, dust collection systems, and coal pile management. Current installed environmental control equipment such as precipitators will be examined for possible modifications.

Monday Evening Activities
Just for International Attendees - International Reception at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on Monday, May 13th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
PRB Coal Users’ Group Reception
Monday, May 13 - 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Ballroom
This hot hors d’oeuvres open bar reception is a great opportunity to meet up with friends and colleagues before the conference starts the next day. Come relax and network with your peers when you arrive to Chicago!
Attendance is restricted to PRB Delegates for the Reception

Power Plant Awards Banquet
Monday, May 13 - 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Ballroom
After the reception, come join us at the Power Plant Awards Banquet with guest speaker Garrison Wynn, Wynn Solutions a motivational humorous speaker that will bring home the theme of flexibility and adaptability; Making the Most of Difficult Situations: Changing Markets, Changing Times. The dinner banquet is included for all PRB Delegates at no additional charge
$125 for Non-PRB Delegates

The events emphasis will be on encouraging the attendees to share concerns, career strategies, professional accomplishments, and lessons learned. In addition there will be discussions about how to foster networking among women in the generation profession and develop mentoring relations for both technical expertise and career development