Town Talk: By Dave Kuehn New Ulm Public Utilities Electric Production Supervisor Each position in the Electric Production Department has different responsibilities to keep the Power Plant operating efficiently and safely. The Power Plant operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Sixteen employees are currently required to operate the Power Plant: 4 Boiler Operators, 1 Relief Boiler Operator 4 Plant Operators, 1 Relief Plant Operator 1 Chief Engineer, 1 Assistant Chief Engineer 1 Plant Mechanic, 1 Maintenance I Worker, 1 Maintenance II Worker 1 Lab Results Analyst This article concentrates on the Lab Results Analyst position. The Lab Results Analyst plays a vital role in keeping the Plant operating smoothly and efficiently. His/her work varies from day to day depending on equipment online at the time. His/her responsibilities are to keep the chemistry in the boilers, cooling towers, District Energy, and condensers of the generators in balance. He/she needs to know the characteristics of the chemicals used and how to proportion them to keep the PH, alkalinity, etc., in proper levels according to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) guidelines. He/she works with our chemical representative (Nalco) to get the most out of the program recommended to us. He/she is responsible for the chemicals being used to be handled safely with proper Personal Protection Equipment that is available and required. He/she will need to know the Safety Data Sheets of the chemical used to determine what Personal Protection Equipment is needed for each chemical they use. Some of the chemicals are very corrosive and hazardous and need to be handled respective of their characteristics. Upon completing the testing done each day, the data is logged into a spreadsheet for future reference. This will allow the Lab Results Analyst to track our usage and adjust the amounts of each chemical used and have an accurate account of our inventory. It also gives a valuable history for future training as new people step into the position, they can see what amounts of each to get the results needed. He/she will track the amount of water and condensate are passed through the water softeners and Zeolite filters (polishing filters for condensate). After a selected number of gallons, these need to be regenerated. They both are regenerated with a salt brine like a home use water softener, just larger amounts. The Lab Results Analyst also will keep track of our transformer nitrogen tanks. This is used to keep a blanket of nitrogen in the top air space to keep moisture out. As tanks get low or empty, they will replace with another tank. He/she will keep our fuel and acid storage tank program up to date by monitoring gallonage several times a week. This tells us if we have abnormal usage or a leak occurring. Many power plants combine this position with the Operators, but the overall effectiveness that we have gotten with our chemical treatment has proven that it is a vital position that keeps our equipment in top condition. When needed and available they will also assist in the maintenance and operation activities. ——— Editor’s Note: The City of New Ulm presents a weekly column highlighting activities in different departments in the city government. Once a month the city will answer questions from readers. Questions on New Ulm city issues can be sent to comments@ci.new-ulm.mn.us.