Power Engineers & Work
What is the main role of a power engineer in a plant?
To operate and maintain equipment safely and efficiently
Who issues Power Engineering Certificates of Competency?
: Provincial/territorial legal authorities
What is the primary legislative document passed by Parliament called?
An Act
Which CSA code governs boilers and pressure vessels?
CSA B51
What fluid is most commonly used for heat transfer in power plants?
Water/Steam
In small plants, what additional responsibilities might a power engineer take on?
Ordering supplies and assuming full responsibility for the plant.
: What two requirements must be met to progress to a higher certificate?
Experience and education
In New Brunswick, under which Act are boilers and pressure vessels governed?
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act
Which CSA code covers refrigeration?
CSA B52 Mechanical Refrigeration Code
How many times does water expand in volume when converted to steam?
About 1600 times
What is a common shift pattern for power engineers in plants that never shut down?
8- or 12-hour rotating shifts.
Which class of certificate allows full charge of any power plant as chief engineer?
First Class Certificate of Competency
Who enforces provincial Power Engineering legislation in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick Public Safety / Technical Inspection Services ie chief boiler inspector
Name two sections of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
Section I (Power Boilers), Section VIII (Pressure Vessels)
What are the three main energy conversions in a conventional power plant cycle?
Chemical → Thermal → Mechanical/Electrical.
: Name two types of equipment a power engineer may operate.
Boilers, turbines, pumps, compressors, diesel engines
What certificate qualifies a person to supervise a plant not over 1,000 kW?
Fourth Class Engineer’s Certificate of Competency
What is the hierarchy of legislation for Power Engineers in Canada?
Federal Acts → Provincial Acts & Regulations → Codes → Standards
What organization issues the ULC label on products?
Underwriters Laboratories of Canada
What thermodynamic cycle forms the basis of most power plants?
Rankine Cycle.
What environmental factors can make power engineering work challenging?
: Dust, fumes, smoke, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures
Why was certification introduced historically?
To prevent accidents from unqualified operators.
Which Canadian organization coordinates voluntary standardization nationally?
Standards Council of Canada.
Which U.S. standards organization recognizes codes like ASME and NFPA?
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
In the Rankine Cycle, what component compresses liquid water back to high pressure?
The feedwater pump