Steam blows at Kemper plant successfully completed ahead of schedule

A key mechanical testing milestone has been reached at Mississippi Power’s Kemper County energy facility in less time than originally expected.

On Nov. 21, Kemper team members began a procedure estimated to last up to 31 days performing 48 “steam blows,” the process of blowing steam through pipes to ensure that they are clean, tight and leak free.

Instead of the process taking a month, the steam blows were completed with no major issues or injuries in less than two weeks.

“The steam blows were completed after just 12 days,” Joe Miller, Kemper startup manager said. “The reduced time can be attributed to exceptional planning, outstanding teamwork, the craftsmanship of the individuals installing the temporary piping, the repeated review of the steam blow procedures, outstanding communication and, more importantly, our insistence that no shortcuts be taken.”

Cooler weather in mid-November delayed the beginning of the steam blow process.

The process began on the gasifier island as steam progressively cleaned piping, and then the process culminated with “target” steam blows.

“In target steam blows, polished steel targets are inserted into the steam flow for a 20- minute period,” Miller added. “Then the target is removed and assessed to determine if any material impacted the target. A new target is inserted each time until three successive clean targets are obtained. This process is an industry standard that ensures that our high cleanliness specifications are reached.”

Along with technological milestones, The Kemper County energy facility continues to have an exemplary safety record.

“We are also very pleased that no injuries occurred, which is significant when you consider the amount of hot steam being channeled through 48 different paths,” said John Huggins, Mississippi Power’s vice president of Generation Development. “We are proud of the tremendous effort by the entire Kemper team to accomplish this important milestone.”