Power Engineering Technician

Location:	Weyburn
Length of Course:	36 weeks
Tuition:	$3450.00*
Books:	$1400.00*
Start Date:	September 8, 2008
Program Prerequisites:	Grade 12, with Math B30 or Accuplacer Testing. Must have at least a 65% average overall (classes used for average are: ELA A30 & B30, Math B30) Chemistry, Physics and Math C30 are not admission requirements, however they would be extremely helpful to your success in the program and may be required by some employers

(Information indicated with an * is an approximation and may be changed)

Power Engineering Technician is a certificate program. It provides practical training in boiler operations, maintenance techniques and tool usage.

Power Engineering is not an apprenticeship trade; however, like apprenticeship trades, it is divided into levels of skill and training. The levels are referred to as classes with First Class being the highest level. A combination of work experience and course completions followed by rigorous interprovincial examinations allows a power engineer to progress from one class to another.

You will study Fourth Class interprovincial standardized material as preparation to challenge the interprovincial Fourth Class examinations. You will also acquire boiler firing time in the power labs.

Graduates are eligible to challenge the provincial exam to obtain the Refrigeration Engineers Certificate required to operate larger refrigeration plants in Saskatchewan.

Graduates are prepared to work as power engineers or process operators in a variety of industrial and heating plants. These include utility (power) plants, refineries, hospitals, pulp and paper mills, breweries, mines, gas processing plants, heavy oil upgraders, fertilizer plants or chemical plants.

 

You will receive a general overview of the fundamental principles in the structure, formation and interaction of chemical compounds and the importance of chemistry in industrial operations.

You will be introduced to the purpose and uses of a word processor and electronic spreadsheets. You will develop the basic skills of creating, editing and formatting documents and spreadsheets.

You will learn the basic fundamentals used in the interpreting and sketching of technical drawings.

You will review the various provincial, Canadian and ASME legislation and codes related to the construction and operation of boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration plants.

You will learn the major components of a steam plant and participate in the start-up of the equipment which is similar to that used in industry. You will also perform water testing and chemical treatment. (Please be aware that all labs are done at Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon)

You will learn about and practice the various types of maintenance required to keep plant equipment functioning in a safe workplace. (Please be aware that all labs are done at Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon)

You will review the fundamentals of algebra and trigonometry. The course content includes algebraic operations on equations, problem solving, quadratic equations, systems of linear equations, areas, volumes and basic trigonometry.

You will receive an orientation to your program and learn where and how the technician/technologist fits into the workplace and society.

You will receive general safety information related to power engineering. You will study the basic principles dealing with personal safety equipment, fire safety and WHMIS. You will learn about environmental pollutants and their methods of control.

You will receive an introduction to boiler terminology, design, operation and government regulations and codes pertaining to boilers.

You will receive instruction and practice in basic job related interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. The course content includes writing for the workplace and development of teamwork skills.

You will receive an introduction to the field of thermodynamics. You will learn the quantities, units and principles involved in elementary thermodynamics.

You will receive an introduction to the field of mechanics. You will learn the quantities, units and principles involved in statics and dynamics.

You will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the operation of a boiler in the workplace. You will study the impact of shift work on personal health and wellness. You will learn how to effectively manage the negative effects commonly associated with rotating shift work. This experience will help you relate theory you learned to an operational plant. It will also help you develop contacts for possible future employment.

The course will introduce you to some of the basic methods utilized in power plants to prepare and maintain the water used in steam generation.

You will be introduced to the basics of DC and AC circuits and machines. You will use electrical metering devices, perform electrical calculations and describe the operation of transformers and electrical distribution systems.

You will receive an introduction to heating boiler terminology, design, operation and government regulations. You will also learn about the controls for steam and hot water heating boilers.

Building on knowledge gained in ENGP 100 (Heating Systems 1), you will study the various types of heating systems. You will learn the importance of building ventilation. You will also study auxiliary building systems.

Your studies will focus on the basics of steam and gas turbine construction and operation, internal combustion engines and steam engines used in industry.

You will receive an introduction to the characteristics and operation of pumps and compressors. You will learn how to calculate pump efficiency. Your studies will include a focus on lubrication, its properties, methods of application and importance to efficient equipment operation.

The course is a continuation of ENGP 180 (Power Lab 1). You will manipulate steam production with the purpose of operating turbines, heat exchangers, pumps and auxiliary fuel systems in a functioning high pressure steam lab. The lab will allow you to bring all of your previously learned theory and skills together in order to validate your knowledge and operating skills. (Please be aware that all labs are done at Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon)

The course is a continuation of ENGP 181 (Plant Maintenance 1). You will receive hands-on training on plant maintenance tasks (including the construction of piping systems, shaft alignment and boiler cleaning, maintenance and repair). (Please be aware that all labs are done at Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon)

You will be introduced to the operation and application of control loops, control signals, actuators and control valves. You will study programmable logic control and the operation of boilers controls.

You will learn about industrial processes used to manufacture a variety of different products. You will study the equipment used in these industrial processes.

You will receive the information needed to operate and maintain a building’s air conditioning system.

The course provides an introduction to the principles of refrigeration used in power plants.

You will receive instruction and practice in job search techniques. You will develop a targeted resume and learn the elements of the interview process. You will also study effective meeting management and develop your ability to make oral presentations in the workplace.

You will have the opportunity to observe and participate in the operation of a 4th Class of higher steam plant with a different function than your first work experience. With this additional experience you will gain more insight into the different boilers and equipment which you will be qualified to operate. It will also help you make a more informed choice and to develop contacts for future employment.