Power Plant Construction Contractors Key Terms

Learn the terms to help you work with power plant construction contractors

By Catherine Ryan

When getting a power plant project off the ground you'll need the help of construction contractors at every stage of the process. Contractors can help you with planning, engineering, equipment design and selection, as well as providing you and your team with training and follow-up maintenance services.

Before you begin talks with a power plant construction contractor, make sure to familiarize yourself with the following terms: installations, EPC management, valve servicing, balance of plant, erection and lifecycle services.

Installations

Installation is the term applied to any system set up in a power plant by a contractor. An example of an installation is a pollution control system.
Try: View some examples of power plant installations at Frank Lill and Son.

EPC management

EPC management, or engineering, procurement and construction management, is an integrated approach to power plant engineering and construction. EPC management seeks to unify all aspects of a power plant construction project, from planning to permitting.
Try: Read all about EPC management at Thermal Systems' (TSI) website.

Valve servicing

Valve servicing is an important follow-up maintenance service that many power plant construction contractors provide. There are many valves involved in the construction of a power plant and their proper functioning is key to the smooth operation of your plant. Most valve servicing plans involve inspection, repair, maintenance and replacement.
Try: Learn more about power plant valve servicing from FMT.

Balance of plant

Balance of plant is used to describe the collection of all equipment and systems that are necessary for the safe and efficient operation of a power plant.
Try: Visit Andritz Hydro's website to learn the ins and outs of balance of plant.

Erection

Erection is the service in which power plant contractors erect the framework for the power plant and its components. This term is usually used when referencing stainless steel structures.
Try: Chemithon Enterprises provides an in-depth description of its erection services along with examples of past erection projects.

Lifecycle services

The term lifecycle services is defined as services that deal with the long-term operations of a power plant. Many power plant construction contractors provide these services in addition to their construction services, including maintenance and management plans.
Try: GE Energy outlines its lifecycle services along with its other offerings for power plant construction.