The latching/unlatching of shroud head bolts is a critical task during boiling water reactors (BWRs) refueling outages. Traditional methods for assembly and disassembly can be time-intensive and consume overhead crane time. To address these challenges, Preferred Engineering has developed an innovative shroud head bolt wrench designed to streamline the process and enhance operational flexibility. The Preferred Engineering Shroud […]
Low-NOx Solutions for a Changing Regulatory Landscape
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently proposed stricter limits on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for combustion turbines at natural gas-fired plants and industrial facilities. Article here. This move, aimed at reducing harmful air pollutants and improving public health, may not ever come to fruition. However, the proposal reminds us to keep in mind the environmental impacts […]
Preferred Announces Updated PLS Liquid Level Switch Probes
DANBURY, CT – In early 2024, Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation (PUMC) introduced a new generation of PLS Liquid Level Switch probes featuring an innovative adjustable mounting connection. This advancement utilized a compression fitting to lock the probe securely in place when tightened. However, the initial design, which included stainless-steel ferrules, was intended for one-time use only. (A ferrule […]
Improve Safety with Preferred Engineering’s Strongbacks
Personnel safety in nuclear power plants is always on our minds at Preferred Engineering, especially for maintenance and handling of large reactor components. To support operational safety and efficiency during BWR reactor maintenance, we offer robust strongback solutions designed to reduce radiation exposure and ease component handling. The Cattlechute Strongback provides high-strength support designed with either an integral […]
The Next-Level Vacuum Leak Detection Monitor – With Updates!
Preferred Utilities’ Vacuum Leak Detection Monitor (Model VLM-P) is the reliable choice for precise leak detection in critical fuel systems. Designed to monitor interstitial spaces in double-walled piping, enclosures, and tanks, it ensures early alerts—often before liquid is present—maximizing safety and system uptime. At Preferred, we don’t just rest on success—we build on it. Our Vacuum Leak Detection […]
Welcoming our New Representative from Mexico
We’re thrilled to welcome Termoenergia y Calderas, our new sales representative from Mexico to our facility for in-depth training on Preferred’s advanced burner and control solutions! This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in expanding our support for the process and power industries across Mexico, helping to meet the growing demand for reliable, efficient hot water and steam […]
Burner Managment Series III: Detecting Low Water Conditions
The most dangerous of all conditions in a boiler is firing during a low water condition. This is true for boilers of all types and sizes whether big or small. For this reason, understanding proper low water detection, alarming, and shutdown conditions is a critical part of boiler operation and burner management. Why are low water conditions dangerous? […]
Burner Management Series II: BMS Limits Circuits
Safely sequencing a burner through each state of the burner cycle is the primary function of a burner management system (BMS) or flame safeguard. To do this the BMS utilizes various limits circuits to monitor the status of the burner through each step of the burner sequence. Each of these are “series limits circuits”, meaning that power is […]
Burner Management Series I: Safely Sequencing a Burner
When it comes to burner management systems, safely sequencing a burner through each state of the firing process is the top priority. This can be broken down into 4 basic functions: 1) Pre-ignition checks verifying that the burner and boiler are in a safe condition to start, 2) Continuous monitoring of all safety limits while the burner is […]
The Control Rod Blade Rack: A Critical Storage Solution
The Control Rod Blade Rack from Preferred Engineering is an essential component for securely and efficiently storing control rods during periods of maintenance, refueling, or reactor shutdown. Control rods are integral to the safe operation of Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs), where they play a critical role in controlling the fission process by absorbing excess neutrons. During times when […]