PRB Coal
Rail Receiving Study for the Meramec Plant
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Client Completion
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Project
Description
The Meramec Plant consists of Units No. 1 to 4 commissioned from 1953 to 1961. Total plant rated generating capacity is
approximately 880 MWe. Coal was being
received by barge. In recent years,
the coal handling system has been upgraded in three phases. To reduce fuel cost, the Meramec Plant
has been increasingly relying on Powder River Basin (PRB) coal. The photograph illustrates a portion of
the plant's coal yard.
Meramec's success in utilizing PRB coal indicates that switching to PRB coal as the plant's dominant fuel can significantly reduce fuel costs. A key component of the cost of PRB coal is transportation. To maximize fuel savings, Ameren is considering alterations to the fuel transport system. Ameren discussed potential savings with the rail carrier, Union Pacific, if coal is directly unloaded at Meramec.
To investigate rail deliveries, Ameren engaged Design Nine, Reitz and Jens, and Energy Associates. Design Nine investigated the rail issues. Reitz and Jens examined the geotechnical issues related to the loop track arrangement. Energy Associates was engaged to investigated the new coal receiving system and the resulting interfaces/accommodations for the existing coal handling system. Since the rail loop is being routed beneath transmission lines in the ash pond areas, the Transmission and Distribution Department of Ameren Services investigated the need to elevate lines that cross the loop. The future addition of a stacker/reclaimer within the loop will also affect the transmission lines and require accommodations.
Energy Associates investigated both ladder track and loop track style rail unloading systems including a phased approach that would allow the plant to support other activities. A feasibility study was prepared complete with general arrangement drawings, calculations, detail estimate, and preliminary pricing information form select component manufacturers.
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