Electrostatic Precipitator Seminar

June 17-20, 2024 │ Chicago, IL │ CEUs: 1.8

ESP Seminar Bose earbuds drawing

Electrostatic Precipitator Seminar

June 17-20, 2024 │ Chicago, IL │ CEUs: 1.8

This seminar educates participants on why precipitators operate and behave unpredictably at times and how to effectively troubleshoot them.

During the seminar, attendees will explore the various factors that influence Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) performance, which are distilled into four or five fundamental rules that every ESP should follow. Participant will learn methods to improve the performance of their precipitators to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and engage in open discussions.

Even if you don’t have B&W ESP controls, these sessions are resourceful for learning how ESP controls should operate.

2023 ESP Seminar Group Photo

Who Should Attend?

  • Wet and Dry ESP Users
  • Plant Managers
  • Plant Engineers
  • Electrical Engineers
  • Performance Engineers
  • Maintenance Personnel
  • Electricians
  • I&E Technicians
  • Consultants
  • Purchasing Personnel
  • Professionals seeking CEUs
Plant Personnel V3

Seminar Agenda

Welcome Reception:
Monday, June 17
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM 

Training and Evening Functions:
Tuesday, June 18
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM – Training
5:00 to 8:00 PM – Offsite Dinner

Wednesday, June 19
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM – Training
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM – Offsite Dinner 

Thursday, June 20
8:30 AM to 1:30 PM – Training

Agenda is subject to change.

Seminar Topics:

  • Identifying why power levels are lowest in the inlet field yet collect the most dust -- while the outlet field functions in the opposite manner
  • How to read AVC meters to identify problems
  • How resistivity of the dust affects ESP performance and its possible causes
  • Explaining advantages and disadvantages of single phase, three phase, and switch mode power supplies
  • How to easily write a comprehensive rapper program
  • How to program the AVC for most applications
  • How to safely inspect the ESP, what to look for, and assess what is not acceptable
  • Simple rules: Is the problem in the ESP or with the process?
ESP Seminar Location Atrium V2

Location & Tuition

Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare
6501 Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL 60018

Early Bird Registration: $1,495, ends May 17, 2024
Registration fee increases to $1,595 on May 18, 2024

The preferred method of payment is credit card. If your organization requires a different payment method, please email Hayley Lappin at hjlappin@babcock.com.

  • Tuition includes:
    • Technical information from industry experts designed to enhance job performance
    • Printed binder containing technical presentations
    • Meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks and offsite dinners)
    • Transportation to offsite dinners
    • A copy of the 42nd Edition of Steam/Its generation and use ($120 value)
    • Access to technical experts for any post-event questions and ESP insights
    • 1.8 CEU credits and course certificate (if opting to receive this benefit)
Chicago Airport Location and Tuition

Hotel Accommodations

Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare
6501 Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL 60018

Discounted hotel block rate: $147* per night plus fees and taxes
Ends Friday, May 31, 2024.

*Hotel and travel costs are not included in the registration fee. Each attendee is responsible for making their own hotel accommodations.

Chicago Ohare Hotel Accommodations

Speakers

Rob Hummell

Rob Hummell

In 1990, Rob received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy, having completed extensive technical training in electronics, nuclear prototype instruction, nuclear power plant, and submarine operations. Over the course of 28 years, he garnered a wealth of expertise in designing, installing, operating, and resolving issues with electrostatic precipitator control systems. Rob's dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovative ESP technology earned him four U.S. patents in recognition of his achievements.

Rob is a regular speaker at technical training sessions, where he spearheads discussions that foster the exchange of knowledge and the generation of practical, valuable ideas among participants.

Buzz Reynolds - B&W ESP Seminar Speaker

James ”Buzz”  Reynolds

James Reynolds, often referred to as "Buzz," serves as the Director of Industrial Sales within Babcock & Wilcox's Environmental division, boasting an impressive career spanning over three decades in the air pollution control field. Buzz is widely acknowledged as an expert in wet ESP technology and industrial marketing.

During his professional career, he has played a pivotal role in helping companies strategically position themselves in the CO2 capture space by piloting wet ESP technology ahead of CO2 capture technology. He has been instrumental in assisting new coal-fired power plants address fine particulate emissions with Wet ESP technology, and successfully help manage the completion of more than 100 wet ESP projects, both at pilot and industrial scale.

Beyond his operational achievements, Buzz is a true innovator, holding several patents and co-authoring technical papers. He is a frequent presenter at industry conferences, sharing his insights and expertise with peers and colleagues. His contributions to the Institute for Clean Air Companies earned him special recognition, and he has actively served on the World Pollution Control Association Board of Directors.  Buzz's educational background includes an MBA from Dartmouth College's Tuck Business School and a BA from the University of Notre Dame.

John A. Knapik 

John Knapik

Mr. Knapik held the role of Applications Engineer specializing in ESPs at B&W for an impressive 42 years before his retirement in 2022. His extensive knowledge and experience in this field have made him a sought-after speaker at numerous prominent conferences, including the Western Canada BLRBAC Conference, Eastern Canada BLRBAC Conference, MEGA Symposium, Energy, Utility, Environment Conference (EUEC), PRB Coal Users Group, Catalytic Cracker Conference, Western Regional Boiler Association, American Forest & Paper Association Conference, and the International Conference on ESPs. Additionally, he has presented at the Reinhold ESP Users group on seven occasions. Mr. Knapik's expertise extends to the publication of technical papers on electrostatic precipitators, with two of them featured in "Power Magazine."

Beyond his speaking engagements and publications, he has provided valuable consulting services on precipitator performance and operations to a wide range of industries, including Electric Utility, Paper, Refining, Cement, and Mining. Mr. Knapik is renowned for his ability to decipher ESP performance through meticulous analysis of automatic voltage control data. He excels at simplifying complex concepts in laymen’s language and offering clear explanations of what is happening and why. Over the last 30 years, he has conducted numerous ESP training courses for various industries.

 

Royce Warnick

Royce Warnick

Since 1977, Royce Warnick has been dedicated to meeting the environmental needs of power and industrial clients.

His career commenced at Virginia Power, where he assumed responsibility for the operational and maintenance aspects of ESPs at a flagship power plant for over 12 years. Subsequently, Royce held various positions encompassing sales, technical expertise, and management roles at Epscon-FLS and Stock Equipment Co. Most recently, he served as the Director of Aftermarket Services at Hamon Research-Cottrell, overseeing field service operations, parts management, and engineering enhancements for ESPs and fabric filters throughout North America.

In his current role as Service Manager – Environmental for the ESP Parts & Services group at B&W, Royce helps customers evaluate ESP performance and collaborates on project strategies for existing and new ESPs.   

Donovan Fitzgerald Headshot

Donovan Fitzgerald

In 1999, Donovan received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, having completed extensive technical training in electronics, navigational avionics, communication avionics, and wartime radar receiving & jamming operations. Over the course of 21 years, he acquired expertise in retrofitting, installing, operating, and resolving issues with electrostatic precipitator control systems. Donovan’s dedication to his craft has enabled him to travel the world servicing our customers' pollution control equipment needs.

Paul Griffin - ESP Seminar Speaker - Babcock & Wilcox

Paul Griffin

Paul Griffin is QA Coordinator for B&W’s ESP team based in Newport News, Va. He has more than 29 years’ experience with B&W. He began his career soldering circuit boards and building control cabinets. Currently, he coordinates quality testing of electrical products, precipitator software, and computer systems. He also has expertise in assisting customers with DCS integrations, troubleshooting and setup.

 

FAQs

Attendees are welcome to join B&W for a casual networking reception at the Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare on Monday night (5:30 PM to 7:30 PM). Food and beverages will be served. Training starts promptly at 8:30 AM on Tuesday.

B&W assembled 2.5 days of technical training held at the Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare. The seminar is scheduled to end tentatively at 1:30 PM on Thursday.

Attendees will receive breakfast and lunch each day, with drinks and snacks provided throughout the training sessions. Dinners on Tuesday and Wednesday will be held offsite with transportation provided by B&W.

Attendees are responsible for booking their own hotel room and coordinating transportation to/from the airport. A complimentary shuttle is offered by the Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare.   

A discounted early-bird rate is offered at $1,495 and ends May 17, 2024.

Starting May 18, 2024 the rate increases to $1,595. Attendees are encouraged to register by May 31, 2024.

The preferred method of payment is credit card. If your organization requires a different payment method, please email Hayley Lappin at hjlappin@babcock.com.

Credit card payments are processed through Authorize.net - a verified, third-party vendor. An automated receipt will be sent via email upon submission of attendee registration. 

  • Technical information and insights from industry experts designed to enhance job performance
  • Printed binder containing technical presentations
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks and offsite dinners)
  • Transportation to offsite dinners
  • A copy of the 42nd Edition of Steam/Its generation and use
  • Access to technical experts with any post-event questions and ESP insights
  • CEU credits and course certificate (if opting to receive this benefit)

No, each attendee is responsible for reserving and paying their own hotel accommodations. Attendees are also responsible for arranging their own transportation to/from the airport.

It is strongly recommended that attendees book their hotel accommodations at the Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare using the discounted event room block. Complimentary parking is provided through the room block.

Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare
Address: 6501 Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 1-847-699-6300

Block Rate: $147 per night plus fees and taxes

Block Rate Ends: May 31, 2024

Block Code: Babcock & Wilcox June

Request to be transferred to Sales when calling.

Complimentary self-parking

Book online.

Yes, it is strongly recommended attendees book their hotel accommodations at the Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare using the discounted event room block B&W negotiated.

Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare
Address: 6501 Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 1-847-699-6300

Block Rate: $147 per night plus fees and taxes

Block Rate Ends: May 31, 2024

Block Code: Babcock & Wilcox June

Request to be transferred to Sales when calling.

Complimentary self-parking

Book online.

Attendees can share any dietary restrictions during the registration process via the online form. 

Please connect with Hayley Lappin by email at hjlappin@babcock.com or by phone at +1 (330) 860-6195 for additional assistance with any dietary needs.

B&W is offering each attendee the opportunity to earn continuing education credits (CEUs) through The University of Akron. A CEU is a unit of credit for participation in an accredited program designed for professionals with certificates or licenses to practice various professions. One contact/training hour equals 0.1 CEU.

For this seminar, each attendee earns 1.8 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The University of Akron will issue certificates via email to those attendees who indicated interest during the registration process, signed all daily attendance sheets, and completed the post-event assessment form. 

Registered attendees may cancel up to ten working days prior to the first day of the seminar for a full refund. Cancellations received within ten working days will be charged 50% of the registration fee.

DISCLAIMER:  Babcock & Wilcox reserves the right to refuse and / or accept registrations as deemed appropriate.

Please connect with Hayley with any questions or special requests.

Hayley Lappin
Marketing Event/Customer Engagement Specialist
Email: hjlappin@babcock.com
Desk: +1 330.860.6195

Participants who register before May 17, 2024, (11:59 PM EST) and choose to participate in the drawing during registration will be entered into the contest automatically. The winner will be randomly selected from eligible participants during the seminar.

Please click here to read the official rules of entry. Information submitted with registration to the seminar is subject to Babcock & Wilcox's Privacy Policy.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

By entering this drawing, you confirm that neither your company’s internal policies nor applicable laws prohibit you from accepting the prize if you are the winner.

By entering this drawing, you consent to receiving marketing and promotional materials relating to B&W’s products and services.

Electrostatic Precipitator Seminar

June 17-20, 2024 │ Chicago, IL │ CEUs: 1.8

Register Now