PTW Delivers Electrical & Instrumentation Services at Methanex Medicine Hat Facility
PTW recently completed a significant electrical and instrumentation turnaround project at Methanex’s Medicine Hat facility, which took place from April 28 to May 28. The project reached its peak with 19 PTW personnel on-site, ensuring vital maintenance and upgrades during a scheduled power outage. With operations across Canada, PTW consistently delivers high-quality services from coast to coast.
Collaborating closely with Methanex, PTW implemented a temporary power generation solution to maintain plant operations while the main power was down. This involved installing and commissioning generators, as well as upgrading the Motor Control Center (MCC) for load sharing and increasing capacity to support future expansions. These enhancements showcase PTW’s extensive expertise in managing complex electrical infrastructure projects within the industrial sector.
On the instrumentation side, the focus was on ensuring process reliability and safety. The team conducted valve positioner upgrades, actuator repairs, valve stroke checks, and Safety Instrumented Function (SIF) calibrations. These tasks are crucial for maintaining system integrity and meeting performance standards in the high-stakes environment of methanol production.
A major milestone for our team included the successful installation of 81 thermocouples in the syngas converter — a vital part of Methanex’s methanol production process. Each thermocouple, measuring between 2.6 and 8 meters, was installed through custom-welded fittings on flanges attached to vessel nozzles. Precise placement was needed as these sensors monitor inlet and outlet temperatures at specific points along the catalyst beds. This data plays a vital role in sustaining optimal reaction conditions and maximizing catalyst efficiency. The installation process required meticulous planning and seamless coordination among Methanex, the catalyst vendor, and PTW’s team, ultimately resulting in a successful outcome.
Manpower for this project was bolstered by support from PTW’s Lloydminster and Calgary branches, enabling the team to meet the demanding schedule and technical requirements with efficiency and precision.
This project exemplifies PTW’s ability to tackle technically challenging assignments under tight deadlines. Whether it’s large-scale electrical upgrades or intricate instrumentation installations, PTW stands ready to assist clients across the energy, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries throughout Canada.
For further information, please contact:
Laryssa Lesinszki, Marketing and Communications Manager, PTW Energy Services
Tel: +1 403.247.5766; llesinszki@ptwenergy.com