PPS Services Group
AN ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES PROVIDER
Through collaboration and innovation, PPS Services Group creates bold solutions for today's global energy and industrial needs. Our commitment to constructability, quality, and teamwork drives our daily business practices while an effort to remain at the forefront of developing technologies and practices keeps our vision focused on future possibilities.
Overview
PPS Services Group, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is an engineering and technical solutions provider in the power generation industry. Our team offers expertise in the design, equipment selection & procurement, construction management, and startup & commissioning of projects. Our leadership team has in-depth career experience and the record of accomplishments is the foundation upon which we have built the company.
Whether your needs range from FEED studies to repowering existing projects or building "greenfield" renewable energy projects, PPS has a proven track record of successfully designing and commissioning a wide variety of projects around the world.
Providing the highest quality work product is paramount to our success. Our focus is on five key elements to achieve this:
A well defined and executed project scope, schedule and budget.
Alignment of goals, cooperation and coordination between Engineer, Constructor, Owner and Start-Up and Operations.
Experienced team players with positive attitudes.
Ability to identify and assess project issues and deliver timely and cost-effective solutions.
First class experience in energy and industrial projects.
PPS a Gold Sponsor at International Biomass Conference & Expo
MARCH 14-16, 2022
PPS Services Group was proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the 15th Annual Biomass Conference and Expo in Jacksonville, Florida.
PPS a Silver Sponsor at National Biomass Summit
JULY 13-15, 2021
PPS Services Group is sponsoring The National Biomass Summit & Expo, co-located with the world's largest biofuels event, the 37th annual International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo, as well as the Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel Summit, July 13-15, 2021 in Des Moines, IA.
Services
PPS Services Group is an engineering and technical services company with licensed Professional Engineers in Civil/Structural, Electrical, Instrumentation & Control and Mechanical disciplines.
Project Development
Energy Consulting
Due Diligence/Condition Assessments
Feasibility/FEED Studies
Cost Estimates & Schedules
Site Analysis & Selection
Permitting Assistance
Project Execution Plans
Engineering
Heat & Mass/Water Balances
Preliminary/Conceptual Design
Application Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Instrument & Controls Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Procurement
Equipment Sourcing
Procurement Specifications
Request for Quotation (RFQ)
Factory Acceptance Tests
Technical Bid Reviews
Contract Negotiation & Award
Vendor Submittal Reviews
Start-Up and Commissioning/ Operations Support
Performance Testing Support
Start-Up & Commissioning Support
Operational Analysis
Lock Out/Tag Out Programs
Operations Manuals & Training
Turnover Packages
Construction/Program Management
Project Controls/Scheduling
Subcontractor Management
Bid & Construction Documents
Constructability Reviews
Contract Administration
Quality Assurance/Control (QA/QC)
Owner's Engineer/Representative
Technical Support
Scope Definition & Analysis
Technology Evaluations
System/Process Review & Analysis
Procurement/Oversight
Contractor/Safety Audits
Leadership Team
Our senior staff members have in-depth career experience in excess of 150 years in the industry, and our record of accomplishments are the foundation upon which we have built the company.
LOU GONZALES - PRESIDENT
Lou has over 40 years of experience; including over 25 years of executive management in steam and power, industrial, and pulp and paper projects. He has held positions of overall responsibility from project development to design/build, EPC and corporate management where he was fully responsible for profit and loss, division and corporate management, turnkey contract execution, acquisition of existing project assets, and profitable, on-schedule, cost-effective project completion. Lou has successfully managed numerous development, design, engineering, procurement, construction, and operation projects, including solid fuels plant conversions and troubled project turn-a-rounds.
CHASE SCHWALBE - P.E., OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Chase has 12 years experience in construction and engineering large capital projects. He has construction management experience on several large EPC and design-build project across the United States. He also spent 5 years as a mechanical, instrumentation and controls engineer on biomass, simple, and combined cycle power plants. He has performed various project controls functions such as scheduling, contract administration, and control budget. Chase’s role as Project Manager is to ensure successful project execution and maintain positive client relations.
DUSTIN WOLFORD, P.E. - MANAGER OF ELECTRICAL/ I&C ENGINEERING
Dustin has over 20 years engineering experience in electrical distribution system design for power generation stations, and is a certified LEED Green Associate. His experience includes several diverse projects such as simple cycle, combine cycle, CHP, biomass, landfill gas to energy facilities, concentrated solar facility, nuclear, and coal handling facility. He has worked on every aspect of an electrical design project from estimating through startup as a support engineer, field construction engineer, field startup engineer, lead engineer, owners engineer, manager of electrical engineering, project manager, and mentor. Dustin received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from North Dakota State University and is registered Professional Engineer in twelve states.
ROBERT COOPER, P.E. - MANAGER OF CIVIL/STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Robert has over 30 years of experience in civil and structural engineering, with a passion for developing constructible design solutions and training/mentoring young engineers and designers. With Professional Engineering licenses in 9 states and 5 Canadian Provinces, Robert has been the Lead Structural or Engineering Manager for natural gas simple and combined cycle power plants, coal fired retrofits, industrial, commercial, medical educational, assisted living and residential projects. Robert uses creative and practical solutions for the unique, challenging, and complex engineering and construction projects that he has been a part of, and has extensive experience with constructability, quality control, estimates, design, schedule, budget, and staffing for a wide variety of projects.
MICHAEL DRACKERT, P.E. - SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEER
Michael has nearly 10 years of mechanical engineering experience in power generation with a history of detailed design and technical consulting services for electric utilities, independent power producers, and industrial clients utilizing various technologies and energy fuel sources (natural gas, renewables, biomass). He is skilled in technical problem solving, client consulting, verbal and written communication, and team leadership with commercial and economic awareness throughout the project development, design, and construction phases. Michael holds an M.B.A. with a focus on Project Management and Leadership from the University of Missouri.
RYAN PAUL, P.E. - PROJECT ENGINEER
Ryan has over 6 years of experience in mechanical performance engineering. He has designed mechanical systems for industrial and utility power plants. His engineering and design experience
encompass performance engineering, piping design, developing P&IDs, field acceptance testing and field engineering. Ryan has served as project manager for the Diageo biomass boiler installation projects in Kenya and Uganda.
SHAUNA GONZALES - MANAGER OF PROJECT ADMINISTRATION
Shauna has over 20 years’ experience in engineering project and office administration and has built and led multiple-person teams of administrative personnel across all disciplines. She has been instrumental in the successful transition and growing of multiple Kansas City engineering businesses with her ability to manage the departments of human resources, finances, payroll, and overall office management. Shauna’s role as Manager of Project Administration is to ensure seamless project communication and documentation internally and externally, as well as to help the project managers maintain positive client relations throughout the duration of a project with a document control system that works best for the engineer, contractor, and client.
NICKY HANEY - BUSINESS MANAGER
Current Projects
PPS Services Group has participated in a wide variety of projects ranging from repowering existing plants to "greenfield" renewable energy projects.
SIOUXLAND ENERGY COOPERATIVE
13MW COGENERATION PROJECT - SIOUX CENTER, IOWA
The Project includes the addition of a gas fired Combustion Turbine Generator and Heat Recovery Steam Generator to generate nominally 13 MW of power
Producing approximately 89,000 lb/hr of 150 psig saturated steam for use in a 90 million gallon per year ethanol plant
The balance of power will be exported to a local electrical co-operative.
Substantially reducing the ethanol plant Carbon Intensity (CI) score.
Services: Electrical Engineering, I&C Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Field Engineering
CAMPTONVILLE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
3MW BIOMASS POWER PLANT - CAMPTONVILLE, CA
The Camptonville Biomass Power Plant will produce 3 Megawatts (net) of power using a stoker grate boiler and condensing steam turbine utilizing locally available forestry residuals to reduce wildfire risk.
Power will be produced from nominal steam flow of 35 kpph at a steam pressure of 750 psig and 750 degrees Fahrenheit.
Biomass Boiler includes flue gas Air Quality Control System including SCR, Multi-Cyclone, and ESP.
Cooling technologies used for design include air cooled condenser for water conservation.
This $30+ Million Power Plant is being engineered, procured, and constructed over 18 months and will be completed in 2023.
Services: Project Development/Management, Electrical Engineering, I&C Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Procurement Support
VICINITY ENERGY
PLANT ENGINEERING SUPPORT - KANSAS CITY, MO
The Project consists of a district energy steam and power generation facility with aging mechanical and electrical equipment.
PPS Services Group is providing electrical engineering support to update existing plant one-line drawings, perform load balancing studies, arc flash analysis, coordination studies, electrical equipment specifications, recommendations on electrical equipment upgrades, and procurement support.
PPS is replacing all antiquated relay protection systems with new solid state relays. Work includes schematic design, relay coordination and construction support.
PPS Services Group is also providing mechanical engineering support for the design of a new condensate flash tank and condensate surge tank, process and instrumentation diagrams, and demo relocation drawings of the existing tanks and associated piping.
Services: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Procurement Support
DIAGEO DISTILLERIES
EAST AFRICA BREWERIES BIOMASS BOILERS - KENYA & UGANDA
As part of Diageo's corporate green-energy initiative, PPS Services Group is providing detailed engineering and design to install six (6) renewable biomass packaged boilers at three (3) existing breweries.
The plants feature Hurst stoker fired boilers and auxiliary equipment as well as unique interface designs for steam, water, electrical, and controls.
Services: Electrical Engineering, I&C Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, On-Site Engineer Services, Procurement Support, Start-up and Commissioning Support, HAZOP Review
BRAES BAYOU GENERATING STATION
400MW LM6000 GAS FIRED PEAKING PLANT - THOMPSONS, TX
The Project consists of 8 x GE LM6000 Natural Gas fired Combustion Turbine Generators on a greenfield site.
Auxiliary equipment including Selective Catalytic Reducer, water injection, spray injection, inlet fogging and water treatment system.
345kV Electrical Switchyard using Generator Step-Up Transformers with a Strain Bus design.
Services: Civil/Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, I&C Engineering, Permitting and Construction Support
DIAGEO DISTILLERY UPDATES
DON JULIO DISTILLERY - ATOTONILCO EL ALTO, JALISCO, MEXICO
Site survey of the existing El Charcon distillery, including biomass boiler installation, fuel handling plant, fuel stock, heat and mass balance, plant capacity review, low voltage and high voltage infrastructure, incoming power supply, electrical system redundancy, well locations, pumping and storage arrangements.
One 1400 HP Biomass Boiler and 800 HP & 1200 HP Natural Gas Boilers
Biomass Feed stock Study and Report
Operations and Maintenance contract review and recommendations
Services: Owner's Engineering, Site Survey, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering
MARK ONE GENERATING STATION
6 X LM6000 INSTALLATION - BRAZORIA COUNTY, TX
PPS Services Group is providing the detailed design engineering as part of an EPC team with ProEnergy for the installation of six General Electric LM6000 combustion turbine generators
The Project includes a 138kv Electrical Switchyard which ties-in to the existing substation
The plant will be used as a peaking plant to supplement the wind and solar power production
The Project is a fast-track project, being engineered, procured, and constructed in less than 6 months to meet summer peak demands.
Services: Electrical Engineering, I&C Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Construction Support, Procurement Support
BROTMAN GENERATING STATION
6 X LM6000 INSTALLATION - BRAZORIA COUNTY, TX
PPS Services Group is providing the detailed design engineering as part of an EPC team with ProEnergy for the installation of six General Electric LM6000 combustion turbine generators
The Project includes a 138kv Electrical Switchyard which ties-in to the existing substation
The plant will be used as a peaking plant to supplement the wind and solar power production
Services: Electrical Engineering, I&C Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Construction Support, Procurement Support
Completed Projects
PPS Services Group has participated in a wide variety of projects ranging from repowering existing plants to "greenfield" renewable energy projects.
MASTEC POWER CORPORATION
MADISON & FRANKLIN 2 X 65MW BIOMASS PLANTS - GEORGIA, USA
PPS Services Group teamed up with MasTec Power to engineer, procure, and construct two nominal 65 MW power plants utilizing biomass as the fuel source for Georgia Renewable Power.
The design features Siemens SST-600 steam turbine generators and WoodGroup stoker fired boilers. The successful projects were featured on the cover of the May/June 2019 Biomass Magazine.
Services: Electrical Engineering, I&C Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, On-Site Engineer Services, Permitting Support
FIRST RESERVE / BLACKROCK
LA BUFA 130MW WIND PROJECT - ZACATECAS, MEXICO
The Project consisted of 65 Siemen's Gamesa 2 MW Wind Turbine Generators producing power through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Volkswagen of Mexico.
PPS Services Group was retained to represent First Reserve and subsequently BlackRock for on-site Project Management Services.
Services: Project Management, Field Services, Construction Support, Safety Audits
PW POWER SYSTEMS
3 X 25MW GAS TURBINE GENERATORS - CONAKRY, GUINEA
PPS Services Group was retained to provide technical services for installation and startup and commissioning services for three (3) Pratt & Whitney Mobile Pac 25 MW Aero-Derivative Gas Turbine Generators.
The gas turbines were installed and commissioned in Conakry, Guinea.
Services: Start-up & Commissioning, Operations Manuals & Training, Field Services, Technical Support
CHAMON POWER
100MW PEAKING POWER PLANT - CHANNELVIEW, TEXAS, USA
PPS Services Group provided the detailed design engineering as part of an EPC team with ProEnergy for a 100 MW simple cycle power plant utilizing two General Electric LM6000 combustion turbine generators.
Services: Electrical Engineering, I&C Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Utilities Interface Support
FALCONDO INTERNATIONAL
160MW REPOWERING PROJECT - FALCONDO BONAO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
PPS Services Group performed a FEED study to determine the overall efficiency from one (1) GE 7EA in combined cycle using the one (1) existing Falcondo steam turbine.
Calculated what the overall efficiency would be from two (2) GE 7EAs (with 2 Deltak HRSGs) in combined cycle with the two existing Falcondo steam turbines.
Estimated the fuel consumption (HFO) per train / unit and per the entire facility 2 x GE 7EAs on 2 x HRSGs on 2 STGs
Included a diverter for SC power generation
Services: Feasibility Study
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
BOILER UNIT #10 COAL TO GAS CONVERSION - COLUMBIA, MO
Project involved conversion of a 200,000 lb/hr coal fired boiler to natural gas.
Existing units pilot burners were replaced with new state of the art 100% gas burners.
Scope of work involved P&IDs, 3-D routing of new natural gas piping, and replacement of makeup air dampers and controls.
Services: Project Development, Electrical Engineering, I&C Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Laser 3-D Model, Field Services, Engineer of Record
HO CLARKE GENERATING STATION
100MW LM6000 GAS FIRED PEAKING PLANT - HOUSTON, TX
The project consists of 2 x GE LM6000 Gas fired Combustion Turbine Generator (CTG) Additions
The peaking Plant follows wind and solar power production
138kv Electrical Switchyard with (2) Dead-End Towers and a tie-in to existing substation
Services: Electrical Engineering, I&C Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Construction Support
PROENERGY SERVICES
LA PAZ LNG TERMINAL 150MW POWER PLANT - LA PAZ, MEXICO
PPS Services Group is providing the detailed design engineering as part of an EPC team with ProEnergy for a 150 MW simple cycle power plant utilizing 3 x General Electric LM6000 combustion turbine generators.
The Power Plant will use gasified liquid natural gas to produce electric power for the La Paz LNG Terminal and to export to CFE.
Services: Electrical Engineering, I&C Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Construction Support
Our Clients and Partners
PPS Services Group's bold and innovative solutions have gained substantial traction amongst our clients, but it's our devotion to our client's success that's paramount to building and sustaining long term relationships.
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Career Opportunities
PPS SERVICES GROUP IS EXPANDING, AND WE'RE LOOKING FOR QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS TO JOIN THE TEAM!
Senior Electrical Designer
Description
The Senior Electrical Designer's work will largely focus on the use of AutoCad 3D to create electrical raceway models, design drawings, and circuit routing for power and industrial projects.
Responsibilities
Produce complete Electrical One-line Diagrams, Three-line Diagrams, and Relaying Diagrams from verbal or written description from the design engineer.
Execute basic formulas, principles and practices, and use acquired knowledge of fundamental concepts and practices pertaining to the electrical discipline.
Plan and develop drawings for production work including problem analysis, design layout and calculations on non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity.
Execute variety of electrical design assignments using prescribed methods and standard techniques including drawing sequence and presentation, sizing various system components, and refining rough sketches.
Execute changes to designs or sketches and redlines or mark-ups on ongoing projects.
Analyze reports, drawings, and tests to plan and design projects.
Interpret and incorporate design codes and specifications related to design requirements.
Review design drawings for quality assurance within scope, budget and schedule. Perform projects tasks and assignments within budgeted hours and deadlines.
Compute calculations for layouts, equipment, wiring diagrams, and schematics.
Responsible for the revisions of project drawings, plot files and project-related information are stored in a logical and well-structured manner.
Responsible for clear and concise written and verbal communications, as it relates to the project client coordination.
Cooperate with the Electrical team on all proposals.
Familiarity with codes, rules, and regulations.
Required Knowledge/Skills, Education, and Experience
Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience overall as an Electrical Designer.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience as an Electrical Designer for Power Plants.
Experience with Electrical One-lines, raceway, and cable routing design for power plants and boiler applications.
Experience with Steam and Gas Turbine Generators, 480V & 4160V Equipment, Generator Step-up Transformers, and other Power Plant Equipment.
AutoCad 3D experience.
Advanced understanding of design software such as: AutoCAD and Excel to develop the design deliverables. Ability to learn and effectively utilize new design software programs.
Advanced ability to utilize both 2D and 3D applications to prepare engineering drawings.
Advanced knowledge in design, calculations and design systems.
Advanced knowledge in the theory and practices of assigned discipline; competent in the fundamental concepts of other disciplines as they relate to the assigned discipline; and capable of operating related discipline design software necessary to execute production tasks.
Ability to work collaboratively with others including, but not limited to Project Managers, Engineers and Designers in a multi-discipline project team environment to resolve design or drawing issues as appropriate and to accomplish objectives.
Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
Positive Attitude
Senior Mechanical Designer
Description:
The Senior Mechanical Designer's work will largely focus on the use of AutoCAD Plant 3D (Autodesk) to create 3D piping models, design drawings, and piping isometrics for power and industrial piping.
Responsibilities:
Produce complete PFDs and P&IDs from verbal or written description from the design engineer.
Execute basic formulas, principles and practices, and use acquired knowledge of fundamental concepts and practices pertaining to the piping discipline.
Plan and develop drawings for production work including problem analysis, design layout and calculations on non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity.
Execute variety of piping design assignments using prescribed methods and standard techniques including drawing sequence and presentation, sizing various system components and refining rough sketches.
Execute changes to designs or sketches and redlines or mark-ups on ongoing projects.
Analyze reports, drawings, and tests to plan and design projects.
Interpret and incorporate design codes and specifications related to design requirements.
Review design drawings for quality assurance within scope, budget and schedule. Perform projects tasks and assignments within budgeted hours and deadlines.
Compute calculations for layouts and equipment.
Responsible for the revisions of project drawings, plot files and project-related information are stored in a logical and well-structured manner.
Responsible for clear and concise written and verbal communications, as it relates to the project client coordination.
Cooperate with the Mechanical team on all proposals (general arrangements) submitted by the corporation.
Familiarity with codes, rules, and regulations.
Required Knowledge/Skills, Education, and Experience:
10 years’ experience as a Mechanical-Piping Designer for Power Plants.
Experience with P&ID, ISO, piping design for power plants and boiler applications.
Experience with Steam and Gas Turbines, HRSGs, Boilers, and other Power Plant Equipment.
AutoCad 3D experience.
Advanced understanding of design software such as: AutoCAD Plant 3D, MicroStation, Revit and Excel to develop the design deliverables. Ability to learn and effectively utilize new design software programs.
Advanced ability to utilize both 2D and 3D applications to prepare engineering drawings.
Advanced knowledge in design, calculations and design systems.
Advanced knowledge in the theory and practices of assigned discipline; competent in the fundamental concepts of other disciplines as they relate to the assigned discipline; and capable of operating related discipline design software necessary to execute production tasks.
Ability to work collaboratively with others including, but not limited to Project Managers, Engineers and Designers in a multi-discipline project team environment to resolve design or drawing issues as appropriate and to accomplish objectives.
Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
Positive, can-do Attitude
Senior Mechanical/Piping Engineer
Description:
Lead mechanical design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion for project needs and requirements that are set forth by the project managers.
Responsibilities:
Prepare mechanical equipment: packaged equipment specifications and data sheets, Request for Qualifications (RFQ's), technical bid summaries, and purchase recommendations.
Review mechanical equipment vendor drawings; data interface with suppliers, clients other engineering disciplines, detailers, designers.
Participate in development of project schedule, scope, budget staffing planning and construction planning. Responsible for effective management of change orders.
Applies expert knowledge of commonly used mechanical concepts, practices, codes and procedures within the mechanical engineering services industry.
Applies knowledge and experience to complex projects, find non-standard design solutions.
Quality review production drawings for a variety of projects and project related data as required by the project managers to verify corrections are made within multiple CAD related software.
Quality review the construction administration including coordination with field personnel to resolve design related installation issues, calculations, field inspections and testing of mechanical systems.
Leads field inspections, installation, measurements or calculations for public and private clients.
Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.
Build effective relationships with existing clients, customers and contractors and develop new business opportunities.
Manage sales and marketing efforts and identify key pursuits.
Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
Manage the development of cost proposals and qualification statements to achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.
Prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates. Report project performance.
Provide leadership, guidance and instruction to the mechanical engineering practice. Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
Responsible for effective communication with other engineering disciplines.
Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
Required Knowledge/Skills, Education, and Experience:
Ability to manage a team of 5 to 6 mechanical engineers
Four (4) year degree in Mechanical engineering or equivalent from an accredited College or University.
At least 10 years of successful experience in the power generation industry in Balance of Plant piping (main steam, hot reheat, cold reheat, etc.) design, pipe support selection and plant layout design and familiarity with pipe stress analysis, fittings and pipe specialties.
Experience managing/mentoring a team of engineers.
Candidate should have basic knowledge of Thermal Cycle Engineering, advanced knowledge of Plant Layout and Piping Design and ability to utilize NavisWorks software for review of piping designs in 3-D models developed by the A/E.
Candidate shall have strong leadership skills and the ability to apply these skills to applications dealing with a large multi-functional organization to ensure that successful results are attained.
Professional Engineering License
Knowledge of ASME, ANSI, API, PIP, NACE
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Knowledge of Caesar II a plus