Boiler Replacement Showcases RESPEC's Multidisciplinary Approach
Situated amidst the rugged beauty of Kodiak, Alaska, lies the country’s largest United States Coast Guard (USCG) base that serves as a vital link for search-and-rescue operations across a massive 4,000,000-square-mile area encompassing the Bering Sea and part of the Pacific Ocean. The base’s fleet of helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, cutters, and support ships acts as a beacon of hope in times of distress.
RESPEC engineers have provided engineering and survey support to the USCG Base Kodiak for several years—most recently, the Kodiak Boiler Replacement and Design project, where four old boilers the size of school buses needed replacing. The USCG requested a two-phased design project: first, accurately assess the building and boilers; second, design the boiler replacements without impacting plant operations.
Updating the base’s heating system began with a site assessment. Armed with expertise and advanced technology, our engineers worked to evaluate the existing infrastructure and verify record documentation, including the four legacy boilers. To capture the as-built environment with precision, in-person inspection and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning were necessary.
LiDAR point cloud of a boiler
Boiler rendering created with LiDAR data
LiDAR is a powerful tool that uses lasers to create incredibly detailed three-dimensional (3D) models—or digital twins—of physical spaces. Using LiDAR scanning to create a hyper-accurate 3D model of the plant and boilers, we collected data points from every angle with precision and accuracy. From there, we moved the project online and collaborated with the USCG using the model we created.
“Because the Coast Guard wanted a phased plan, drawing packages needed to show a block of work at a time,” explained Matt Leistico, the project manager. “Well, 3D modeling does that, so our ability to perform LiDAR moved the project forward.”
Building on the site assessment, our engineers spearheaded the project’s design phase to replace the aging, oil-fired boilers with state-of-the-art, dual-fueled boilers capable of burning new oil and waste-oil products generated from the base’s activities. Our design plans encompass the 35%, 65%, 95%, and 100% design levels. This phased approach helps the USCG fund the project incrementally while paving the way for a fourth electric boiler in the future.
The phased approach also helped to keep the base operational, which is crucial in an environment where every second counts. The central heating plant, which is responsible for steam generation, must always continue. Any disruption in steam supply could spell disaster, leading to heating failures and critical building and piping systems potentially freezing up. Planning in phases kept the heat on and guaranteed uninterrupted operations.
The Kodiak Boiler Replacement and Design project was a multidisciplinary success, showcasing RESPEC’s expertise and designing experience for the USCG. Our commitment to excellence, use of advanced technology, and ability to navigate the complexities of Alaska’s challenging environment ensured that the USCG can continue its life-saving operations without missing a beat.
Disclaimer: Neither the Department of Homeland Security nor the USCG endorses RESPEC.