Over the past few years, deregulation of the nation's electric power industry has led to the construction of many new generating plants in northeast and southern U.S. states. To meet the expected demand, many new power plants will be constructed in these areas. The deregulation process is continuing in midwest states such as Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin. As a result, these states will also see construction beginning on a number of new power plants.

Smaller than traditional coal-fired and nuclear plants, these new power plants are highly efficient, environmentally friendly and can be constructed in a very short time period. Most are natural gas-fired turbine designs, and many have two turbines--one gas and one steam--operating in tandem for greater efficiency. The second turbine is powered by steam produced by the energy left over from the first turbine. To recycle the steam, these combined-cycle plants incorporate circulating water systems built with large diameter concrete pressure pipe--supplied in many cases by Price Brothers Company.

"Because designers and owners of such power plants are intent on low-maintenance and long service life," says Jeff Killin, Price Brothers Manager of International Projects, "many choose Price Brothers prestressed concrete cylinder pipe and fittings. They view PCCP as the ideal choice for these applications because it is such a proven performer--they know it has been operating reliably under pressure and under ground in hundreds of U.S. power plants for many decades."

Since the 1950s, Price Brothers has supplied concrete pressure pipe for some 200 power plant projects. Engineers are finding this background of experience very helpful when special applications and design requirements must be met.

PCCP pipe and fittings are custom designed to meet the precise needs of the power plant layout. Several joint designs are offered, including restrained and testable joints. This design versatility saves valuable installation time and money for the design engineers and contractors.

The convenient location of Price Brothers production plants is another economic reason PCCP has been chosen for recent power plant projects. With plants located in Maryland, Florida, Mississippi, and now Illinois, delivery time from the pipe plant to the power plant site is only a few hours.

"Another way we're helping those customers who are planning a series of power plant projects," says Jeff, "is to arrange multiple-project purchase agreements that will save them important dollars while assuring consistent scheduling, pipe delivery and engineering support."