The 501G, 501D5-D5A, and 501F user groups all are scheduled to meet in February 2016, possibly making this the most important month of the year for owner/operators of Siemens frames wanting to collaborate on topics critical to the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of their generating plants. For 501F users it will be the only opportunity in 2016 to meet with suppliers of products and services that support their gas turbines, heat-recovery steam generators, steam turbines, generators, and balance-of-plant equipment independently of the OEM.

Regarding all meetings, consider registering before year-end to use funds remaining from the 2015 budget year. It might be difficult getting 2016 money early next year with the fading economy on the minds of parsimonious financial watchdogs. Also, book your hotel stay early to take advantage of group rates; you can always cancel without penalty if your situation changes.

501G, February 2-4, Orlando. Steve Bates, plant manager of GDF Suez-Wise County Power Company LLC and chairman of the 501G Users Group, has arranged for the organization to meet at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Conference starts with a Siemens-sponsored welcome reception on Tuesday February 2.

Technical presentation/discussion sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Users meet in closed sessions both mornings with the OEM joining the group for lunch and the afternoon sessions on both days. The two main issues owner/operators will focus on will be the turbine-rotor through-bolt failures and the more recent Row 1 vane failures. Bates, a participant in the recent Generator Users Group’s first annual conference, also asked Siemens to present fleet-specific information on generator maintenance. Write the chairman to receive the agenda when it becomes available.

501D5-D5A Users. Chairman Gabe Fleck, manager of gas-plant operations for Associated Electric Cooperative Inc, is in the process of finalizing dates (most likely during the first or second week of February) and location for the organization’s Mid-Year Meeting. To be sure you don’t miss the announcement, write Fleck to receive details when they become available.

501F, February 21-26, San Antonio. Users are urged to register as soon as possible to reduce the cost of participation. Registration fee and room rates at the La Cantera Hill Country Resort are on graduated scales: Best prices go to qualified early birds who commit to attending or before Jan 13, 2016.

Note that participation in the conference is limited to employees of companies with an equity interest in SGT6-5000F (a/k/a W501F) gas turbines, or those currently operating/building/purchasing one or more 501 FC/FC+, FD, FD1, FD2, FD3, F4, F5, or F6 machines. A complete information package, including final agenda and other conference materials will be posted to the group’s website in January.

Russ Snyder, plant manager of Cleco Power LLC’s Acadia Power Station and chairman and president of the 501F Users Group Inc, provided the preliminary, abbreviated agenda below to assist in planning. As you read through the bullet-point outline, consider that the Vendorama program and vendor fair on Monday, February 22, alone may be worth the price of admission.

The planned four-dozen half-hour technical presentations by solutions providers offers the most comprehensive view of products and services available to gas-turbine owner/operators presented at any user-group meeting. Vetted by the steering committee (sidebar), the presentations will be delivered concurrently in six rooms, allowing attendees the opportunity to participate in up to eight sessions during the day. Q&A following each presentation will be restricted by schedule requirements. Further discussion is possible at the vendor fair immediately following Vendorama. More than 80 companies are scheduled to participate in the exhibition.

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

 Sunday, February 21

• Golf outing
• Welcome reception for all users and vendors

Monday, February 22

• Safety roundtable
• Vendorama
• Vendor fair and reception

Tuesday, February 23

• Rotor roundtable
• Combustor roundtable
• Hot-gas-section roundtable
• PSM presentations

Wednesday, February 24

• Inlet and exhaust roundtable
• Compressor roundtable
• Auxiliaries roundtable
• Generator roundtable
• Optional advanced-frame workout
• Mitsubishi presentations

Thursday, February 25 (morning only)

• Closed sessions for users only

STEERING COMMITTEE

Chairman and president: Russ Snyder, Cleco Power LLC
Vice chairman and secretary: Ivan Kush, Calpine Corp
Vice chairman: Ray Martens, Iberdrola Renewables