Columbia UniversityBoiler Plant Fuel Oil System Controls Upgrade

Columbia University enlisted the expertise of DM Engineers as a project engineer to oversee a complex task: the replacement of the fuel oil control system, all while ensuring the uninterrupted operation of a sprawling 32-acre academic campus during the construction process. This endeavor was particularly challenging given the significant fuel system involved, totaling over 170,000 gallons of oil.

The controls upgrade was a critical aspect of this project and encompassed several key components. This included the replacement of all system control valves, the introduction of new Human-Machine Interface (HMI) panels, and the configuration of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) software using ladder logic and function block programming. Furthermore, the project involved the development of new graphics and a sequence of operations tailored to the upgraded system.

DM Engineers played a central role in leading the construction team throughout the project's execution. Their responsibilities included conducting design reviews, participating in controls development meetings, overseeing field installations, and managing the system commissioning process.

This project demanded a high level of expertise and precision, and DM Engineers' leadership and coordination ensured the successful replacement of the fuel oil control system for Columbia University's extensive academic campus, all while maintaining the critical functionality of the fuel system.