Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/16/2008 - STAFF REPORTS - 2.I. ;O�pPLM SA4 i2 e V s N C �AoRt4� ,'tlP City Council Staff Rego DATE: January 16, 2008 CONSENT CALENDAR SUBJECT, APPROVE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SUNRISE COGENERATION FACILITY CHILLER GENERATOR TUBE BUNDLE FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager INITIATED BY: Public Works and Engineering Department SUMMARY During the annual maintenance inspection of the chiller, a leak was discovered in the generator section causing water to mix with the refrigerant, thus reducing its cooling capacity. The chiller is over 21 years old. The last time the generator tube was replaced in 1997, by the Carrier Corporation. RECOMMENDATION: Approve the replacement of the Sunrise Cogeneration chiller generator tube bundle in the amount of$49,581.00 from Carrier Corporation, City of Industry, California. STAFF ANALYSIS: An internal tube leak has developed in the generator section on the Carrier 16JB Hermetic Absorption Chiller. This leak was discovered during the annual scheduled maintenance inspection in preparation for the summer peak cooling and electrical load. Carrier conducted a leak test on the system and determined that water was diluting the refrigerant, which severely diminished its cooling capacity. Carrier at this time temporally repaired the tube bundle by plugging 4 tubes. Further deterioration of the tubes could cause a rupture at anytime resulting in the emergency shutdown of the facility. Should this occur during the peak summer period it would result in an expensive repair with a long lead time for materials and the purchase of electricity from S.C.E. at the higher summer rates. The facility has been scheduled for annual maintenance in March, at which time the tubes would be replaced. ITEM NO. Per section 7.04.030 of the Municipal Code entitled "Special Expertise Procurement", the City Council may award a contract "without competition when it is determined that an unusual or unique situation exists, in that due to experience and expertise demonstrated in prior contracts with the City a particular contractor is uniquely qualified for a particular task, that makes the application of all requirements of competitive sealed bidding or competitive sealed proposals contrary to the public interest." As the manufacturer of this machine and all of the proprietary parts and equipment needed to make the repairs, Carrier can provide the technical knowledge and factory specified parts in the shortest time and with the expertise required. Carrier proposes to provide all necessary materials and labor to replace all tubes in the generator section of the chiller and will return the unit to original factory specifications. Carrier has a long history of contracting with the City and has serviced both the Cogeneration and Airport Chillers since 1985. FISCAL IMPACT.- Funds for this purchase are available in Account 520-5641-48700, Cogen Special Parts and Repairs. L David J. Barakian, Director, Public Works/ DavidRady, anager City Engineer