Utilisation of Welding Technology in the Erection of Electro Mechanical Equipment in Hydroelectric Projects

India's major Hydro potential is situated in deep Himalayas. The accessibility of these hydro sites is very tough. Before the start of actual construction of the project, it necessitates construction of roads and other infrastructure in the hilty terrain, which has its own limitations. Since the hydroelectric projects are tailor made suiting to the site conditions and head available for power generation, the size of equipment to be installed is to be decided on roads, bridge conditions and actual accessibility to the site in addition to water availability. This involves decision on fabrication o f the various components into small segments and requires them to be welded at site and thus involves huge welding work during erection of E&M equipment at project site. The Himalayan rivers carry huge amount of silt in the water as it is of the order of approximately 15,000 ppm in rainy season. More than 80% of silt consists of quartz particles which have the hardness of the order o f seven on Mohr's scale and it causes enormous damage to the undenA/ater parts which require to be rehabilitated every year by way of welding, grinding etc. This paper outlines the salient features of hydroelectric projects, utilization of welding technology during erection and operation, maintenance of E&M equipment in hydro-electric projects.