Small Service - Big results

Although ANDRITZ is a full-service provider covering the entire plant “from water-to-wire”, its Small Service Business is dedicated to less complex service and maintenance operations. 

Typical Small Service Business (SSB) projects are broadly limited to single projects which are generally low risk and usually involve a single system. SSB is a solution provider offering spare parts, expert inspection, manufacturing, installation, repair, and overhaul services for individual systems — if possible, all managed from a single team. As unique as every powerplant and its requirements are - as tailor-made are our services and supplies. We support daily power plant operations without the complexity of full system rehab projects.

The global Small Service Business Team combines a wealth of service and maintenance expertise to provide rapid and flexible support for hydropower operators facing unplanned emergencies or planned interventions. Their goal is to ensure continued power plant operations to add value to hydropower assets with a tailored service and manufacturing solution. 

For example, considering the generators within hydropower installations, ANDRITZ has in-depth expertise in Nondestructive Testing techniques such as penetrant testing, and magnetic particle and ultrasonic testing to support fault diagnosis. The company also has a long history of manufacturing generator technology and supervision, stacking, windings and installation, as well as site management, refurbishment and modernization, training and much more. 

Depending on the customer need, ANDRITZ uses a three-phase approach to addressing power plant issues, starting with assessment and diagnosis during which all project-related parameters are identified and weighed. Any life extension needs are taken into consideration, followed by an evaluation of the results and recommendations for potential next steps. The second phase is a detailed analysis to develop and evaluate suitable service scenarios for the customer. Finally, the execution phase is initiated, and the implementation of the optimum solution is based on a systematic approach from planning to commissioning. All these steps are in close cooperation with the customer. 

As an example, the SSB teams repair synchronous and asynchronous generators up to 351 MVA, including elements such as the stator frames, windings, and core, but also comprehensive servicing of generator poles, rotors, and bearings. The SSB teams also serve all aspects of electromechanical service, repair, and refurbishment, including turbines, runners, valves, guide vanes, spiral case, and draft tube as well as governors, instrumentation and control and auxiliaries like, excitation, lubrication, and cooling systems.

The emphasis is always on short delivery times while meeting all relevant standards and tests and is based on experience and comprehensive testing. 

Examples of projects where we provided technical support and expert knowledge include the Auhof converter plant and the power plant Allersdorf in Austria, Murray in Australia, Nalubaale in Uganda, Ballisodare in Ireland, Renun in Indonesia, and Kihansi in Tanzania, to name a few. 

SSB is committed to exceptional service and our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction ensures the smooth operation of hydropower plants worldwide.

Authors: David Appleyard, freelance journalist and Marie-Antoinette Sailer