Partners in production

A steam generator replacement at Lamar Institute of Technology’s process operating training unit was completed Dec. 11, thanks to OCI volunteers that provided the manpower and expertise to ensure the unit is up and running properly before the students return for the spring semester.

“We were very fortunate to be able to replace our steam generator with a new one with support from the Carl D. Perkins Grant, but we needed expert-level assistance with parts of the installation that was beyond our capability,” said Randle Dry, LIT Process/Instrumentation lab technician. “Graciously, OCI stepped right up to the job.”

Pipefitters and electrical personnel completed the work within six hours.

“With the help of our industry partners at OCI, we saved an estimated $33,000 on this project,” said Dry. “Because of their generosity, we are able to keep our unit running and providing the important hands-on training for our students, and tomorrow’s workforce.”

The unit is a small operational glycol distillation unit, which mirrors what the students will be working with in a dayto-day industrial setting. The generator is projected to continue operations at the unit another 15 years, which will impact over 6,000 estimated process technology students over the course of its lifetime.

“OCI Methanol Texas is very pleased to continue to support LIT,” said Zach Adamson, OCI plant director. “We believe the LIT curriculum is complemented by the hands-on training students receive from our industry professionals, through our co-op and on-campus programs. We are proud to have trained 18 students since partnering with LIT in 2021 and look forward to continuing to train the region’s best and brightest.”