OUR PROCESS
MEETING
The partnership begins with a meeting on the phone, by email, or by appointment in the plant, with the Owner's representatives. The meeting is very important because in the meeting the scope of work for the TIA will be discussed. The work that is fairly firmly known will be discussed, with mention of, the other units by name that will be entered with possible repairs. The type of quote the owner is requesting RQC, LLC will be reviewed. Will the proposed contract be Time & Material, Firm Bid, or Not to exceed? With a written Scope of Work the Owner can issue an RFQ to the refractory contractors. The hours per day, days per week, and number of shifts per day should be in the RFQ, except if the project is strictly Time & Material. The RFQ should outline the material requirement. The normal boiler plate (Portable toilets, trailers, electric, water, air, etc.) should be in the RFQ so the controllers will know how to structure their quotation. Permitting the units, layout, and welding of anchors, all tear out and debris handling, scaffolding, and purchasing material, if refractory contractor is responsible, should be made very clear in the RFQ. RQC, LLC., entertains any other subjects for discussion.
INSPECTION
Of existing refractory condition can be done a number of ways. Visual, a testing hammer, a large bar, sound, and hot gun readout are a few. The inspector marks out an area of deterioration, confirms existing quality of materials, and the depth of refractory. Other items required to detail, are anchor layout, anchor quality, and who purchases them.
SCOPE OF WORK
An RFQ can be sent to the refractory contractors once all the answers to the above items are decided on. The scope of work is what puts all the contractors on a level playing field. The bidders will be asked to return copies of the insurance requirements.
RFQ
Send out bid packages to contractors. The scope of work has been developed and spelled out in detail now. A date is set for return of the RFQ's. If any of the bidders have questions, they should be sent via email to the Owner. The Owner then sends the questions out to the bidders with the answers. RQC, LLC., can help evaluate the returned RFQs if the Owner requires.
ESTIMATING
Labor hours and bill of materials. RQC, LLC, will estimate the manpower and man hours based on the selection of what type of labor contract the Owner decided upon in the Meeting phase of this page. RQC, LLC, will estimate the material quantities and quality to make sure the refractory contractor has ordered enough of the correct use of material. The total manpower hours, numbers of days, and shifts are then passed on to the planner.
PLANNING
Plotting manpower, man hours, and shifts. The planning wall graphs are a snapshot in time as to where the project is in relation to the "oil in and oil out dates." Also, the graphs offer a look into the future as to whether any adjustments needs to be made to get to oil in. The graphs will also show the daily progress in each unit.
CONSULTING
Planning and preparation of job. The inspector tests the installer of the contractor. If ramming, gunite, or casting are required, the inspector will test each installer. Regardless of who furnishes the material, the inspector should have the material tested to density, erosion, and cold crushing strength (Per material as required) before material ships. Results are approximately the same as the other similar tests. In the event that the materials or installers do not pass the appropriate tests, new material must be tested and shipped by manufacturer and installers can retest.
INSPECTION
Oversight of contractor doing installation. The inspectors furnished by RQC, LLC, are API 936 certified as well as 30 hour OSHA safety, and hold certificates in confined space and respirator fit. Once the contractor starts the installation of anchors or material, the inspector's perform oversight of the repair area and the contractor's procedures. The temperature of the water and refractory will be monitored.
WRITE UP
Work the inspectors did details all tests and installation. Inspection's work continues after the shutdown. A written report shall be issued to the Owner.
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The report is not to hopefully find anything negative. Rather it is used to let the owner know that all the work inspectors brought the project to a very good end, and the Owner can feel confident in plant's refractory.