CHP SYSTEM OF SCHOLTE ORCHIDEEËN READY TO GO FOR ANOTHER 20,000 HOURS

Overhaul season creating plenty of work for Pon Power

OVERHAUL

Pon Power performed a top-end overhaul of the Caterpillar CHP system of Scholte Orchideeën, an orchid grower based in Kudelstaart, North Holland province, the Netherlands. 

POTTED CYMBIDIUM

A potted cymbidium takes no less than 5 years to cultivate, and consequently only a small number of growers choose to focus on this species. However, Marcel Scholte has done so, and with success. Italy is his main market, and the company has achieved a solid position in that country.

ARIE VAN EGMOND

Service coordinator
at Pon Power

“Those overhaul seasons differ from client to client, so scheduling the work can be quite a puzzle.”

DURABLE AND RELIABLE

In Scholte’s 30,000 m2 greenhouse complex, a Cat 3516A CHP system has provided heat and lighting for the plants since 2009. Marcel recounts: “We already had a system from another manufacturer, but decided to install an additional one so we could supply electricity back to the grid. Caterpillar enjoys a good reputation because of the durability and reliability of its engines. They also have a service site very close by in Aalsmeer, which was an important plus for me. So we eventually opted for a Cat – our first.”

OVERHAUL SEASON

Nine years and approx. 63,000 problem-free hours of operation later, the engine needed a so-called ‘top-end revision’ according to the maintenance schedule. This required careful planning, as the company depends on the engine for its production process. So Pon Power had work to do. Arie van Egmond, Service Coordinator at Pon Power, explains: “Each species being cultivated in 

greenhouses has a specific season when lighting and heating must be provided for the plants. The seasons for an orchid grower differ from those that must be adhered to by a company that cultivates ornamental plants. As early as January, we therefore begin by taking stock of demand throughout the country, so we can perform overhaul wherever they are required, and can do so during each client’s overhaul season. Sometimes that can be quite a puzzle.”

FACTS &
FIGURES

MARCEL SCHOLTE

Managing Director
of Scholte Orchideeën

“While the overhaul was being carried out, I sneaked a peek every evening. It was fascinating to see the interior of the engine!” 

CLOSE CONSULTATION

After all, it’s not just about scheduling the work itself. Each overhaul requires careful ‘back planning’: parts need to be purchased, advances invoiced, and overhaul plans drawn up. This is done in close consultation between the District Service Manager and the client. Once all the required components and materials are available, the installation has been shut down and everyone is on the same page, the engineers get to work. This tried and tested approach was also followed at Scholte Orchideeën, where the engine was opened up in early May in order to install new heads and turbochargers.

20.000 HOURS IN OPERATION

Marcel Scholte was fascinated by the proceedings: “Yes, I really enjoyed seeing the progress of the work. I sneaked a peek every evening while the revision was being carried out. Normally, the engine is in operation all day, of course. It was wonderful to see its inner workings for a change!” The engine has since been taken back into operation. A satisfied Marcel Scholte: “We're all set for the next 20,000 hours in operation!”

OVERHAUL

CHP SYSTEM OF SCHOLTE ORCHIDEEËN READY TO GO FOR ANOTHER 20,000 HOURS

Overhaul season creating plenty of work for Pon Power

Pon Power performed a top-end overhaul of the Caterpillar CHP system of Scholte Orchideeën, an orchid grower based in Kudelstaart, North Holland province, the Netherlands. 

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS

Scholte Orchideeën is one of the family-owned businesses that are fortunately still very common in the Dutch horticulture industry. Father Kees Scholte founded the nursery in 1965. After initially growing carnations and roses, he switched to cymbidiums in the 1970s – a large-flowered orchid that originates in the Himalaya region. His son Marcel joined the business in 1988, and has served as managing director for several years. After Marcel’s arrival, Scholte Orchideeën started to concentrate on the cultivation of potted cymbidiums and has maintained that focus ever since. In turn, Marcel is proud that his 18-year-old daughter recently ‘took her first steps’ in the family business.

POTTED CYMBIDIUM

A potted cymbidium takes no less than 5 years to cultivate, and consequently only a small number of growers choose to focus on this species. However, Marcel Scholte has done so, and with success. Italy is his main market, and the company has achieved a solid position in that country.

DURABLE AND RELIABLE

In Scholte’s 30,000 m2 greenhouse complex, a Cat 3516A CHP system has provided heat and lighting for the plants since 2009. Marcel recounts: “We already had a system from another manufacturer, but decided to install an additional one so we could supply electricity back to the grid. Caterpillar enjoys a good reputation because of the durability and reliability of its engines. They also have a service site very close by in Aalsmeer, which was an important plus for me. So we eventually opted for a Cat – our first.”

ARIE VAN EGMOND

“Those overhaul seasons differ from client to client, so scheduling the work can be quite a puzzle.”

Service coordinator
at Pon Power

OVERHAUL SEASON

Nine years and approx. 63,000 problem-free hours of operation later, the engine needed a so-called ‘top-end revision’ according to the maintenance schedule. This required careful planning, as the company depends on the engine for its production process. So Pon Power had work to do. Arie van Egmond, Service Coordinator at Pon Power, explains: “Each species being cultivated in greenhouses has a specific season when lighting and heating must be provided for the plants. The seasons for an orchid grower differ from those that must be adhered to by a company that cultivates ornamental plants. As early as January, we therefore begin by taking stock of demand throughout the country, so we can perform revisions wherever they are required, and can do so during each client’s revision season. Sometimes that can be quite a puzzle.”

 

CLOSE CONSULTATION

After all, it’s not just about scheduling the work itself. Each overhaul requires careful ‘back planning’: parts need to be purchased, advances invoiced, and overhaul plans drawn up. This is done in close consultation between the District Service Manager and the client. Once all the required components and materials are available, the installation has been shut down and everyone is on the same page, the engineers get to work. This tried and tested approach was also followed at Scholte Orchideeën, where the engine was opened up in early May in order to install new heads and turbochargers.

“While the overhaul was being carried out, I sneaked a peek every evening. It was fascinating to see the interior of the engine!” 

Managing Director
of Scholte Orchideeën

MARCEL SCHOLTE

20.000 HOURS IN OPERATION

Marcel Scholte was fascinated by the proceedings: “Yes, I really enjoyed seeing the progress of the work. I sneaked a peek every evening while the revision was being carried out. Normally, the engine is in operation all day, of course. It was wonderful to see its inner workings for a change!” The engine has since been taken back into operation. A satisfied Marcel Scholte: “We're all set for the next 20,000 hours in operation!”

FACTS & FIGURES

CLIENT:
Scholte Orchideeën, Kudelstaart, The Netherlands

SPECIALIZED FIELD:
Cultivation of potted cymbidium orchids

CHP SYSYEM:
A CHP system is a natural gas-fuelled combustion plant that generates both heat and electricity. It is widely used in the greenhouse horticulture industry, where the CO2 in the combustion gases is used as a gaseous fertilizer.

INSTALLATION:
Cat 3516A combined heat and power (CHP) system

OVERHAUL SEASON:
Period when less heat and/or energy is required, allowing for the maintenance or overhaul of CHP systems

GENERAL OVERHAUL SEASON:
May - September

Pon Power News

The online magazine of Pon Power, the Caterpillar dealer for diesel and gas engines and generators. In this magazine we keep you up to date on the latest projects, new products & services and technical innovations.
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