Lignum Vitae North America has been awarded a contract to supply water-lubricated main guide bearings for Alabama Power's 180-MW Lay Dam hydroelectric station, the company announced.
Lignum Vitae -- based in Powhatan, Va. -- said its water-lubricated bearings will allow the 99-year old Lay Dam to "achieve maximum uptime and significantly lower maintenance costs".
Lay Dam is Alabama Power's oldest hydropower project. The powerhouse -- in service since 1914 -- is located on Alabama's Coosa River and houses six 30 MW hydro turbines.
"This is an excellent example of Alabama Power's commitment to environmentally responsible projects," President Bob Shortridge said.
The company said it is "ready to convert any size oil film or composite water lubricated main guide bearings worldwide."
Named after the hardwood the company uses for its bearings, Lignum Vitae said its products are unique in how the wood's natural resins and grain patterns make it an ideal material for hydro applications.
Lignum Vitae will be exhibiting at HydroVision International 2013 in Booth No. 1028. HydroVision International 2013 runs July 24-26 at Denver's Colorado Convention Center.
