Tyrone Borough opened bids for its heat exchanger project on Wednesday afternoon and the apparent low bidder was Caldon Inc. of Enfield, CT.
Its bid on the project was $206,336. The bid involves work to replace a sewage sludge incinerator heat exchanger at the sewer treatment plant.
“The project involves part of the incinerator,” explained Tim Nulton, sewer department superintendent. “What this (the heat exchanger) does is preheat the air to the incinerator. This saves us fuels by having warmer air. It takes exhaust through tubes and preheats air that goes to the bottom of the incinerator.
“We are looking at a savings of 80 gallons per dry ton in fuel,” Nulton told The Daily Herald. “We got the original (heat exchanger) in 1976. We had it repaired in 1991. The tubes were replaced but we kept the shell.”
Nulton explained now both needed replacement. He noted when the repairs were made in 1991, there was a seven-year warranty. The borough actually was able to use the heat exchanger for several more years beyond warranty before deciding to replace it.
Bids were received by three other companies: Industrial Furnace Co. Inc, Rochester, NY, $246,688; Goodhart Sons Inc., Lancaster, $221,057 and Wm. T. Spaeder Co. Inc., Erie, $216,642.
The borough engineer, Ray Meyers and solicitor Larry Clapper are now expected to review the bids according to Nulton. It is expected the bids will be presented at the borough council meeting on June 7.
“Typically, the responsive low bidder is recommend,” said Meyers.
He explained contractors which submit bids must submit information to demonstrate they can comply with the contract and furnish equipment needed to complete the project.
The bidders must also show they have done similar projects and have a successful track record. Bidders must also submit a bid bond not less than 10 percent of the total bid.
Meyers also explained what happens after council makes it decision on which contractor will be awarded the bid.
“Normally it takes about six weeks from the awarding of the bid for the contractor to be given a notice to proceed,” said Meyers.
“They then would have 180 days to complete this particular project.”
He noted the heat exchanger is a customized piece of equipment so the borough has specified a 180 day-period for project completion. The length allowed vary from project to project.
During the 180-day time frame, the heat exchanger will have to be manufactured to the borough’s specifications, the old one removed and the new one installed. It will also have to be checked to make sure it is functioning properly.
