This course specialization provides a comprehensive understanding of material handling and balance-of-plant systems essential for reliable and safe thermal power plant operation. It covers the functions and technologies of material handling systems, with detailed focus on fuel oil handling, including unloading, storage, forwarding, and safety practices. The course explains coal handling plant (CHP) design, layout, and operational considerations, along with ash handling systems, their layouts, and ash utilization practices. Limestone and gypsum handling systems used in emission control are also addressed.

Water systems form a major component of the specialization, covering raw water intake system design, source selection, and components, supported by practical virtual walkthroughs. Learners gain insight into water chemistry, quality requirements, water balance diagrams, and circulating water systems with cooling towers. The course further covers water treatment systems such as pre-treatment, chemical dosing, filtration, demineralization using ion exchange and reverse osmosis, chlorination, condensate polishing, and power cycle chemical treatment. Steam and Water Analysis Systems (SWAS) and compressed air systems for instrument and service air are also included, providing an integrated view of auxiliary systems in power plants.