Industrial Insulation of CHP Exhaust for Wessex Water, Bristol
Wessex Water is a leading regional utility company that provides water supply and wastewater services across Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Bristol. With close to 2.9 million customers, the company supplies drinking water and treats sewage for homes and businesses throughout the region.
The Wessex Water Group places a strong emphasis on long-term investment in infrastructure and environmental sustainability, whilst offering community support.
Project Details & Impact
Wessex Water appointed us as their industrial insulation specialist to insulate the combined heat and power (CHP) exhaust at their Avonmouth Sewage Treatment Works.
This was required to reduce the high surface temperature of the exhaust for safety reasons and to lower the ambient temperature in the CHP area by minimising heat loss. Insulating the CHP unit exhaust also ensures the exhaust gases stay hotter for longer, which means the heat exchangers run more efficiently. It would also act as acoustic insulation to reduce noise levels, lower the risk of fire, whilst protecting the exhaust from corrosion and mechanical impact.
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Our Solution & Our Work
Having discussed the operating temperatures with Wessex Water, we chose a three-layer approach. These consisted of a 25mm ceramic fibre layer, which was then covered with an 80mm wire matt before being clad with 0.7mm Aluzinc cladding. This combination, with the use of a ceramic layer, would offer the best thermal efficiency for this specific application, given the size of the exhaust. Our work led to:
- Minimised heat loss, which in turn improved the efficiency of the CHP unit, reducing operating costs.
- Improved safety by reducing the high surface temperature and reducing fire risk.
- Created a better working environment by reducing the ambient temperature and noise levels.
- Protected critical infrastructure from corrosion and mechanical damage. This clearly increases operating lifespan and lowers long-term operating costs.
Our Conclusion
By appointing Jade Insulation as their chosen industrial insulating contractor, greater efficiency of the CHP unit was ensured, helping to reduce operating costs. A safer and more comfortable environment was created for their operational and maintenance staff. All whilst enhancing the lifespan of important and high-value equipment.
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