Industrial Insulation Installation at Shropshire Renewable Energy Site
Oakland Farm Eggs initiated a new project that would see their Edstaston site create renewable energy from chicken manure as part of a multi-million-pound investment. The Griffiths family farming business was established in 1961 and since then has grown to become one of the UK’s largest egg-producing, processing and packing businesses. Operating throughout the country, its main centre of operations is in Shropshire, where the majority of its staff are based.
This successful and forward-thinking business produces roughly a billion eggs a year, with an annual turnover of over £75 million. It employs more than 60 people at its site, near Wem. They supply large businesses within the hospitality sector, such as Whitbread, as well as supplying major wholesalers such as Booker, along with major supermarket chains such as Lidl.
Their forward-thinking approach led to them receiving the Poultry Business of the Year award, while Aled Griffiths OBE also won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the age of 92. As part of ensuring the long-term efficiency and reliability of the new renewable energy system, Jade Insulation carried out the industrial insulation installation on the hot air ducting and pipework. Mineral wool insulation combined with Stucco Aluminium cladding was installed to minimise heat loss, protect the infrastructure from the elements, and maintain optimal thermal performance.
The Overall Project
Oakland Eggs launched this particular project to enhance the welfare of the birds by warming the air in the building in which its laying hens are kept. As well as ensuring the comfort of the hens, which improves egg production, it also has a significant effect on ammonia emissions. They calculated that by eliminating the spreading of chicken manure on the land, 35,000 tonnes of poultry manure would no longer be spread across the county.
The family now has one of the largest on-farm CHP litter-burning plants in the world, as it produces 5MW of thermal energy and approximately 1MWe of electrical energy using close to 74 tonnes of layer manure from the farm on a daily basis.
The energy created by the poultry manure combustion unit is being used to power their site, helping to significantly reduce energy costs long-term. Any excess energy is then sold or fed back into the national grid. The unit also generates an organic ash which can be utilised as the basis of fertiliser, which can be used by farmers in the surrounding area.
Enquire Here
Our Solution
Jade Insulation surveyed the site, reviewed the specification and heat profiles and then chose to install various mineral wool insulation products to the hot air ducting and pipework to prevent heat loss. This would ensure thermal efficiency was maintained within the system. Stucco Aluminium cladding was then chosen to clad the system to provide durability and good aesthetics. We also designed and manufactured a custom made PVC insulative cover to ISO standards to complete the insulation system.
Our Work & Conclusion
Our work will ensure good thermal efficiency, minimising energy loss and helping reduce operating costs. As well as protecting critical infrastructure, such as pipework and valves, from climatic conditions and mechanical damage for many years to come. Significantly reduce thermal expansion and contraction of joints, avoiding undue stress and potential outages.
We are creating a safer environment for personnel through the avoidance of extreme temperatures, whilst offering acoustic insulation to reduce noise levels.
Having developed an innovative approach to farming and invested millions of pounds, Oakland Eggs ensured that their investment in the project was protected from the elements and operated as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Enquire Here