Industrial Insulation Installation for a Leading Chemical Manufacturing Site in Wakefield
Esseco is a leading chemical manufacturing company based in Wakefield. They provide products for various industries, including oil & gas, water treatment, food processing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and de-icing.
The Esseco sulphur burner projects represent key investments by the Esseco Group to modernise production, increase energy efficiency, and advance sustainable chemical manufacturing, particularly in the production of sulphur derivatives such as sulphur dioxide and bisulphites. These projects have been implemented at both their Italian (Trecate) and UK (Wakefield) sites.
Jade Insulation carried out the industrial insulation installation for the sulphur burner project at the Wakefield site, supplying and installing high-performance mineral wool insulation systems along with protective Aluzinc cladding to support the plant’s energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
Key Technical Details
- The projects were developed to produce sulphur dioxide. This is then used to produce various sulphites, bisulphites, and sulfuric acid. The process involves burning elemental sulphur with ambient air to produce the SO2.
- Sustainability and Efficiency: The new burner systems, especially those in Wakefield, were designed with waste-heat recovery in mind to improve energy efficiency. Steam is created in the process, which can then be used in power generation.
- Esseco UK (Wakefield): The installation of a new sulphur furnace was introduced to improve their bisulfite production. The project is described as a “sustainable innovation” that has marked a turning point in their operations.
- Italy (Trecate/Essemar): This joint venture, ‘Essemar’, is a collaboration between Esseco and Marchi Industriale and focuses on sulfuric acid production from elemental sulfur. This utilises the burner process to feed, convert, and absorb into sulfuric acid or oleum.
Operational Upgrades:
Impact
Esseco wanted to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,300 tonnes per year and reduce methane emissions by 88%. This reflected their desire to create products in both an efficient and more sustainable manner.
Our Solution
Having reviewed the drawings, temperature profile, and client specifications, we evaluated the required thermal efficiency and chose mineral wool as the best option. This would be in various forms, including slabs, wired mat, and process sections to insulate the main boiler chamber, superheater and associated process pipework. This was all protected with Aluzinc cladding and profiled Aluzinc for the boiler walls, given its mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. We also designed and manufactured various insulative jackets to ISO standards for use in certain elements of the project.
Enquire HereOur Work
Ensures the plant operates efficiently and effectively, reducing energy consumption and, in turn, the carbon footprint. It will prevent freezing, negating unplanned outages, and ensuring ongoing supply to customers. It will protect critical infrastructure from climatic conditions and mechanical damage for many years to come.
Significantly reduces thermal expansion and contraction of joints, avoiding undue stress and potential outages. Create a safer environment for personnel through the avoidance of extreme temperatures, whilst offering acoustic insulation to reduce noise levels.
Our Conlusion
By appointing Jade Insulation, the site’s thermal efficiency was optimised, a key part of their project. This ensured significant energy was saved, reducing both the operating costs and helping them achieve their CO2 reductions. As well as protecting critical infrastructure, it ensured a safer working environment.
If you have any current or forthcoming projects that may require our solution-focused approach and broad range of expertise and experience, why not get in touch?
