The work to install two new, more powerful and efficient boilers, and associated extractors, has already started and the state-of-the-art system is expected to be fully operational later in the autumn.
The new installations will combine to work in the same way as the existing biomass systems, which reduce HPP's carbon footprint by collecting wood waste via an extraction system. It is then stored in huge silos to fuel boilers heating production warehouses, in addition to supplying heat needed for the manufacturing process.
HPP's Marketing and Business Development Director, Dan Mounsey, says, "Our infrastructure was ageing so we wanted to update it for greener, more efficient options. These new boilers will reduce our carbon footprint to the point that we don't use any fossil fuels to heat those warehouses at all.
"The big difference between old and new is the new feature ceramic filters that extract exhaust gases before they leave the boiler. It means the emissions are much lower, which is better for the environment, while creating more heat output."
The new systems are replacing existing boilers and extractors serving door production and panel production warehouses, with work now well advanced and according to schedule.
Both installations have involved huge logistical and production challenges. "We've worked around various schedules to ensure continuous production, with safety cordons in place to ensure staff and contractors could remain working, only the heavy lift operations requiring total yard shutdowns and production area restrictions," the company said in a press release.
The project, Colin Taylor, our Chief Engineer, said, "We're working with the installers to ensure the project runs as smoothly as possible. There's a lot of re-wiring involved, removing old control panels, preparing for the new one and laying wiring where it needs to go to ensure that connections are available where we need them.
"We've also had to extend the boiler building at the Door Production warehouse to accommodate the larger boiler. Although the new boilers are more efficient, and create fewer emissions, they are bigger with greater heat output than the old ones."
One of the biggest challenges of the first phase of the project was the removal of a redundant silo, which took two cranes to move it onto a low-loader HGV before it was transported for scrap.
The project means we're renewing our partnership with the two firms that installed the existing system - Talbott's Biomass Energy Systems, which is supplying the boilers, and Air Plants Dust Extraction, which is providing the extraction systems.
The new 999KW biomass system will feature modern PLC (programmable logic controller) touchscreen controls, including full remote monitoring and maintenance via a LAN connection.
