June 2021

38 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk June 2021 Energy & Environmental Management Focus on: Boilers, Burners & Controls Primarily, the key barrier to investing in new steam boilers is not the technology itself, but the demands of manufacturing as a whole. COVID- 19, though frequently thought to have had a negative effect on business for most, has fostered substantial growth for some specific sectors within UK manufacturing. In turn, this has increased the required output of steam boilers within these processes and left them under strain. With existing steam solutions already operating at maximum capacity, businesses simply cannot afford the downtime necessary to allow older boilers to be replaced with new ones. As such, manufacturers find themselves in somewhat of a catch-22 situation. Despite the technology required to mitigate demand being readily available, it is precisely because of this demand that they are not able to integrate it. Interim solutions The peaking steam requirements of the UK manufacturing industry have rendered the gap between old technology and new even larger than usual. As such, it is clear that innovative short-term solutions will be required to manage the current industry demand while newer solutions are properly integrated. The hire of steam boilers is just one solution that could alleviate industry pressure and bridge the gap while new technology is installed. In this, interim boilers would be brought in to temporarily bolster the output of steam, allowing companies to introduce more efficient technology without losing out on productivity. Specifically, by renting, organisations are able to access the benefits associated with newer steam boiler equipment while maintaining maximum uptime on their processes. Aggreko’s research indicates that this idea is popular among UK manufacturers, with 85% of those surveyed saying they would consider renting a steam boiler. When queried on their reasons for this, lowering environmental impact to fall in line with new net zero regulations was the most popular response, with cost- effectiveness and support for seasonal peaks following shortly behind. Enabling the transition Legislative pressure surrounding climate change and increasing industry requirements are clear drivers for investment in new technology, however the logistical issues surrounding the UK’s burgeoning energy demands are making this difficult for most. The already high walls to adopting new technology have been rendered even higher thanks to the pandemic, so whether it be by renting or by other means, it is clear that short-term solutions will be required in order to enable the transition between old and new. Interim steam boilers offer UK manufacturers the crucial flexibility that they need to meet current peaks, supplementing steam output for as short or as long as possible while newer solutions are equipped to take over. Hire services, like those offered by Aggreko, could prove a pragmatic, cost-effective solution as UK businesses adjust to the demands of the industry post-pandemic. For more information on attitudes to adopting steam power in the UK, download Aggreko’s full report at: https://www.aggreko.com/en-gb/steam- Built for the future. Ready now. COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL Visit rielloburners.co.uk to 昀nd out more or phone on 01480 432144 9 Leading burner technology for over 90 years. 9 Meeting the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. 9 Maximising Ef昀ciency and Minimising Emissions. 9 The perfect choice for all process applications. 9 Full product support from concept to completion and beyond. 9 An extensive range to cover 10kW to 30,000kW.