SUEZ – Eco Park Surrey
Eco Park Surrey, Energy from Waste Power Station
Client: SUEZ – Eco Park Surrey
Location: Surrey, UK
Services required:
- Advanced Rope Access
- Complex Confined Space Cleaning
- Hazardous Ash Buildup Removal
- Lime Scrubber Vessel Cleaning
SUEZ
Introduction
Sutro Group was engaged by SUEZ to carry out complex confined space cleaning operations at Eco Park Surrey’s Energy from Waste Power Station. The tasks involved the removal of hazardous ash buildup within the main gasifier and the thorough cleaning of the Lime Scrubber Vessel—both crucial to maintaining the safety and functionality of the plant. Previous attempts by other contractors had been unsuccessful due to the unique challenges posed by the confined spaces and difficult access points. Sutro’s rope access expertise was crucial in overcoming these challenges.
Benefits and Savings
Where other contractors had failed, Sutro succeeded. This not only reinforced the benefits of rope access but also saved the client the potential costs of further delays and failed attempts.
By utilising advanced rope access techniques, we minimised the risks associated with confined space work, ensuring the safety of both our technicians and the plant workers.
Rope access eliminated the need for costly scaffolding and prolonged labour, offering a faster and more affordable solution to the client.
The project was completed within a tight timeframe, reducing plant downtime and ensuring operations resumed without unnecessary delays. Both tasks were finished in record time, compared to traditional methods like scaffolding, which would have extended the project duration.
Project Overview
Sutro’s expert team used dual-rope systems to abseil into the gasifier, safely clearing the ash buildup within a single 12-hour shift. For the Lime Scrubber Vessel, advanced rigging techniques allowed our team to clean the entire vessel by threading ropes through small portholes, reaching areas previously inaccessible. These innovative methods ensured a thorough and efficient cleaning process, despite the complex environment.
Challenges
- Main Gasifier Debris Removal: Standing 30 metres high and 10 metres wide, the gasifier had a significant ash buildup, making future scaffolding work unsafe. With internal temperatures between 40°C and 45°C, the environment was extremely challenging.
- Lime Scrubber Vessel Cleaning: The 30-metre-high vessel had limited access points, with only one hatch at the top and bottom, making cleaning efforts difficult. Previous contractors had failed to provide a solution.
Solution
Sutro’s expert team used dual-rope systems to abseil into the gasifier, safely clearing the ash buildup within a single 12-hour shift. For the Lime Scrubber Vessel, advanced rigging techniques allowed our team to clean the entire vessel by threading ropes through small portholes, reaching areas previously inaccessible. These innovative methods ensured a thorough and efficient cleaning process, despite the complex environment.
Sutro’s rope access solutions once again proved that even the most challenging tasks can be overcome with the right expertise and approach. The successful completion of both the gasifier and Lime Scrubber Vessel cleaning projects not only ensured the continued safe operation of Eco Park Surrey’s Energy from Waste Power Station but also demonstrated the power of rope access in confined space environments. The plant’s operations resumed with minimal disruption, reinforcing Sutro’s reputation as a leader in confined space and rope access engineering.
For more information on how Sutro Group can optimise your inspection processes, contact us today:
0800 069 9395
info@sutrogroup.co.uk
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