Opinion


 As the drive for reduced waste levels and cleaner energy continues to strengthen, steam is beginning to fulfil its potential in a number of innovative industrial applications. Chris Gaunt discusses its future in anaerobic digestion plants.


 Da der Antrieb für reduzierte Abfallquoten und umweltfreundlichere Energie sich weiterhin stärkt, beginnt der Dampf sein Potential in einer Vielzahl innovativer industrieller Anwendungen auszuschöpfen. Chris Gaunt erörtert die Zukunft des Dampfes in der anaeroben Vergärungsanlage.


 Tandis que le renforcement de la volonté de réduire les quantités de déchets et de développer des énergies plus propres se poursuit, la vapeur commence à exploiter pleinement son potentiel dans de nombreuses applications industrielles innovantes. Chris Gaunt débat de son avenir dans les usines de méthanisation.


Taking steam systems to the next level


S


team has long been a staple of UK industry, from the industrial revolution up to its current use in modern production plants. Industries across food,


pharmaceutical, and power, all rely on steam as an efficient energy resource for everything from mechanical power and process applications, to space heating. Steam heating is part of an incredibly


exciting market that demands a level of expertise and specialism from contractors and distributors. With the rise of anaerobic digestion as a way of both reducing waste and creating a sustainable source of energy, there is no better time to look at how traditional products are being used for innovative applications and how distributors are responding. Established over 100


years ago, BSS Industrial was originally known simply as British Steam Specialties. This heritage of expertise in the steam sector has developed into numerous commercial building projects, increasingly on food production lines for the production of canned goods, for example. BSS Industrial, and its


selling electricity back to the grid. Using an anaerobic process breaks down


natural waste to generate biogas, although a sludge by-product is still created. The pathogens and nitrates must be removed from this material before it is deemed suitable for use on arable land. This is where steam plays a vital role, pasteurising the sludge to remove dangerous bacteria such as e-coli. Breaking down the cell walls of the organic material demands a steam system that will provide a reliable and consistent environment. An initial high temperature of up to 165°C is required in addition to a pressure of six bar in a plant that uses thermal hydrolysis, with a longer period of up to 55°C for the enzyme process. The popularity of


“Using an anaerobic process breaks down natural waste to generate biogas, although a sludge by- product is still created.”


Chris Gaunt, BSS Industrial


specialist industrial brands, has therefore followed the development of steam heating products with great interest. With a solid partnership with other industry experts such as Spirax Sarco soon leading to involvement in some unique projects, including a landmark advanced digestion plant development. Water utility companies are under pressure


to reduce landfill volumes. While reducing energy consumption, they have also been encouraged to develop ways to offset costs by


anaerobic digestion comes from the resulting 50 per cent reduction in the amount of sludge that is generated in comparison to traditional methods. The UK has also


realised that the growth of the bio-energy sector over the next decade, forecasting that it will generate in excess of £12,000,000,000 in new business opportunities. The potential of this market is reflected by


the decision to take a holistic approach. In addition to extensive product ranges and dedicated technical teams, the development of packages for sludge handling and gas systems are vital to seize this opportunity and provide support for contractors working in such specialist areas. ■


Chris Gaunt, BSS Industrial Key Account


Director for the water sector, Lutterworth, UK. www.bssindustrial.co.uk


www.engineerlive.com 7


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58