NEWS
CHRISTOPHER CALLAGHAN, SENIOR COMMERCIAL MANAGER,
COCHRAN Q
. What challenges are users of industrial boilers facing right
now and how can Cochran’s products and services help? A. For many industrial boiler operators, the 1 January 2025 compliance deadline for existing Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) assets has brought emissions performance, permitting and long-term plant strategy sharply into focus. Existing plant with a rated thermal input greater than 5 MWth and less than 50 MWth must now be registered, permitted where required, and able to demonstrate compliance with published Emission Limit Values (ELVs).
Cochran helps operators understand what the legislation means in practical terms. Our team can provide clear guidance for customers to help them through the steps required to be compliant with the directive. Firstly, the plant must be registered and a permit obtained then through regular monitoring and recording ensure that it meets ELVs. Limits apply for nitrogen oxides (Nox), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and dust.
Continued compliance depends on having the right monitoring
regime in place. Operators must retain monitoring records and provide data to the relevant regulator as required by their permit. As a guide, plant above 20 MWth net rated thermal input is typically monitored on registration and then annually, while plant below 20 MWth net rated thermal input is typically monitored on registration and then every three years. Where non-compliance is identified, operators are expected to take prompt action and restore compliance as quickly as possible. All new Boiler plant from Cochran meets the MCPD standards but we have also developed the UltraNOx Burner to help operators bring existing plant into line with the legislation – significantly reducing capital outlay and returning a quicker payback.
Operating on a typical boiler application, without the need for flue gas recirculation, our UltraNOx burner NOx levels start from 40 mg/NM3 NOx at 3% O², leaving scope for further reduction with any future addition of FGR as may be required. Cochran can supply UltraNOx Burners across a range of boiler types and capacities, with models designed to support MCPD compliance and future fuel flexibility, including hydrogen-ready applications. Every Cochran burner is designed, manufactured and tested in house, then supported in the field by our experienced service engineering team. Beyond burner upgrades, Cochran can also help operators improve system efficiency through planned service and inspection programmes, alongside a range of economiser solutions designed to recover additional thermal efficiency. If you are unsure whether your boiler plant meets MCPD
requirements, or you would like to explore upgrade options before committing to major capital investment, Cochran can help you understand your position and identify a practical way forward. u
www.cochran.co.uk
6 PROCESS & CONTROL ENGINEERING | JULY/AUGUST 2026
ASK THE EXPERT CONSISTENCY AND INN HAND-IN-HAND IN RAILWA
In the rail industry, where systems are expected to perform reliably over decades, consistency is as critical as innovation. The long-standing partnership between Titan Enterprises and Grinsty Rail highlights how product design continuity, reliability of supply, and engineering collaboration have supported the performance and longevity of rail de-icing systems. By integrating Titan’s FT2
radial turbine flowmeters into its vehicle-mounted de-icing systems, Grinsty Rail has achieved defined fluid control, operational reliability in harsh environments, and - crucially - the ability to refurbish and extend system life without costly redesigns. The partnership demonstrates the value of working with a supplier committed to long-term stability in an evolving technological landscape, without compromising innovation.
Rolling stock operators face a challenging balancing act to modernise engineering systems while maintaining reliability across long asset lifecycles. Components embedded within these systems must not only perform with precision but also remain available and consistent over time. Grinsty Rail’s de-icing systems are essential for maintaining safe rail operations during winter conditions. These systems, mounted beneath rail vehicles, are exposed to vibration, temperature extremes and demanding operational environments. Grinsty Rail addressed this challenge through a long-term collaboration with
Titan Enterprises, the companies sharing an understanding that in long-life applications, reliability is not just about performance but also continuity. Grinsty Rail turned to Titan Enterprises and its FT2 turbine flowmeter technology to deliver precise, dependable flow measurement within its de-icing systems. Colin Wood, Grinsty Rail’s Operations Manager said: “The challenge was Grinsty needed a liquid flowmeter that was highly reliable to operate within our de-icing systems. The systems themselves are designed for longevity, often remaining in service for many years.” For Grinsty Rail, Titan delivers design stability, ongoing availability and engineering consistency – an approach that is invaluable for long-term planning and investment. “Titan gives us the confidence that components specified today will still be available tomorrow and they understand the realities of long-life infrastructure,” continued Wood. Each system is designed with a dual architecture: electronics and control systems on one side; fluid handling and delivery systems on the other. Titan’s FT2 flowmeters are embedded within the fluid dynamics side, providing accurate measurement of de-icing fluid as it is distributed across the rail network. This multi-range radial flow turbine flowmeter with optical or hall-effect detection uses a low inertia turbine supported on robust sapphire bearings in a chemically resistant housing. Nine flow ranges (0.05 to 160 litres per minute), a choice of ‘plug-in’ fittings, and individual traceable calibration make this FT2 meter one of the most flexible flow measurement devices available. As part of a wider industry shift toward sustainability, Grinsty Rail needed to accommodate a new generation of fully biodegradable, environmentally friendly dual de/anti-icing fluids. While delivering clear environmental benefits, the transition introduced new engineering challenges within existing de-icing systems. The new fluid differed significantly from the clear and colourless traditional formulations. A green opaque liquid with higher viscosity – physical characteristics that altered the fluid’s behaviour within the system – particularly affected sensing and flow measurement performance. Working closely with Titan Enterprises, it was identified that the biodegradable
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