Universal Coatings & Services Ltd., part of the Wilton Universal Group, has increased the presence of its long-established Boiler Maintenance Division in the Energy From Waste (EFW) sector as a result of developing a new technical innovation.
The division, which has several decades of experience in supporting the efficient operations of circular economy power generation, has undertaken a Research & Development programme to introduce a new process for the blasting operation and taken it to market.
As a result, Universal has already secured a number of major projects across the UK and Ireland.
Universal, an established Surface Preparation & Protective Coatings company based in the North East of England, has expanded its capabilities to support the scheduled maintenance of large EFW boilers through its development of a new technical solution, processes and extensive staff training.
The company has designed and manufactured a new blast nozzle system, delivering consistent pressure and distribution of their new formulation of two abrasive materials, which increases efficiency in cleaning speeds whilst also being less harsh on steelwork, effective in and around pipework.
Teams of between four and twenty Universal personnel undertake the maintenance programmes, over a duration of three to ten days, dependant on the scale and complexity of the boiler. The company has achieved project delivery within shutdown timescales on all projects, which, so far, have included EFW plants in London, the Isle of Man, Scotland and Ireland.
Universal’s operatives have undergone extensive training to increase their skill sets alongside their existing surface preparation and coating capabilities. This has included enhanced blasting training and working-at-height rope access, which is required in the large boilers, which can be up to 50 metres tall.
Paul Johnson, Managing Director of Universal, said: “We have combined 40 years’ of experience in the surface industry with innovation and technical expertise, to devise an efficient and effective solution for the Energy from Waste sector. The industry has responded positively to our approach, which has led to us securing prolonged nationwide service contracts.
“Building on the talents and experience of our expert operatives, we can evolve this operation further and increase our position in the market by helping plant operators to complete time-managed shutdown programmes, which deliver life-extending maintenance and ensure efficient operations.”
Picture: Universal technicians involved in boiler maintenance