Gestra makes it big at ICI Teesside

Although it was originally designed for a stand-by role to the main boilerhouse, the Terra Nitrogen Energy Centre at ICI's Teesside works is now the primary source of superheated steam for ICI's own electricity generators, as well as supplying steam for sterilisation.

Gestra, part of Invensys, was commissioned by energy management specialist Dalkia Utility Services, which operates the Energy Centre on behalf of ICI, to design and manufacture two deaerators. Each unit must be capable of supplying 40,000kg/hr of feedwater to each of the 30,000kg/hr shell boilers, two of which are on stand-by at all times.

Large boilers meant large deaerators and Gestra responded with a design based on proven, low maintenance principles ensuring simple, problem-free operation, together with energy savings.

Such is the efficiency of the system that up to 90% less oxygen scavenging chemicals are needed than with an atmospheric tank and 75% less than for a partial deaerator vessels. This is projected to make savings of between £25,000 and £30,000 p.a.in this project.