Case Study
Shotton Papermill
Shotton Papermill Ltd / Eren
Confidential
May 2023 - Ongoing
Location &
Overview
Our Client, Shotton Papermill Ltd required the demolition of the former paper mill and associated structures including slabs and foundation to make way for a new mill to be built on the site in Deeside. Following the successful demolition of the PM1 structures, additional dismantling works were awarded to us to strip out the former recycled fibre plant for re fitting as part of the PM3 development.
The RCF3 plant contained specialised plant and equipment to reclaim paper pulp from recycled waste paper. The process equipment consisted of a 25m long and 3m diameter drum pulper where paper and water were mixed to break down the waste paper and begin the process of extracting the pulp from the mixture of inks and glues within the feedstock.
The slurry passed through numerous filters, presses and flotation cells to refine the pulp to a grade suitable for re use in newsprint paper production. Large numbers of storage settlement tanks then improved the pulp before onward transfer to the paper machine. The corrosive effect of the pulp required all the equipment to be manufactured from high grade 316 stainless steel, needing the use of plasma cutters and oxy propane to process the metal for re use.
Works,
Challenges & Solutions
The location of the RCF3 plant within a larger client operational area necessitated a sensitive approach to the works to mitigate the potential noise, dust and fumes that cutting stainless steel produces. This was achieved using air movers and monitoring the wind direction to optimise the natural ventilation. The majority of the larger items were installed during the building construction and required size reduction to enable removal from within the building. The overhead crane was used to assist in the dismantling process.
Significant concrete structures supported the equipment and this in turn required careful and controlled removal to ensure the existing concrete floors were not damaged. Remote controlled Brokk hydraulic concrete breakers were used to break out the concrete.
Highlights
Although the majority of the services were able to be disconnected, there were electrical, data and water services which needed to remain live as they were integral in the operation of the biomass boiler.
To avoid damage to these critical services a daily inspection with the client was undertaken to plan the next day’s work, allowing any risks to be identified. The specific items to be dismantled were then marked with pink aerosol to signify the following days items for removal. This gave the client comfort that they were able to re assess the routes of their live services as they became exposed by the removal of the equipment.
Achievements
- Sensitive Operational Strategy: Implemented measures to mitigate noise, dust, and fumes during dismantling, preserving the operational integrity of the surrounding area.
- Infrastructure Preservation: Employed precise techniques to ensure the removal of significant concrete structures without damaging existing concrete floors.
- Critical Service Protection: Conducted daily inspections and careful planning to dismantle equipment while safeguarding essential electrical, data, and water services.