Drax Power Station
Client: Drax Power Station
Industry: Renewable Station
Project Overview and Scope
TDC successfully delivered a project to replace three outdated steam calorifiers, which had been in service for over 50 years, at one of the UK’s largest power stations. As the lead contractor, TDC was responsible for the design, procurement, and installation of the new, modern heating system.
Modernising the Heating Solution
The project involved replacing the old steam-heated calorifiers with electric-heated calorifiers, a more efficient and reliable option. Due to the hardness of the local water, the indirect heating option was selected. The new system includes three 100kW electric boilers connected to three 2500-litre calorifier vessels, ensuring ample hot water supply.
Phased Installation for Continuous Supply
During the installation, temporary modifications were made to adopt a phased replacement approach. This ensured that the site’s hot water supply was maintained throughout the project. TDC’s careful planning minimized disruptions, allowing the power station to continue operations without compromising the hot water availability.
Commissioning and Performance
The installation and commissioning of all three electric boilers and calorifier vessels were completed successfully. The system is now fully operational, meeting the site's hot water demands as per the design specifications, with enhanced efficiency and reliability compared to the previous setup.
Overcoming Challenges
The project posed several challenges, including working in a congested basement area while ensuring a continuous supply of hot water. TDC’s experience and project management expertise allowed the team to overcome these obstacles, delivering the project on time and to the client’s satisfaction.
