Bayer CropScience turns to Aggreko
for temporary cooling tower solution
Aggreko, the world leader in the supply of temporary power and
temperature control solutions, has played a crucial role supporting
Bayer CropScience during the installation of a new cooling tower at
its UK plant in Norwich, Norfolk.
While most cooling tower projects involve a plant shutdown of
several weeks while upgrade work is done, the Bayer maintenance
engineering team opted for a more innovative solution, utilising a
temporary cooling tower and power package from Aggreko. This option
is far more energy efficient than using temporary chillers and
allows the plant to operate as normal during the installation of
the new cooling tower.
The Aggreko cooling package consists of a high volume pressure
pump, hoses, a water treatment system and Aggreko’s in-house Argus
Control System to deliver 400 cubic metres of cooled water per hour
at a pressure of 5 bar. This is supported by an independent power
supply (a 350 kVA generator) plus a standby generator. The power is
routed through an automatic mains failure (AMF) panel that ensures
continuity of power in the event of outage.
The cooling tower solution was developed by a team from Aggreko
Process Services (APS) using specialist equipment sourced from
Antwerp. The APS team and UK project engineers developed a workable
solution within just four days, to establish a robust cooling
solution for the plant in time for the old tower to be demolished.
Despite unprecedented poor weather conditions the Bayer engineering
team was still able to commission the new cooling tower, with no
adverse impact on manufacturing at the Bayer plant.
An important aspect of the Aggreko solution is the use of water
treatment specialist Nalco’s 3D Trasar technology to monitor
microbiological activity in real time. This system also monitors
water throughput and administers the appropriate level of chemical
additives to prevent contamination and corrosion. This key element
of the total package is being managed by Nalco as Aggreko’s
supplier partner.
Eamonn Oldfield, maintenance and engineering manager at Bayer
CropScience, said: “While a major plant investment like this
usually involves some sort of temporary shutdown or loss of
production capacity, the Aggreko solution has enabled our Norwich
facility to operate normally while the new cooling tower has been
installed. We have been impressed by the solution-based approach
taken by Aggreko, which has opened our eyes to what can be achieved
using temporary power and temperature control systems.”
The Bayer CropScience plant in Norwich is regarded as a world
leader in the manufacture of pesticides for farmers and other
agricultural businesses. In the UK the company employs 550 people,
285 of whom are based at the Norwich site.
For further information on Aggreko’s experience in the chemical
sector, please call email hire@aggreko.co.uk
Editors Notes