Client: Drax Power Limited

Sector: Power & Energy

Services: Decommissioning Engineering | Temporary Works | Structural Engineering | 3D Engineering

Background

Drax Power Station’s Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) plant includes substantial large-diameter steel ductwork and supporting structures.

As these assets have aged, maintenance has become increasingly challenging. Sections of ductwork are located at height and covered with rockwool insulation and external cladding, creating potential risks from deteriorating materials, water ingress and corrosion of the underlying steelwork.

Drax Power Limited appointed Amrose Associates to investigate the feasibility of decommissioning sections of the FGD ductwork and associated supporting structures.

The Challenge

The challenge was to establish how huge sections of ductwork could be safely dismantled and removed from a highly congested power station while surrounding plant remained operational.

The feasibility study needed to consider:

  • Existing plant geometry and restricted access
  • Safe dismantling sequences and removal routes
  • Heavy crane locations, lifting radii and clearances
  • Transportation of large sections through the site
  • Structural behaviour as sections were progressively removed
  • Temporary loading conditions during decommissioning
  • Interfaces with plant that needed to remain operational

How We Helped

Amrose combined decommissioning and demolition knowledge with power station experience, temporary works design and 3D engineering.

A 3D point cloud survey was commissioned and combined with archive drawings and original construction photographs to develop a detailed understanding of the existing plant.

This allowed our team to:

  • Develop and test potential dismantling sequences
  • Carry out critical geometry and clearance checks
  • Investigate removal using heavy cranes
  • Explore the use of Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) to move sections through the site
  • Assess temporary frame load cases at different stages of decommissioning
  • Consider how ductwork could be isolated while surrounding plant remained operational

Bringing structural engineering, temporary works, demolition methodology, lifting strategy and plant operations together at an early stage was critical to establishing what was practically achievable.

The Outcome

Amrose provided Drax with an engineered basis for progressing the proposed decommissioning works.

By testing the methodology in 3D and assessing the structural implications of each stage, potential constraints could be identified before work reached site and the viability of proposed dismantling, lifting and transportation strategies demonstrated.

The project showcases Amrose’s ability to combine practical decommissioning knowledge with structural and temporary works expertise to solve complex engineering challenges in operational industrial environments.

Planning Complex Decommissioning Works?

Early engineering input can help you understand what is achievable, identify constraints and develop a safe, practical methodology before work begins. Ask Amrose. Email enquiries@amroseassociates.com or call 0113 391 9840.