Dismantling; Demolition; Hazardous Waste Removal; Concrete cutting.
44-week programme with 3,500 person hours worked in total
Econ Group was appointed as Principal Contractor to deliver the dismantling of a redundant biomass boiler plant located within a live high hazard COMAH regulated facility. The works formed part of a wider decommissioning and redevelopment strategy and demanded meticulous planning and precise execution. Activities were carried out in close proximity to operational process systems including electrical services, gas lines, steam distribution and chemical infrastructure, all within an active sugar refinery where business continuity could not be compromised.
Due to the complexity and height of the structures and the presence of critical live services, a detailed engineering design process was undertaken by Econ Group's in-house engineering team. The primary constraint was to ensure that refinery operations and the main gas supply, which ran above ground directly through the project area, were protected and maintained at all times. Our engineers carried out extensive structural analysis and developed a carefully sequenced methodology to ensure stability of all structures throughout the works.
A particularly complex element of the project involved the removal of hung boilers within the boiler house. This type of installation poses significant structural risk if not dismantled correctly. To mitigate these risks, Econ Group designed and installed a bespoke lifting beam system using the existing structure. This allowed the boilers to be safely cut and lowered in a controlled manner using hoists, all within the building footprint. This method removed the need for external cranes and eliminated exposure to environmental factors such as wind which could have compromised safety and stability.
The dismantling works were completed by Econ Group’s specialist industrial dismantling teams. Works were primarily carried out in a fragmentary fashion using hot cutting techniques, supported by a combination of mobile cranes, a 120 tonne crawler crane, and high-reach MEWPs up to 40 metres. Mechanical demolition excavators were used to process arisings and load waste materials for offsite treatment.
Econ Group ensured that 95 percent of materials were diverted from landfill. Steel and metal components were sent for recycling, concrete was transported to a local crushing facility for reuse as aggregate, and the remaining non-recyclable waste streams such as MMMF insulation, ammonia, and hydrated lime were sent to licensed specialist facilities for treatment. All waste streams were managed using Econ Group’s own fleet of vehicles and removed to treatment and recycling centres within two miles of the site.
This project demonstrated Econ Group’s ability to deliver high risk dismantling and enabling works within active COMAH environments under strict safety and operational controls. Our technical expertise, in-house engineering capability and commitment to sustainable delivery underpin our position as a trusted contractor for industrial clients operating in high hazard sectors.
1 x Project Manager, 1 x Structural Engineer, 3 x supervisors, 9 x CCDO operatives & burners.
