Plant Equipment Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

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04/02/2025 Boosted boiler cleaning

A novel boiler cleaning technology originally designed for waste-to-energy plants is now being embraced by various other engineering sectors, too. Louise Davis hears how this solution is proving a gamechanger for both cleaning and ... » Read More

06/02/2024 All about compliance

Operations engineers responsible for mid-sized boiler plant are facing a flurry of forthcoming regulatory deadlines. So, what needs doing and by when? » Read More

09/08/2023 Using recovered waste heat

The presence of spare heat is a necessary but not sufficient condition to turn it to a good use, explains Jody Muelaner » Read More

05/10/2021 Tracking carbon in construction product manufacturing

At the Energy Management Exhibition (24-25 November), SOE is presenting a panel discussion on reducing energy consumption. It features members working across industry. Also speaking is Matthew Jenkinson, Tarmac Alfreton senior site ... » Read More

28/05/2021 Domestic gas boiler control developments

A Dutch association of boiler makers promotes a brand-agnostic communication standard between boilers and their controllers that reflects more efficient control methods then are currently in common use in the UK » Read More

06/05/2021 Cooking on gas

A Dutch association of boiler makers promotes a brand-agnostic communication standard between boilers, heat pumps and their controllers that reflects more efficient control methods then are currently in common use in the UK. By Will ... » Read More

11/02/2021 Preventing steam boiler failures

With as many as a quarter of steam boilers failing their annual inspection, what should engineers be doing to improve the pass rate, asks Steed Webzell » Read More

04/03/2020 Pump it up

A heat pump, in simple terms, is a device that transfers heat from a source to another location. With the rising popularity of renewable energy sources, they have become effective alternatives to fossil fuels and can even reduce utility ... » Read More

05/02/2020 Identify & rectify

Rising energy costs have created an atmosphere of uncertainty for many UK businesses. Correctly identifying and accounting for potential energy losses could help save money on fuel bills » Read More

05/02/2020 Polishing up on feedwater

The bulk of boiler failures are due to problems with water. Poor feedwater chemistry can lead to scale deposits, sludge and corrosion in boilers and pressure vessels with potentially catastrophic failure as a result. For boilers, water ... » Read More

03/06/2019 Wet & healthy

Who knew the humble tap could kill? OE takes a look at water safety in healthcare and how it should be managed » Read More

04/04/2019 Turning up the heat

Heat networks and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) have gained in popularity, as legislators and developers recognise them as a way to meet energy reduction targets. However, technical and operational challenges, and user acceptance issues, ... » Read More

05/02/2019 Raising the game

Many commercial and industrial processes present widely variable or even intermittent demands for steam. Operations engineers looking to reduce costs and improve efficiency, whilst keeping emissions to a minimum, are turning to the ... » Read More

05/02/2019 Fuel for thought

Liquefied natural gas is a relatively new fuel that is available to off-grid consumers. What benefits can this alternative to oil-based energy bring to site? » Read More

09/12/2014 Firing on all four?

Heat recovery should be a burning issue for engineers and managers – whether maintaining existing boiler plant or specifying new systems. Brian Tinham looks at available technologies, and what's coming » Read More

06/12/2012 Leave well alone?

It's both a strength and a weakness that boilers generally operate for years without problems. On the one hand, plant managers are happy, but on the other, no one knows how much better they could be doing. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

05/04/2012 Is your boiler house safe?

As de-manning on steam and hot water boiler plant continues to gain momentum, operators need to consider best practice and their legal duties in respect of operational safety, warns S Moore Holmes » Read More

06/02/2012 DSEAR hazards

Although DSEAR (Dangerous Systems and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) was enacted back in 2003, its implications for hazardous plant are still misunderstood. Barrie Church explains » Read More

07/12/2011 Pedigree steam traps save Marston’s £60,000 in first year

One year after upgrading its steam traps with up-to-date equipment from Spirax Sarco, Marston's Brewery is reporting savings of £60,000 in energy and hot water costs. » Read More

07/12/2011 Playing it safe

The October 2011 arrival of new guidance for the safe operation of steam and hot water boilers gives boiler operators and managers up-to-date advice, and recognised training is a key focus. Brian Wall reports » Read More

07/12/2011 The case of Mr S

The role of an individual acting as, or on behalf of, a 'competent person' under PSSR (the Pressure System Safety Regulations 2000) comes with serious obligations S Moore Holmes takes us through the case of Mr S » Read More

07/06/2011 Green without eco-bling

As energy saving climbs up plant engineers' agendas, Dr Tom Shelley reviews some of the good and not so good technologies for heating, ventilating and air conditioning » Read More

09/02/2011 Downsizing CHP

Combined heat and power has come a very long way since Battersea Power Station. Dr Tom Shelley looks at some of the advances and offers engineering advice » Read More

09/12/2010 Steaming ahead

Engineering innovation has the propensity to change plant practice, and that applies to boilers and steam generation too. But improvements can also be made by going back to basics. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

09/12/2010 Instant heating is flavour of the month at Fox’s biscuits

Fox's Biscuits in Preston reports that its problem of hot water shortages has been solved since installing an EasiHeat engineered system, from Spirax Sarco. » Read More

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