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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14/02/2022 Steam trap management

Crucial parts of the steam supply system, these simple components let out water and condensate, but their failure could have a significant effect. By Toby Clark » Read More

25/06/2021 Choosing the right valve for efficient steam temperature control

From beer brewing to cheese production, temperature control using steam is utilised across various applications in the food and beverage sector. The control valve is key, and precise specification is vital to optimise product quality and ... » 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

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

23/09/2014 Bring Cinders to the ball

Steam generation and distribution plant still isn't getting the attention it deserves. Brian Tinham looks at what's required to bring this Cinderella to the high-efficiency ball. » Read More

19/03/2014 Top 10 steam safety and efficiency tips

With the importance of steam plant to a wide range of plants, factories and other facilities, Brian Tinham talks to Greg Sutcliffe, global segment manager at Bürkert, about getting maintenance right » Read More

15/04/2013 Full steam ahead

Often overlooked – and that includes in terms of maintenance – steam generation and distribution systems are ripe for some serious energy and cost saving. » 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

05/10/2012 Laundry saves £30,000 thanks to flash steam recovery

Commercial laundry Bates of London is reporting savings of tens of thousands of pounds in energy since installing FREME (flash recovery energy management equipment) plant, from Spirax Sarco. » 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

08/08/2011 Energy event 2011

The upcoming Energy Event promises a packed agenda focused on optimising energy management, procurement and efficiency. Laura Cork reports » Read More

07/06/2011 Spirax Sarco helps Heinz save 473 tonnes of carbon per year

Heinz reckons it is saving 6% of its average steam load per year at its baked bean factory in Wigan by recovering energy from effluent. » Read More

07/06/2011 Webster & Horsfall cuts energy costs by 33%

Wire and strip manufacturer Webster & Horsfall is reporting one third energy cost savings since converting from existing inefficient steam boiler to thermal fluid heating. » 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

01/03/2010 Wasting away

The Carbon Trust reckons that UK companies are still wasting €1 billion worth of energy per year, largely due to unresolved plant optimisation issues and inefficiencies in energy generation plant itself. Brian Wall reports on ways ... » Read More

01/01/2010 Steam sensation

The technology behind last year's record-breaking steam car has been shrouded in mystery. Brian Tinham gets project manager Matt Candy to reveal all » Read More

01/01/2010 Efficient energy

Combined heat and power plants are anything but new. However, evolving technologies are revolutionising their scope and HM government likes the sound of it. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

01/01/2010 Engineering appeal soars

Anyone who has spent any time in plant engineering cannot fail to have been struck by its accelerating rate of change, not just in terms of the technologies - drawing on developments from across the engineering disciplines - but also, ... » Read More

01/12/2009 Boiler breakthrough

While innovative energy- and emissions-saving add-ons are gaining in popularity for steam-raising plant, technology trialled on marine boilers is tackling water treatment. Brian Tinham examines the final piece of the jigsaw » Read More

01/10/2009 Under pressure

Boiler plant safety is generally well understood, but the demands of work may leave pressure systems exposed to danger. Brian Tinham re-examines concerns and best practice » Read More

01/08/2009 The Energy Event 09

What: The Energy Event Where: The National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham When: 9-10 September 2009 How: Go to www.theenergyevent.co.uk » Read More

01/12/2008 Trapped steam

Pulp and paper mills are among our most energy- and emissions-intensive plants. Large quantities of steam are essential for many of its processes and the sad fact is that, because boilers, steam distribution systems, heat exchangers, ... » Read More

01/02/2008 Atomic kitten

Ever wondered about nuclear submarines and the issues for plant engineers in operational and supporting roles, either onboard or dockside? Andrew Law, specialist in the operational plant support department at Rolls-Royce Nuclear Propulsion ... » Read More

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