In the bulk storage industry, production requirements evolve over time. Storage capacities need to increase, processes change, and sometimes the characteristics of the stored material also evolve. In these situations, revamping an existing facility is often the most efficient technical and economical solution.
This is exactly the case of the project BSP Engineering is currently carrying out at a bran processing plant in Selby, United Kingdom.
Technical Description of the System
A BSP Installation That Continues to Evolve
In 2011, BSP designed and supplied a 13 m diameter, 17 m high bran storage silo with a 2,000 m³ net storage capacity, equipped with a BSP planetary screw reclaimer, ensuring reliable and continuous material discharge.
Fifteen years later, the customer decided to significantly increase its storage capacity and once again entrusted BSP with the revamping of the existing installation. The objective is to increase the silo’s net capacity to 3,500 m³, while preserving the existing structure.
New Material Requirements, New Engineering Solutions
Besides the increased storage volume, the project is driven by a change in the type of bran being stored, which now has a higher moisture content than before.
To ensure maximum durability and corrosion resistance, BSP designed the new upper section of the silo entirely in AISI 304 stainless steel, while maintaining full integration with the existing carbon steel structure.
The Revamping Concept
The solution developed by BSP, in close cooperation with the end user, maximizes the reuse of the existing installation while minimizing demolition and downtime.
The existing cylindrical shell will be cut at approximately 10 metres above ground, selecting the section with the lowest level of deterioration.
Before the cutting operation, the structure will be reinforced with a circumferential connection ring and external vertical stiffeners bolted to the shell, ensuring maximum structural safety throughout the entire operation.
A new AISI 304 stainless steel upper cylinder, complete with an insulated roof, will be fabricated separately. Once completed, the entire assembly will be lifted into position and installed on top of the existing silo.
The connection between the existing carbon steel shell and the new stainless steel section will be achieved using bolted connection rings, a solution specifically designed to prevent galvanic corrosion between the two different materials.
The project also includes new spiral staircases, service platforms and all the necessary accessories to ensure safe operation and easy maintenance.
Upgrading the Planetary Reclaimer
The revamping is not limited to the silo structure.
The existing BSP planetary screw reclaimer will also be upgraded to withstand the higher material load while increasing the discharge capacity, ensuring the same reliability that has characterized the system for more than fifteen years of operation.
Extending the Life of Existing Assets
This project demonstrates how revamping can be a highly effective alternative to replacing an entire storage facility.
Thanks to its extensive experience in bulk material storage and handling systems, BSP Engineering is able to upgrade existing installations by increasing storage capacity, adapting them to new process requirements and extending their service life, all while minimizing investment costs and production downtime.
For BSP, every installation is designed not only to perform today, but also to evolve with the future needs of its customers.
Site Erection
WORK IN PROGRESS….
