The £80 million National Grid contract that will help restore views of the Dorset landscape has been offered to Morgan Sindall. The 400kV electricity cable project has been awarded as part of the four year Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) framework. This is the first scheme delivered as part of
Construction work is due to be carried out by Huyton Asphalt to upgrade an arterial route in Liverpool. Improvement works along Prescot Road (A57) began on Monday, 18 February, and will run from Low Hill, near the Royal Liverpool Hospital, to Newton Road by Newsham Park. The first phase will
In high value industries like construction, there’s a growing emphasis being placed on energy-efficiency and the use of sustainable materials. Despite this and the fact that renewable energy sources are growing at an incredible rate, it’s estimated that fossil fuels will still account for a 77% market share by the
The world’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of East Yorkshire has produced clean renewable energy for the first time. Once completed, Hornsea Project One will be almost double the size of the world’s current largest offshore farm. All of the 174 turbine blades for the wind farm are being
The strength of GRAHAM’s highways and rail sector expertise has been recognised by Countryside Zest (Beaulieu Park) LLP and Highways England following the recent award of a design and build contract for the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works (RDR Phase 3) project. The works in Chelmsford, Essex, comprise of a
Being able to measure flow accurately is extremely important to many applications – this is especially true in industrial plants, where it can make a genuine difference to a company’s ability to make a profit. Lacking an understanding of flow can lead to issues not being corrected and the will
If you’re involved in a farming operation, then you’ll be aware of just how much energy is needed to maintain a living. Whether it’s tractor use, ensuring the needs of livestock are met, or heating any number of crop stores – all are extremely energy-intensive. The predicament can be even more
Energy Assets Group (EAG), one of Britain’s leading metering and energy services businesses, has announced that from 1st February 2019, all of its utility network design and construction operations will be rebranded as Energy Assets Utilities (EAU). As a result of the brand strategy, Future Energy Group (FEG), which was
Major public realm improvements and upgrades around Prescot train station are due to commence, along with walking and cycling routes to the £26 million Shakespeare North theatre. The 350-seat, 30,000 sq ft Jacobean court-style theatre also includes a study centre, education, and exhibition space. Knowsley Council is set to formally
A number of multi-million pound contracts has been awarded by Network Rail in Scotland and the North East. Totaling £467 million, the contracts were handed over under two Control Period 6 frameworks. Valued at £320 million, the most significant contract for a renewals and enhancements framework went to BAM Nuttall.
The £80 million National Grid contract that will help restore views of the Dorset landscape has been offered to Morgan Sindall. The 400kV electricity cable project has been awarded as part of the four year Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) framework. This is the first scheme delivered as part of National Grid’s Visual Impact Provision (VIP) programme, which aims to reduce the visual impact of existing electricity transmission infrastructure in some of the most precious landscapes throughout England and Wales. “We are delighted to have been awarded the first of National Grid’s VIP projects. This award further strengthens our high voltage underground electricity cabling capability which has grown significantly over the past few years. We look forward to further enhancing our long term relationship with National Grid and delivering this complex and important scheme,” said Simon Smith, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure managing director. A new 8 kilometre 400kV double circuit underground cable system will be designed, built, tested and commissioned as part of the £80 million construction contract, which also includes other associated works in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). In addition, the project will involve the removal of the existing overhead line and 22 pylons that form part of the existing landscape in the AONB. Construction work is expected to begin in early 2019. “This contract marks a major step forward in a unique opportunity to restore views from the Hardy Monument across Dorset AONB,” added Michelle Clark, senior manager VIP projects, from National Grid. “The project has been driven by local and national organisations dedicated to conserving the landscape and countryside throughout England and Wales. We welcome Morgan Sindall Infrastructure on board and are looking forward to working with them as our delivery partner to turn the plans into a reality.”
Construction work is due to be carried out by Huyton Asphalt to upgrade an arterial route in Liverpool. Improvement works along Prescot Road (A57) began on Monday, 18 February, and will run from Low Hill, near the Royal Liverpool Hospital, to Newton Road by Newsham Park. The first phase will start between Shiel Road and Laurel Road. Running until Autumn, the £3.5 million scheme will include the replacement of the existing road surface, which has deteriorated over the years, and the upgrade of the highway drainage, pedestrian facilities, footways and traffic signals. The work forms part of Liverpool City Council’s £500 million highway investment programme – Better Roads – in conjunction with the council’s commitment “to deliver a strong and growing city” and provide a “connected and accessible city with quality infrastructure”, as set out in the Inclusive Growth Plan. Diversion routes will be in place and road users are advise that delays will be likely and to explore alternative journeys for those travelling to and from the Islington, Fairfield and Kensington and Old Swan areas. The A57 programme has received £2.7 million from the Local Growth Fund (LGF). LGF funding is awarded to the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and invested through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through its Strategic Investment Fund.
In high value industries like construction, there’s a growing emphasis being placed on energy-efficiency and the use of sustainable materials. Despite this and the fact that renewable energy sources are growing at an incredible rate, it’s estimated that fossil fuels will still account for a 77% market share by the year 2050. Much of this has to do with the numerous challenges surrounding renewables, particularly in terms of widespread adoption and considerable fluctuations in terms of energy sources. We’ll address these challenges in the article below, while asking how these may be resolved in the years to come. The Implementation of Effective Energy Storage In the case of traditional fossil fuel plants, these outlets operate at a pre-mitigated level and produce a consistently reliable source of energy. The same cannot be said for renewables, however, which represent a much more unreliable source that can be impacted by a diverse array of different factors. The energy output from a solar farm can be suddenly reduced by heavy clouds, for example, while wind farms are also impacted by speed and variable forecasts. To counter this, researchers and developers are investing heavily in energy storage systems for renewables, while also innovating as a way of optimising capacity for renewable sources like hydropower. In terms of the latter, firms like Weir have developed advanced flow controls that optimise capacity while also minimising waste, without compromising on the reliability of the power source. 2. The Combination of Distributed Systems On a similar note, control software is also an obvious solution to better monitor and manage the output of renewable power sources. However, we must recognise that the vast majority of renewable energy generation sites are distributed across a diverse geographical area, making it extremely difficult to regulate and oversee outputs with the existing range of software options. In order to manage large, global offshore wind farms (and indeed similar power sources), companies must leverage intricate data sets from each location and combine these into a single report. Further innovation is planned in this space, in a bid to develop software that can manage this complex process across various items of distributed equipment. We’ll have to watch this space for now, but we’re sure to see some advancement sooner rather than later. 3. Tracking and Reporting on Renewable Energy Sources The next stage in the process is accurately tracking renewable energy output and reporting on this. However, this crucial task is proving extremely difficult at present. After all, while effectively controlling and monitoring renewable energy is crucial to future efficiency, it’s also imperative that companies are able to harness the data generated by their equipment if they’re to optimise the value that they offer. The software used to manage renewable energy sources should be able to visualise and capture huge swathes of real-time data, while being able to present this in a way that analysts can easily comprehend. This requires a focus on smart and intuitive software, with initial options like Zenon Analyser enabling firms to generate several different reports across an array of data sets. Ultimately, the goal must be to build on this innovation and improve the level of data capture over time, without compromising on visibility or ease of use.
The world’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of East Yorkshire has produced clean renewable energy for the first time. Once completed, Hornsea Project One will be almost double the size of the world’s current largest offshore farm. All of the 174 turbine blades for the wind farm are being manufactured by Siemens Gamesa at its facility in Hull’s Alexandra Dock. “The UK renewables sector is thriving. Last year we saw the world’s largest wind farm open off the coast of Cumbria, and today it’s joined by an even bigger one starting to produce power for the first time. British innovation is central to our modern Industrial Strategy and our upcoming sector deal will ensure UK offshore wind is a global leader as we transition to a greener, smarter energy future,” said Claire Perry, Energy & Clean Growth Minister. Located 120km off the East Yorkshire coast, Hornsea Project One will consist of 174 Siemens Gamesa turbines. The first turbine blade for the wind farm left Hull on February 5, and was installed just five days later. The wind farm is a joint venture between Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind, and Global Infrastructure Partners. “Hornsea One is the first of a new generation of offshore power plants that now rival the capacity of traditional fossil fuel power stations. The ability to generate clean electricity offshore at this scale is a globally significant milestone, at a time when urgent action needs to be taken to tackle climate change,” said Matthew Wright, UK managing director at Ørsted. “Ten years ago, the thought of a project of this size was just a dream, but thanks to continued innovation, a determined effort from both the industry and supply chain to drive down costs, and the natural geographical benefits that surround us, the UK has positioned itself as a world-leader in offshore wind. Our company’s vision is a world that runs entirely on green energy, and this flagship project is a significant step on that journey, proving that large-scale renewable energy is not just an idea of the future, it’s here, right now,” Matthew added. So far, 172 out of 174 monopile foundations have been installed at the site, with turbine installation expected to continue until late summer 2019. The electricity generated by the turbines will pass via undersea cables through one of three massive offshore substations, before reaching shore at Horseshoe Point, Lincolnshire. The electricity is then transported via underground cables to the onshore substation in North Killingholme, where it connects to the UK National Grid.
The strength of GRAHAM’s highways and rail sector expertise has been recognised by Countryside Zest (Beaulieu Park) LLP and Highways England following the recent award of a design and build contract for the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works (RDR Phase 3) project. The works in Chelmsford, Essex, comprise of a new viaduct over the Great Eastern railway and A12 and carriageway works (RDR Phase 3) linking into the Boreham Interchange. The scheme, which is being directed by Countryside Zest in partnership with Highways England, is subject to a single-phase procurement process, although the works will be split into two phases. The first, a £1.4m-valued ‘Stage 1 Pre-Construction Services’ appointment, will focus on design development in order to secure technical approval from the relevant authorities, including Highways England and Network Rail. Detailed site surveys and investigation, plus a robust assessment of possession requirements and timescales, represent complex elements of this phase. Stage 2 ‘Construction’, with an estimated value of £11.8m, will then involve the commencement of an engineering and construction programme based on the agreed outputs from Stage 1. Track record GRAHAM has a proven track record in the Chelmsford area having completed the award winning A138 Chelmer Viaduct – a £32m strategic highway, which has increased transport capacity and significantly improved journeys for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. GRAHAM’s Managing Director for Civil Engineering, Leo Martin, is looking forward to his team delivering a similar high-calibre piece of infrastructure as part of the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works project. “This contract award is a tremendous result for us and it once again underlines our combined approach and reputation for excellence in both the highways and rail sectors,” said Leo. “The first phase of this contract requires a fully-coordinated design methodology that meets the approval and standards of Highways England and Network Rail. We have enjoyed long-term relationships with both organisations and fully understand their technical requirements. “I’m confident that our existing knowledge and design expertise will not only meet, but exceed, their expectations, which will ensure a seamless transition to Stage 2 and the beginning of the construction works. “As we proved with the A138 Chelmer Viaduct, we use our expertise and creativity to identify and implement solutions that reduce cost, drive efficiency and enhance outcomes and therefore we are looking forward to replicating this approach for the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works project.” Phasing The approved phasing of the development requires the initial stopping up of the existing Generals Lane highway and the subsequent demolition of the bridge structure, which currently crosses the Great Eastern railway line in advance of the commencement of the RDR Phase 3 carriageway and bridge construction. The design requirements for the project include a radial distributor road, a bridge structure crossing the Great Eastern mainline and drainage and services. Design work is well under way and is expected to be completed in 2020.
Being able to measure flow accurately is extremely important to many applications – this is especially true in industrial plants, where it can make a genuine difference to a company’s ability to make a profit. Lacking an understanding of flow can lead to issues not being corrected and the will impact an organisation’s bottom line. To measure flow, you need an instrument known as a flow meter. These devices are mused to measure either the volumetric or mass flow rate, or the amount of fluid passing through a pipe. Flow meters are used in a variety of different applications in measuring their volumetric flowrate or their mess flowrate. The actual application defines the type of capacity of the flow meter; both liquids and gases are measured in terms of volumetric and mass flowrate. There are actually many different types of flow meter, and the one that you need depends entirely on the application that you want to use it for. In this article we take a look at five of the common types of flow meter to understand their applications. Differential pressure flow meter One of the more common forms of flow meter found in applications around the world, differential pressure flow meters are often used in the oil and gas industries. They also have applications in everything from HVAC and pharmaceuticals to mining, paper and chemical production – their uses are clearly extremely wide. These meters measure the differential pressure across an orifice where the flow is related directly to the square root of the differential pressure that is being produced. The meters work with two elements: primary and secondary. The primary element produces a change in kinetic energy either through a flow nozzle, an orifice plate or a venturi flow meter. The secondary element is used to measure the differential pressure and then provide the signal. Positive displacement flow meter Positive displacement (PD) flow meters are well known for being extremely accurate. This means that they have a range of uses in the transferring of oil and other fluids such as gasoline and hydraulic fluid. They even have use around the house with applications in water and gas. PD flow meters are used to measure a volume filled with fluid, deliver it and then fill it again. This allows the meter to calculate the amount of fluid that has been transferred. The majority of forms of flow meter measure some sort of parameter and convert the value into a flowrate – PD flow meters actually measures the flow of the fluid. Some of the meters include piston meters, nutating disk metres and rotary vane type meters. Velocity flow meter Another common form of flow meter is the velocity flow meter. These instruments are used to measure the velocity of the stream in order to calculate the volumetric flowrate. Velocity flow meters are less sensitive when the Reynolds number of the fluid is higher than 10,000. Some examples of velocity flow meters include electromagnetic and sonic/ultrasonic, turbine, paddlewheel and vortex shedding flow meters. Mass flow meter Mass flow meters measure the force resulting from mass accelerating through a pipe, this means that they are most effective in mass-related processes. They work by measuring the force of mass moving per a unit of time, rather than volume per a unit of time. Common forms of mass flow meters include thermal dispersion meters and Coriolis mass meters. Many of the major applications for mass flow meters are related to chemical processes. They are often found in the gas and chemical industries, as well as throughout power, pharmaceuticals, waste water and mining. Open channel flow meter Finally, we come to the measurement of liquid in open channels. This occurs in v-notch, weirds and flumes. They allow for a concentrated or a limited free-flow of liquid depending on the shape of the structure. Some of the most common applications for open channel flow meters include measuring free-flowing liquids such as those found in rivers, streams or sewers. Image courtesy of: Applications Engineering
If you’re involved in a farming operation, then you’ll be aware of just how much energy is needed to maintain a living. Whether it’s tractor use, ensuring the needs of livestock are met, or heating any number of crop stores – all are extremely energy-intensive. The predicament can be even more critical during the autumn and winter months, when harsh conditions make it more difficult for farmers to harvest, package and distribute produce. Add this to the challenges that come with heating rural, remote and off-grid agricultural locations (traditionally served by inefficient fuels like oil), and a farm’s energy supply can become quite problematic. For farmers looking for a greener, cheaper and more effective off-grid fuel solution that’s reliable even in colder seasons, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) could be an alternative. LPG has increasingly become a go-to for farmers looking to meet ongoing heating or operational needs without compromising on outputs and the quality of their end product – or becoming dependent on an expensive alternative fuel. Farming and off-grid use Available in gas cylinder and bulk form, LPG provides an alternative to oil and solid fuels for off-grid agricultural use. It can be used for heating or transport in all types of farming processes, and delivers a range of operational and environmental benefits. From dairy processing and poultry rearing right though to maintaining the perfect temperature for crop drying (or even propane enrichment of biomethane in anaerobic digestion plants), farmers have turned to LPG for its cleaner, more cost-effective and easily-controllable capabilities. For farmers looking to understand the benefits of LPG, here is advice on how gas can become an essential part of efficient farming in the winter months: 1. Livestock and energy usage Whether it be barn ventilation, lights, supplying food and water or manure handling, poultry cultivation requires a huge amount of energy. For birds and livestock, a constant heat supply is crucial to their survival – especially during colder seasons. By choosing LPG, farmers and animals can potentially benefit from: – An efficient and cleaner-burning fuel, LPG reduces the risk of contamination within livestock (through feeds and litter) – ensuring that animals are kept as safe as possible. – The moisture produced by LPG heating is the perfect level to promote speedy feathering and weight gain amongst poultry. – Choosing an LPG supplier with a national supply network means deliveries can be made quickly and efficiently, keeping birds warm all-year round. 2. Weighing up the green benefits For farmers looking for greener ways of working, LPG can offer environmental benefits. It’s a lower-carbon alternative to conventional fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions by approximately 15 % compared to heating oil (and 33% compared to coal). It also doesn’t produce black carbon – which is a major contributor to climate change. As a transport fuel for tractors or other farming machinery, it’s also estimated that LPG (or propane) produces up to 24% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline, and 11% fewer emissions than diesel engines. Not only that, but the risk to the local environment is also kept to a minimum, as propane is non-toxic – providing a cleaner, greener, and cost-effective fuel solution for all kinds of farming uses. 3. When heating is needed for horticulture Maintaining constant temperatures for commercially grown plants and flowers is crucial to securing profits. When temperatures begin to drop, plants are naturally at greater risk of being damaged by frost, so it’s important to have the right heating system in place. LPG, as opposed to other off-grid options like oil, allows plant growers to benefit from a cleaner burning fuel, ensuring crops remain free from contamination. Depending on the size of the operation, farmers can also choose between an LPG gas bottle (which can easily be handled and lifted) and LPG gas tanks (which can be topped up automatically), meaning an energy system that delivers a constant heat supply for horticulture. 4. Using LPG to dry crops and grains When it comes to drying crops and grains, an LPG system can be a huge commodity to farmers looking to dry their produce quickly. As a highly controllable source of fuel, LPG makes for a more precise drying process, allowing farmers to maintain ideal levels of moisture without over-drying. The result is quicker drying all round, whilst also enabling farmers to preserve the quality of their crops, and ensure that the final product meets market specification. Additionally, with LPG grain drying technology, there’s the potential to recycle heated air, providing an even more efficient way to dry grain, without increasing fuel consumption. Sources https://lpg-apps.org/index.php?mact=LPGApi,cntnt01,application,0&cntnt01application_id=16&cntnt01returnid=17&cntnt01sector_id=2&cntnt01subsector_id=24 https://www.flogas.co.uk/business-lpg-farming#lpg-supply-options-41 Gas for Off-grid Britain’ Report, UKLPG, https://www.uklpg.org/resources/gas-for-off-grid-britain Gas for Off-grid Britain’ Report, UKLPG, https://www.uklpg.org/resources/gas-for-off-grid-britain https://www.smithgas.com/propane-uses-in-agriculture
Energy Assets Group (EAG), one of Britain’s leading metering and energy services businesses, has announced that from 1st February 2019, all of its utility network design and construction operations will be rebranded as Energy Assets Utilities (EAU). As a result of the brand strategy, Future Energy Group (FEG), which was acquired by EAG in May last year, and Dragon Infrastructure Solutions (DIS), which joined the Group in May 2017, will now operate as EAU. The move reflects the success of the company’s expansion strategy which, since 2015, has seen its network design and construction business build a nationwide offering with operational centres in Livingston and Alva (Scotland), Northampton, Birstall and Sheffield. In total EAU employs over 300 people, working with housebuilders and developers to deliver the gas, electricity, water and fibre-to-the-home networks that energise Britain’s public and private housebuilding programme. “The acquisitions of FEG and DIS have added significantly to the resources and geographic capability of the network design and construction services available to our customers. By creating a nationwide service offering with a single brand, our people will be better empowered to drive our growth plans through a clearer sales, marketing and customer service focus,” said Craig Topley, Energy Assets Group Managing Director (Construction). “This opens up exciting opportunities both for staff and our customer base as we continue to enhance the service delivery portfolio through the strategic expansion of the Group.” The Group is also an independent operator of ‘final mile’ gas and electricity networks and a leading provider of energy-related services including metering, data and asset management. www.energyassets.co.uk
Major public realm improvements and upgrades around Prescot train station are due to commence, along with walking and cycling routes to the £26 million Shakespeare North theatre. The 350-seat, 30,000 sq ft Jacobean court-style theatre also includes a study centre, education, and exhibition space. Knowsley Council is set to formally sign off £8.2 million funding for this project. Shakespeare North, which is currently being built by contractor Kier, will benefit from better links, which are set to transform the area around the railway station and features a shared-use walking and cycling route from the station to the town centre and on to the theatre. The project also includes a remodelled car park to up the number of spaces from 38 to 48, additional lifts to provide step-free access to the station and platforms and better wayfinding and signage to direct visitors to the town centre and towards Knowsley Safari Park. Liverpool City Region’s Strategic Investment Fund offered £7.9 million and the majority of it will be drawn down between 2019 and 2021. There is also a local contribution of £186,000 to take the total funding package up to nearly £8.2 million. Knowsley Council is set to sign off the funding at a meeting next week. Tarmac and SSE are the chosen contractors for the scheme. They will deliver all the public realm works, while Network Rail will deliver the new lifts and station access. Meanwhile, Kier is set to complete the theatre by December 2020, after beating rival bidders Morgan Sindall and Wates to the job last year. The public realm works are also likely to be completed around the same time. The theatre has been backed by £5 million from the Government, which was first announced by then-chancellor George Osborne in May 2016. The council is also providing £6 million towards the scheme, with the remainder coming from a £14 million contribution from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Single Investment Fund.
A number of multi-million pound contracts has been awarded by Network Rail in Scotland and the North East. Totaling £467 million, the contracts were handed over under two Control Period 6 frameworks. Valued at £320 million, the most significant contract for a renewals and enhancements framework went to BAM Nuttall. The contractor will replace and refurbish structures across the rail route, as well deliver improvements at stations. Meanwhile, two Geotech frameworks worth a combined £147 million have been awarded to Story Contracting (London North East) and QTS (Scotland) as part of the procurement process. “We are exceptionally proud of the collaborative work QTS has carried out during the last control period, with some outstanding geotechnical projects delivered across Scotland. It is a testament to the hard work of our team during the CP5 contract, and the strong relationship that we have built with Network Rail, that has allowed us to be successful in this CP6 tender process,” said Alan McLeish, QTS Managing Directo. “Our expertise and commitment to finding further efficiencies for Network Rail by using innovative plant and methods, stands us in excellent stead to continue providing a high standard of work over the next five years,” he added. In addition, five-year contracts have also been awarded, with an option of two-year extensions on the Geotech framework. “Work to renew our infrastructure is increasingly important to improve reliability for our passengers, and making sure we have the right suppliers to deliver those improvements is paramount. We look forward to working closely with our supply chain to build on the progress that has already been made and ultimately, build a better railway for our customers,” commented Kris Kinnear, Interim Regional Director for SNE. The latest contract awards complete the procurement activity for Scotland and North East, which is anticipated to hold one of the largest work-banks for the coming five-year funding period.
