Schedule delayed at noisy Exeter plant

Following last week’s steam blowing at the Exeter Energy from Waste plant, which generated significant noise, work is underway to mitigate the sound before the schedule resumes.

Before the plant can go into operation, steam is blown through the pipework to dislodge any grit or dust that could otherwise catch in the turbines.  This is a completely safe procedure, and has to happen several times to ensure the pipework is completely clear. It does not form part of normal operating procedures.

Engineers on site are exploring a range of options, with the result that the schedule of steam blowing has been delayed by a day. From 0900 Wednesday morning, the boilers will be heating up and venting steam, which may be audible. However, as the system comes up to pressure, there will be a single steam blow between 1400 and 1600 which is likely to be audible, but less noisy than previous episodes last week.

Further steam blows may be necessary on Thursday afternoon between 1400 and 1600, and then activity will cease until the following week when there will be steam blows on:
Tuesday 11th March
Wednesday 12th March
Thursday 13th March.

The same schedule of Tuesday to Thursday morning and afternoon will continue for up to a further two weeks and should conclude by Thursday 27th March. In each case, the steam blows will be conducted between the hours of 1000- 1200 and 1400 – 1600 and last for up to ten minutes’ duration.

The new schedule will be published via the website http://tiru-uk.co.uk/exeter,  media and to residents in the immediate vicinity.