How we equipped British Steel to safely complete a maintenance outage

British Steel, one of the UK’s remaining iron and steelmaking companies, carry out biannual outages to complete essential maintenance works across their Scunthorpe plant. As their on-site rental partner, we deliver essential equipment and 24/7 support required to ensure these outages run safely and to schedule.

Customer Name
British Steel
Project and Location
Scunthorpe
Sector
Industrial
Products (Inc Quantity)

Our equipment and services supplied at a glance: 

- 400kW Heat Pump Chiller
- 200kW Air Handling Units
- 100kW DX Units
- Bespoke Ancillary Temperature Control Equipment
- Temporary Power Solutions
- Site Welfare Units
- Communications Equipment
- Breathing Air Apparatus & Trailers
- Compressors
- Welding Equipment
- Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
- Plant & Tools
- Project Management & 24/7 On-site Support


As the rental equipment partner to British Steel and their contractors for over 10 years, our dedicated team maintain and deliver the products and services they need to keep the site running smoothly.

For the summer 2024 outage, British Steel required a wide range of equipment to enable them to complete the maintenance works within a tight schedule. From our on-site depot we delivered a 360-solution including site welfare facilities, communications and safety equipment, plant and tools, and a temperature control solution.

The challenge 

The priority throughout the outage was ensuring the safety of workers carrying out maintenance works inside two of the mills used for moulding and casting the liquid steel into slabs or blooms. These mills reach temperatures in excess of 1,000°c and needed to be cooled to a safe working temperature below 40°c. British Steel required a high temperature vessel entry solution to reduce furnace temperatures and enable workers to enter and perform maintenance operations.

With production at a standstill while work took place, it was critical that all equipment was delivered and installed within the agreed timescales to avoid costly delays. However, to prevent the bricks in the mills from cracking or collapsing, the cooling process had to be done in a controlled way. 

We’re proud to equip British Steel with the rental equipment they need to help transform their site. The strength of our relationship with them demonstrates how an on-site solution can build a true partnership.
Paul Warrener - Contract Manager - Industrial - Sunbelt Rentals

The solution 

This large-scale project required months of planning. Our strong relationship with British Steel and experience with similar outages allowed us to assist throughout the process and adapt to changing needs.

To deliver a high-temperature vessel entry solution, our HVAC specialists conducted a site survey and specified the safest, most efficient cooling system. Cooling began by shutting down the furnaces and using on-site fans before deploying a 400kW chiller with air handling units to maintain safe working temperatures.

For worker safety, we provided breathing apparatus, gas detectors, and communication tools. Additionally, we supplied a temporary contractors’ village with welfare facilities, as well as a range of plant and tools, including powered access equipment, welders, and compressors.

Our team provided 24/7 project management and support, ensuring all equipment was delivered, maintained, and operated efficiently.

The result 

Through meticulous planning and the successful installation of rental equipment, British Steel successfully completed their maintenance work within the allotted outage period. Our cooling solution maintained a consistent and safe working temperature of below 40°c around the clock, ensuring optimal conditions for the furnaces throughout the three-week outage.

With our comprehensive 360-degree approach, the British Steel team and their contractors had access to the latest, safest equipment, allowing them to work efficiently and with complete peace of mind. 

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