Rafferty Steeplejacks have recently carried out an external and internal inspection of 2 No. HRSG steel chimneys for a valued client on a power station in the South West of England. The internal inspection revealed that the 2 No. chimneys had started to buckle in a specific area on both stacks. Following further investigation works externally it was determined that the buckled areas corresponded to the position of external cladding rings which had been holding moisture and deteriorting the chimney shell externally.
The two HRSG steel chimneys stand approximately 65m high above ground level and have a diameter of 6.3m. With the strucutral integrity of these huge chimneys now hanging in the balance, Rafferty’s carried out detailed design calculations, formulated a suitable repair method and, to the relief of the client, mobilised a team of 8 highly trained steeplejack and welder plater operatives to site within 24 hours. The two teams of 4 are now working in tandem on both chimneys and are carrying out structural plating and strenghening works thoughout the full circumference of the chimneys in the defective areas.
Rafferty’s unrivalled design capabilities and knowledge of steel chimney structures have proven paramount in this emergency situation and their employment of a highly specialised workforce have enabled a prompt and professional service to be provided at very short notice.
