Project Spotlight: Paper Mill Boiler
Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
Scaffolding Solution
For Sappi’s boiler shutdown in Ngodwana Mill, the project team sought a faster, more efficient scaffolding solution. The Layher Allround system was used by Finnish experts, KSPT, with skilled labor provided by Southey Contracting. This marked the first use of the Allround system inside the boiler, proving to be an effective and innovative choice.
The Layher Allround system was tailored to fit the boiler’s two main sections, the superheater and furnace basket areas, both confined spaces requiring special adaptations. With thorough planning, advanced materials management, and safety protocols, the team ensured efficient assembly and dismantling, significantly reducing overall downtime.
Key Savings and Improvements:
- Time Efficiency: Assembly time dropped from a total of 57 hours to just 24.5 hours, in comparison with the previous shutdown.
- Superheater: Reduced from 33 hours to 20 hours
- Furnace Basket: Reduced from 24 hours to 4.5 hours
- Material and Safety: Special parts adapted to the boiler’s tight spaces, increasing safety and setup ease. This in addition to a material weight saving of 50%.
Conclusion:
The Sappi Ngodwana Mill boiler shutdown project highlighted the value of an adaptable and efficient scaffolding solution. By using the Layher Allround system, the team cut assembly time by more than half and ensured safe, precise work within tight spaces. This project’s success not only minimized downtime but also set the stage for future shutdowns to benefit from the expertise gained, further enhancing efficiency and safety standards.
