Energy reliability boost for Energy Centre customers

Customers of the Dunedin Energy Centre are benefiting from the installation of a new energy efficient and reliable steam pipeline.  

1 September, 2007

Customers of the Dunedin Energy Centre are benefiting from the installation of a new energy efficient and reliable steam pipeline.

Operated by Energy for Industry, the Dunedin Energy Centre supplies steam to major users such as Cadbury Confectionary, Dunedin Hospital, the University of Otago, NZ Towel Supplies and some smaller customers, including the local fire station.

The company has introduced many innovations over the years to enhance service to customers, including improving their energy efficiency, reducing emissions and enhancing security of supply.

This latest initiative has seen the installation of a state-of-the-art steam pipeline to feed Cadbury Confectionary and the fire station.  It will provide a future-proof steam delivery system, greatly alleviating the potential for outages and disruptions, and providing enhanced security of supply for the foreseeable future.  The new pipeline replaces an older line that EFI had inherited which had lost much of its insulating properties with thermal efficiency and reliability compromised.

“Our customers want to focus on their core business and expect us, as their heat provider, to manage supply and deliver it when and where they need it,” says EFI Solutions Development Consultant, Jerome Parkinson.

This project involved the supply and installation of a new 200mm diameter pipeline imported from the US.

The new line comprises a central steel pipe that carries the steam, an insulation layer, a second welded steel pipe, an air gap, then a third welded steel pipe with a fully sealed polyethylene covering.

This unique combination of materials in a multi-layer configuration allows for thermal expansion of the steam pipe while providing superior insulation, high strength and corrosion protection.

The new pipeline runs underground from the Dunedin Energy Centre to Cadbury Confectionary.  It ties into existing sections of pipe at both ends, as well as the steam supply connection to the fire station.

The ‘direct burial’ method of installing the pipeline alleviates the need for a duct and solves potential water ingress issues.  The fully sealed nature of the system will prevent material deterioration due to contact with local ground water.

“Our investment in this project will provide enhanced service to our customers for many years,” Jerome says.

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