In January 2016 the last part of Argent Energy’s expansion plan started within the Essar Stanlow Refinery at Ellesmere Port,Chester. Attached to the associated BDI Processing Buildings,the remaining facilities completed the second phase for the Bio-Diesel refinement.
The combined area of the building footprints are 1,670 m2 with a separate concrete bunded tank farm which incorporates 4 vehicle loading and unloading positions spread over an area of 1,550 m2.
The buildings wrapped around the main BDI Hall vary in height, the largest of these is a 4-storey processing hall with a 1,030 m2 footprint, which completes the final stages of the Bio-Diesel refinement process. Also, incorporating the main Motor Control Room for the complex. Other facilities include a Boiler Room, Workshop, and MCC with a Lab, Offices and Control Room at first floor.
The site clearance unearthed old foundations and slabs during the pre-construction preparations, which was reclaimed, stockpiled, crushed, graded and reintroduced as a pilling matt including ground reformation to support the concrete raft floor construction. 467 concrete piles were driven to an average depth of 6 m supporting the waterproof, in situ concrete, multi-level, raft slab construction.
Steelwork commenced in March 2016 which was sequenced to cater for the early delivery of specialist plant installations. The four main buildings also required careful coordination for the integration of mezzanine platforms, access walkways, internal cranage and hoisting rails. 500 tonnes of structural and secondary steelwork were erected with a number of intumescent and galvanised finishes required for the atmosphere and fire protection.
With the installation of main plant items and completion with the steel structure, the internal fire and explosive division walls could be installed with the main roof and wall cladding commencing thereafter.
