Cool thinking helps can manufacturer

Thorite carried out site surveys and developed a solution centred on two Parker Adiabatic Air Blast water coolers to supply cooling water to the hydraulics of the can making equipment. These coolers consist of copper tube and aluminium magnesium fin coil blocks, direct drive axial fansets, galvanised steel casings, stainless steel collection trays, local fan isolators and variable fan controls as standard.

Adiabatic cooling is achieved by mains water distributed over an evaporative cooling media through which incoming air passes. The cooled dry air then passes onto a coil for further cooling. This method prolongs the coil life by reducing coil fouling and negates the need for expensive mains water treatment.

Thorite project managed this major capital equipment project from inception to completion. Each of the coolers weighed 3185kg and occupied a floor space 10.5m long by 3.5m wide. There was insufficient room to site them inside the plant, so a large mobile crane was used to lift them on to the roof. Once in place Thorite also provided all ancillary requirements including fabrication, pipework, machinery supports and pipe bridges.

Ian Connelly, Crown Packaging's technical manager, had no hesitation in selecting Thorite to supply and install the equipment and said: "Thorite was one of three candidates for this project and, based on their price and professional presentation, was awarded the contract. Our dealings with them have provided a good all-round experience with no major concerns and the equipment is performing precisely as promised. Although it is still early days I am confident that the coolers will help safeguard and boost our output whilst contributing to our on-going drive for energy reduction."