Waste Not, Want Not: How ERIKS became a critical partner in turning waste into power

Behind this operation is a tightly coordinated team responsible for keeping systems running safely, efficiently, and continuously. With only two planned shutdowns each year, every minute of downtime counts.

Once waste begins to arrive, the process cannot be stopped – the plant must continue to operate without interruption. When key equipment begins to show signs of strain, the impact can be felt across the entire site.

Early warning signs

Last year, small but significant changes began to emerge in the plant’s performance data. Rising vibration levels on a critical Induced Draft (ID) fan, drops in efficiency across the Under Fire Air (UFA) system, and a growing maintenance backlog started to raise concern.

Adding to the challenge, some of the affected components had long overseas lead times, while others required bespoke engineering solutions. If any of these systems failed, the consequences would be immediate and severe – risking process disruption and costly downtime.

The site needed a partner who could move quickly, identify root causes, and deliver sustainable solutions that would restore performance while protecting ongoing operations.

Rapid response and results

ERIKS was called in to assess the situation and immediately began a programme of investigation and repair. Through onsite diagnostics, the root cause of the ID fan vibration issue was identified, and emergency repairs were coordinated with support from the ERIKS workshop network.

A critical bearing block replacement was completed within hours, and the fan was returned to full operation before the weekend – avoiding costly delays and ensuring the plant remained on schedule.

This initial response set the tone for what would become a much broader collaboration. 

From urgent repair to long-term reliability

The results were immediate. Reliability improved, unplanned downtime was avoided, and a strong foundation for trust was established. Having entered the site as a new supplier, ERIKS quickly demonstrated both responsiveness and technical depth.

Beyond emergency support, ERIKS delivered detailed reports and recommendations designed to strengthen the site’s preventative maintenance regime. Insights into lubrication practices, alignment accuracy, and condition monitoring helped the customer adopt a more predictive, data-driven approach to asset management.

That successful engagement laid the groundwork for an ongoing relationship. When the next shutdown arrived, ERIKS was again called upon to provide deeper diagnostics and more complex refurbishments, applying lessons learned from the first phase to improve efficiency and reliability further. Planning is already underway for future outages – with ERIKS now firmly integrated into the maintenance and reliability strategy.

Rapid response, and expert support

What began as an urgent repair has developed into a strategic partnership. Through rapid response times, expert engineering support, and collaborative planning, ERIKS has become an integral part of the site’s ongoing performance strategy.

The partnership continues to evolve, with both teams focused on optimising uptime, reducing maintenance risk, and improving overall system resilience. By combining onsite expertise with the technical capabilities of ERIKS’ nationwide workshop network, the facility can maintain the high level of reliability demanded by a 24/7 operation.
 

Powering progress

In just a few months, ERIKS has transitioned from a new supplier to a trusted reliability partner, helping this major waste-to-energy facility remain efficient, compliant, and ready to meet the demands of the communities it serves.

Through collaboration, technical excellence, and a shared commitment to sustainable progress, ERIKS continues to support one of the region’s most important energy recovery sites – transforming waste into opportunity and keeping the lights on for thousands of homes every day.

For more information on Renewables, or get in touch with your local ERIKS Service Centre who will be happy to discuss your options.

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