BAM tests first Flue Gas Recovery unit in UK

Rental company Supply UK has supplied the first biomass-powered heating unit from Flue Gas Recovery Sweden in the UK market to contractor BAM Construction.

Flue Gas Recovery Sweden’s technology is said to reduce energy use by up to 20% and carbon emissions up to 88% on heating and drying applications at a typical construction site.

In addition, the manufacturer claimed the new technology could provide a return on investment of around two years.

BAM Construction is testing the technology at its head office, with the units then set to be tried out on site. Mark Talbot, BAM Construction central energy manager, has been appointed project manager for the implementation of the new technology.

The first unit delivered was capable of producing close to 260 kW using a 200 kW biomass boiler. Flue Gas Recovery Sweden said the efficiency was 115% – calculated as power output divided by all energy fed into the system in the form of biomass and electricity.

It said the FGR heating system worked by recovering and using most of the energy that would otherwise be lost in heat through the flue gas. While doing this, it said the unit could also generate hot tap and or radiator water and could also be used effectively for cooling or drying purposes.

“The waste is only a very small portion of ash and condensate the form of water,” Flue Gas Recovery Sweden said.

“The construction industry unwittingly wastes a lot of energy or in some cases refrains from using the latest technology. This low temperature method of drying can reduce the energy use with up to 45% compared to direct fired systems,” the manufacturer added.

Traditional boilers and burners use fossil fuels including heating oil or diesel, liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas. The new FGR system uses low-carbon biomass wood pellets for energy in combination with energy efficient components and heat recycling technology.

Flue Gas Recovery Sweden said its FGR unit could also be used to cool areas, but could not work as a sole source of cooling for medium to large sites. Nevertheless, the technology can be used year-round for either heating or cooling, according to the company.

The manufacturer also said the number of pellet refills needed was considerably lower compared to an oil-based system, while the FGR control system could also be reached through the internet and even controlled by a smart phone for simplified maintenance.

Richard Coffee, CEO of Supply UK, said, “This is the latest addition to our range of products that are in the forefront and will dramatically contribute to our society by reducing energy use and carbon footprint – very important for coming generations.”