Heat recovery for leading British food producer

In a progressive move to improve production efficiency and reduce environmental impact, a leading British food producer has collaborated with Turnbull & Scott to integrate innovative heat recovery technology within its new industrial ovens. This investment not only promises to increase output capacity but also demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable practices. Through this strategic partnership, the food producer aims to leverage heat recovery to minimize energy consumption and carbon emissions, setting a benchmark in sustainable food production.

By Sam Rippin, Turnbull & Scott

Optimizing production

The client, a reputable British food producer, planned an expansion of its production capabilities with the acquisition of three industrial ovens from a UK manufacturer specializing in bakery equipment. As part of a larger initiative to enhance operational efficiency, the company also sought to mitigate its environmental footprint by implementing heat recovery technology to repurpose exhaust gas heat for other uses, such as providing hot water for cleaning.
The oven manufacturer, already familiar with Turnbull & Scott’s expertise in heat recovery solutions, recommended them for this project. Turnbull & Scott proposed the Exodraft Safe Plate range, a well-regarded choice for heat recovery in high-heat applications. The collaboration underscored the existing trust and synergy between the companies, combining their strengths to create a solution that meets both operational and environmental objectives.

Designing a custom heat recovery solution

To ensure maximum effectiveness, Turnbull & Scott’s design team undertook a detailed assessment of the customer’s operating data. Using proprietary in-house software, they analysed the exhaust gases’ heat recovery potential and modelled a system tailored to optimize efficiency. Based on the analysis, three Exodraft Safe Plate units were selected for their reliability and performance in capturing and repurposing heat. These units are projected to produce over 15 million litres of hot water annually, leading to significant energy savings. Additionally, the system is expected to save approximately 133,629kW of gas per year, which aligns with the food producer’s goals of enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. Importantly, the project is anticipated to cut the company’s carbon emissions by 25 tonnes of CO2 annually, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Seamless delivery and installation

Following the design phase, the Safe Plates, along with supplementary chimney fans, monitoring devices, and a control panel, were delivered to the customer. The installation phase saw Turnbull & Scott’s engineers work in close coordination with the food producer, the oven manufacturer, and various contractors. This integrated approach allowed for a swift installation and commissioning process, ensuring the heat recovery system was fully operational within two months. The successful implementation of the heat recovery system impressed the customer, inspiring interest in future installations. Pleased with the system’s efficiency, the customer is now exploring the potential of retrofitting existing ovens with the same heat recovery technology. This case exemplifies how strategic partnerships and innovative solutions can drive both operational success and environmental stewardship in the food production industry.

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