Case Study:
Willand Engineering was appointed to survey, design, supply, and install a stainless-steel vapour extraction system serving three operational process tanks at a live manufacturing facility.
The project required a rapid response, careful coordination, and practical engineering solutions to maintain site operations while permanent equipment was subject to extended lead times,
The client required a new vapour collection and vent system to remove low-pressure process vapour from three tanks and convey it safely to an external discharge point.
Key challenges included:
•The site remained fully operational.
•A tight delivery programme.
•A 12 week lead time on the specified permanent extraction fan.
•The need to minimise hot works and disruption within the plant.
The client required an experienced contractor who could survey quickly, design accurately, and install efficiently while managing procurement constraints.
Willand Engineering carried out a site survey and dimensional measurement on Thursday, immediately followed by system layout development and material procurement.
Our scope included:
•Full site survey, measurement, and system design.
•Procurement of all stainless steel pipework, fittings, flanges, and supports.
•Design and installation of vapour take offs from each of the three tanks.
•Installation of a common manifold arrangement for controlled vapour conveyance.
•Supply and installation of a temporary extraction fan, allowing continued safe operation while awaiting delivery of the permanent fan.
To accelerate installation and reduce on site hot works, crimped stainless steel pipework (Geberit Mapress system) was utilised where appropriate. This approach enabled:
•Faster installation.
•Reduced hot works in a live environment.
•Improved programme certainty.
•Consistent, high quality installation.
Traditional TIG welded stainless steel pipework was used where required, providing a robust and compliant hybrid solution.
Installation & Manpower
•4 engineers on site.
•Combination of TIG-welded and crimped stainless-steel pipework.
•Clearly supported, accessible, and maintainable installation.
•Pipework routed to minimise restriction and promote smooth vapour flow.
•Installation completed with consideration for inspection and future maintenance.
All works were completed in line with industry best practice and to a high standard of workmanship.
Outcome
•Vapour extraction system successfully installed and operational.
•Site operations maintained throughout the works.
•Long lead fan procurement risk mitigated with a temporary solution.
•Clean, professional installation delivered under time pressure.
•System handed over in a safe and serviceable condition.
This project demonstrates Willand Engineering’s ability to react quickly, engineer practical solutions, and deliver high-quality stainless-steel pipework systems in live operational environments.