Scope of Works

Specialist Welding & Fabrication  in Confined Space.

This job involved the repair of an auger screw system at Harewood House, used to transport wood chip fuel into a biomass boiler.

The auger had originally been poorly installed and welded, and after only a few years, the substandard welds failed, causing the auger shaft to shear.

Our team was brought in to carry out on-site repairs. The auger could not be removed due to its fixed position within the feed system, which made access and working space extremely limited, likely the same reason the original welds were so poor.

Once the welding was complete, the repaired section was ground and blended to create a smooth, continuous finish. This not only restored the auger’s structural integrity but also ensured that no rough weld areas would catch or trap wood chip, preventing potential blockages in the system.

Summary of Works

Challenges & Solutions

• Poor original welds caused structural failure:
  Our team removed all faulty welds and carried out a full in-situ realignment and re-weld using high-integrity techniques.
• Confined working conditions:
  With the auger fixed in place, welding had to be performed in extremely tight and awkward spaces. Our team used specialised tools and methods to work safely and effectively in these conditions.
• Strength and reliability critical to operation:
  We used low-hydrogen welding rods to produce strong, clean welds free of contaminants — reducing the risk of future fatigue or failure.
• Risk of blockage from poor finish:
  After welding, the repair was ground and dressed to a smooth finish, ensuring that the auger would operate without snagging or disrupting the wood chip feed.

Project Results

Highlights…