The modernization of the Sète Waste-to-Energy Plant (WtE) presents several significant technical challenges:
Increased Treatment Capacity: The WtE plant will increase its capacity from 40,000 tons to 55,000 tons per year, requiring substantial adaptation of the facilities.
Installation of a New Furnace: A 76-ton furnace with patented 100% French technology has been installed. This furnace must adapt to the nature of the waste to optimize energy and thermal recovery.
Implementation of a New Boiler: The new boiler must produce superheated steam at 60 bars and 380°C, which is more qualitative for electricity production and better suited for steam supply.
Improved Emission Treatment: The system must meet strict thresholds related to the best available techniques, necessitating significant modernization of the treatment processes.
Energy Production: The WtE plant must be capable of generating 15,700 MWh/year of electricity and 23,000 MWh/year of steam, requiring efficient production and distribution systems.
Urban Environment Integration: The project must consider its location in an urban area, with specific constraints related to visual impact and nuisances.
Maintaining Operations During Construction: The modernization must ensure the continuity of waste treatment and energy supply, significantly complicating the project.
AX System’s Contribution
In this ambitious project, AX System played a crucial role by providing a semi-automatic AX Cleaner. This innovative solution is designed to efficiently clean the fins of the air-cooled condensers (ACC), ensuring optimal performance and extended equipment lifespan. The AX Cleaner’s semi-automatic version offers a perfect balance between automation and manual control, providing operational flexibility and reducing maintenance costs.
Partnership with SPG Dry Cooling
The ACC for the Sète WtE plant was supplied by SPG Dry Cooling, a renowned provider of air-cooled condensers. Their expertise in designing and manufacturing high-performance ACCs complemented AX System’s cleaning solutions, ensuring that the WtE plant operates at peak efficiency.
Benefits of the AX Cleaner
- Cleaning Efficiency: The semi-automatic AX Cleaner is designed to effectively clean the fins of heat exchangers, ensuring optimal performance and extended equipment lifespan.
- Partial Automation: This version offers a perfect balance between automation and manual control, providing operational flexibility and reducing maintenance costs.
- Durability and Reliability: Made with high-quality materials, the semi-automatic AX Cleaner is designed to withstand the most demanding industrial environments.
Conclusion
The modernization of the Sète Waste-to-Energy Plant, in collaboration with AX System and SPG Dry Cooling, demonstrates a commitment to providing innovative and sustainable solutions. By optimizing energy performance and reducing CO2 emissions, this project contributes to a more sustainable future.
