Restoring a Historic Lancashire Boiler at Crofton Pumping Station

We were commissioned to carry out rivet replacements on the furnace-to-tubeplate attachment ring of a Lancashire boiler at Crofton Pumping Station, Wiltshire. The project involved precision restoration work to ensure the boiler maintained structural integrity and operational safety.

Our team conducted a site survey and prepared a detailed report and quotation, outlining the scope of work, methodology, and safety procedures. On the pre-arranged date, our team arrived on site and commenced the work with the removal of approximately 30 condemned rivets using oxy-propane cutting torches.

Once removed, the rivet holes were power-reamed to 13/16”, ensuring each hole was true and perfectly prepared to receive ¾” replacement rivets.

The process then continued as follows:

1. Mobile furnace preparation: The rivets were heated to the correct forging temperature to ensure proper installation.
2. Riveting: Our skilled team used pneumatic riveting hammers to install each new rivet securely.
3. Caulking: Rivet heads and plate seams were caulked to provide a leak-tight seal and restore the boiler’s integrity.
4. Hydraulic testing: A final hydraulic test was carried out to verify the strength and safety of the repaired assembly, meeting all technical and client requirements.

The boiler’s furnace-to-tubeplate attachment was fully restored, ensuring structural integrity, operational safety, and compliance with testing standards. The project demonstrated our expertise in historic boiler restoration and precision rivet replacement.