Esholt WWTW Cake Silo Emergency Dig-Out

Method of Works

Emergency Overnight Mobilisation

Lowloader with specialist grab and tractor trailers mobilised on Friday night for an early-start Saturday morning response.

Grab Cake Extraction

Specialist grab used to extract cake from within the tight HGV tipping access through to the top of the silo, loading directly into tractor trailers.

Cake Haulage to Conditioning Pad

Loaded trailers transported cake to the conditioning pad at the far end of the site for disposal and treatment.

Specialist Grab for Deep Clearance

Specialist grab attachment used to clear cake from between silo strengthening supports and within the bottom divided screw shaft chambers.

Recycler Jet Wash & Clean Down

Recycler unit deployed to jet and dilute remaining cake, washing down and around all screw shafts to prepare silos for repair works.

Key Challenges & Highlights

Rapid Emergency Response

Works were instructed on a Friday and required overnight mobilisation of a full equipment train – specialist grab, tractor trailers and recycler – to be set up and operational by Saturday morning.

Extremely Confined Working Conditions

The tight HGV tipping access above the silo and the narrow internal chambers severely restricted plant manoeuvring. The specialist grab was essential to reach material within the strengthening supports and screw shaft divisions.

Confined Space Excavation

Working deep within the cake silos required the specialist grab to clear blocked material without damaging the silo structure or screw shaft mechanisms.