Transformer barrier reinforces National Grid infrastructure

National Grid plc is a major electricity and gas utility company, with operations in both the UK and the United States. The company’s subsidiaries own and operate the high voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales, operate the network in Scotland, and provide power to New York City.

National Grid approached us to install a 90m² transformer barrier at their Beddington substation, as part of a suite of regional improvements outlined by UKPN in 2014. This would provide protection to adjacent switchgear and associated plant from any heat generated by the transformers.

The barrier would have to be insulated to protect the nearby equipment from heat transferred from the transformers. In addition, parts of the substation would remain live during the work, requiring that a National Grid approved standby man was on hand to oversee the work.

To accommodate for the unique insulation, wind load and corrosive environment requirements, Invicta coordinated a bespoke design report from an independent structural engineer.

Following client approval, we then engaged a structural steel specialist to manufacture the required support steelwork, as designed by the client’s independent structural engineer.

The final construction consisted of a 90m² 8.7m long x 8m high transformer barrier, with a fire rating of EI240. The barrier was supplied and installed as a stainless-steel finish, as per the client’s requirements.

The project was successfully completed in three weeks by three Invicta Durasteel engineers, allowing the substation to quickly return to normal capacity.

The works were successfully installed, signed off and certificated to the highest possible standards, as per the design report and the client’s specifications.