ESR Technology have provided forensic engineering support to GrowHow UK Ltd on a recent plant shutdown

​ESR Technology have provided forensic engineering support to GrowHow UK Ltd on a recent plant shutdown. This has helped inform their decision making on future maintenance. 

GrowHow are the UK's leading supplier of nitrogen based chemicals, ammonium nitrate and compound fertilisers. On-site metallurgical replication was performed on both pipe work and vessels to identify possible features such as creep assessment, thermal degradation and possible cracking. 

Portable hardness testing was used to obtain further material information. Mechanical testing was carried out in some cases to aid material identification and aid welding procedures on vessel additions. Some of the materials used in such plants include basic carbon steels, high temperature stainless steels and nickel alloys.

Mike Sadler-Johns, a GrowHow Engineer commented: “ESR has provided a very professional service during our site shutdown. The results obtained from the metallographic and inspection work are excellent and contribute significantly to our decision making and to future inspections plans for our equipment”.

If you require any on-site metallurgical replication, or are interested in learning more about this technique feel free to contact Steve Gill on 01925 843 428 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..