News
When Mandate Systems embarked on a partnership with Howarths, the HR, Legal and HR Growth specialists in Cleckheaton, they got much more than compliance services!
At the time our working relationship started, Howarths Foundation had just launched. Its focus was on supporting the homeless and the hidden homeless into housing and employment.
It was not just the worthy cause that attracted the attention of our CEO Amy Kent.
As a client, over several years, Amy saw the invaluable support offered to those deeply in need, she witnessed the genuine passion that the founder Andy Howarth had for the charity and the dedication of the wider team, some of which have first-hand experience of what it is like to be homeless and struggling with addiction.
Amy comments: “Charity is important to Mandate Systems, we help where we can, when we can and support a range of organisations – from nationally recognised brands and smaller, community-led groups.
“Howarths Foundation was a little different! We saw how the charity started and grew and how they achieved such positive outcomes – much like Howarths, it was the people.
“During a Howarths’ event, I heard Carl’s personal journey. Part of the Howarths Foundation team, Carl once experienced the challenges that so many of their service users have experienced; it was inspiring and led me to follow his journey more closely.
“As a business, we then took the decision to regularly contribute to the cause, which we still do today.”
Fast forward several years and a vacancy arose for a Trustee and Amy was asked to consider the opportunity.
Amy explains: “For me a Trustee role was very much outside of my comfort zone. Rather than seeing this as a challenge I recognised an opportunity to learn while helping a charity.”
As a Trustee Amy attends regular meetings, usually every six weeks. As part of this, the operational side of the charity is discussed. As a team, they also look at ways to generate revenue or connections to gain partners to offer clients employment.
Amy adds: “It is great to donate money to a charity, but being able to offer my time is priceless. I see first-hand the struggles that all charities face and I feel privileged to be able to be a part of something that is changing people’s lives.
“I continue to be inspired by the team at Howarths Foundation, they are passionate, supportive, and always go above and beyond. They are determined never to give up. No matter how hard it gets everyone is aligned that if we can help that one person, it is all worth it.”
For Mandate Systems, this relationship demonstrates that supporting the communities around us can take many forms, from financial contributions to sharing time, skills, expertise and where appropriate employment opportunities.
For anyone looking to find out more about Howarths Foundation, please visit: https://howarthfoundation.org.uk/.
REGULATION 10 ON A BIO-METHANE SITE
Aug 26
Background
Our Operations Manager from Mandate Systems attended a bio-methane site to undertake the WSE and examinations.
Conducted within the appropriate timescale, the examination identified an accumulation of media as well as serious deterioration to the wall thickness of the vessel.
Understanding the Biogas Site Operations
The Biogas site operates an anaerobic digestion plant producing biomethane gas. Gas generated from the digesters undergoes hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) reduction through controlled oxygen (O₂) dosing within the digester, facilitating biological desulphurisation.
Following treatment, the gas (at approximately 100% relative humidity) is routed through a booster compressor system and passed through carbon filtration in two stages. The gas is then received into a low-pressure receiver vessel operating at approximately four bar, before being further compressed to 12.0 bar downstream of the filtration process.
Biogas Implications on the Written Scheme of Examinations (WSE)
Due to the nature of the mixed gas and operating conditions, the receiver vessels are subject to periodic internal examinations in accordance with the Written Scheme of Examination (WSE), typically on a two to four yearly interval. The vessels are internally lined to provide corrosion protection against the wet gas environment.
WSE Identifying a Problem
Approximately one year following an internal examination, accumulation of media was identified in the base of a receiver vessel by Mandate Systems. Subsequent inspection determined that carbon filter media had migrated downstream and caused mechanical damage to the internal protective lining. This exposed the underlying mild steel substrate.
Given the combination of damaged lining and saturated gas conditions, accelerated corrosion occurred. Over a period of approximately two years, the vessel wall thickness reduced from 8.5 mm to 4.5 mm due to severe oxidation.
Regulation 10 PSSR
The defect was reported in accordance with Regulation 10 of the PSSR, and the affected vessel was removed from service.
A Regulation 10 is the identification of imminent danger. Here the competent person conducting the examination must report it immediately to the user or owner. In addition, within 14 days, it must also be reported to the enforcing authority.
Remedial Action Regulation 1o PSSR
As part of remedial actions, the client elected to upgrade the system by installing a receiver vessel constructed from 316L stainless steel, offering improved corrosion resistance under high humidity and contaminated gas conditions.
The site is further equipped with both fixed and portable gas monitoring systems, including personal gas detectors with man-down (immobility) alarm functionality.
Subsequent WSE
The Written Scheme of Examination was subsequently revised to require 12-monthly internal examinations, reflecting the increased risk associated with the relevant fluid and potential consequences of system failure.
All receiver vessels are installed externally and are therefore exposed to prevailing weather conditions, which may contribute to environmental degradation factors. Which again reinforced the need for the 12-monthly examination.