Brighton 'B' Power Station - Page 2

 

 

CIVIL WORKS

The strata of the site consist of gravel and sand and a lignite formation known locally as "Stromboli" which was found generally on the site at about 35 to 50 ft. below the surface level; beneath this is a load-bearing layer of clay and chalk.

The basement floor was supported on groups of reinforced concrete piles which went down to varying depths of 35 to 50 ft. each designed to carry loads of 60 to 70 tons. Difficulties were encountered in penetrating the "Stromboli" owing to its resilience during pile-driving; in one instance 10,000 blows using a 2.5 to 3 ton ram were required to penetrate this stratum. About 6,000 piles were driven for the complete building.

About l5 million bricks were used in the complete structure. The silver grey and bronze facing bricks were obtained from the High Broom Brick and Tile Company of Tunbridge Wells. They were specially selected by the architect to blend with the natural tones of the surrounding beach.

The Turbine Room, including loading bays, is 850 ft. long, 60 ft. wide and 81 ft. 6 in. high.

The Boiler House, including workshops, is 900 ft. long, 100 ft. wide and 1 15 ft, high.

The Chimneys are 350 ft. high with an inside diameter of 32 ft. at base and 24 ft. at the top.

The Cable Tunnel under Shoreham Harbour is 90 ft. below ground and the internal diameter is 10 ft.

 

Each turbine consisted of a high-pressure, intermediate and low-pressure cylinder in which the steam expands, driving a bladed rotor.

 

SHOREHAM HARBOUR

At the project stage of "B" Station it was clear that the existing Harbour would not be able to cope with the traffic that would be needed to carry the 850,000 tons of coal per annum required for both "A" and "B" Stations. At first it was considered that the Harbour should be improved to accommodate vessels up to 2,650 tons but after further consideration it was decided to amend the plans to admit vessels up to 4,500 tons.

 

All generators were operated from a control room where instruments indicate station output and local grid conditions. Agreement was reached with the Harbour Trustees and the work of enlarging and improving the Harbour was authorised by the Shoreham Harbour Act 1949. This work, carried out by Sir Wm. Halcrow and Partners on behalf of the Central Electricity Authority, was begun on 1st January 1954 and completed in 1957.

 

The ability of Shoreham to accept larger vessels has led to its rapid development as a general cargo port in later years.

 

P.F.Mills. Spare Grinding balls in the foreground

 

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