National Trust heats up with CFB Boilers 07 November 2011

Thanks to the installation of a new boiler, the Levant Mine beam engine – the only one of its kind still working in its original location – is running again, and providing visitors to the National Trust site with an authentic flavour of Cornwall's mining history.

Dating back to 1840, the winding 'whim' engine was built by Harvey & Co of Hayle to power the mine's 530m-deep skip shaft – where two rectangular metal boxes carried copper and tin ores to the surface.

Having been a key attraction at the site since its restoration in 1992, the engine fell silent earlier this summer, when the 20-year-old steam boiler broke down.

"No matter how impressive it is as a static exhibit, nothing can replace the sight, sound and smell of the engine working on live steam," comments Anthony Power, custodian of Levant Mine – and hence the new 4VT Series boiler, from CFB Boilers.

Power says CFB resounded quickly, installing and commissioning a new energy-efficient steam boiler in just four weeks, in time for the Bank Holiday weekend.

"We knew that the client needed the boiler to be installed and commissioned as quickly as possible, so we pulled out all the stops," states Malcolm Henty, South West sales executive at CFB Boilers.

As a postscript, the National Trust is also now saving money on its oil bill, thanks to a 30% larger steam cavity, and four-pass technology, as opposed to the earlier two-pass design – saving 20% compared to the fuel consumption of the previous model.

Brian Tinham

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.