Achieving an efficient outage for your ERF with our precise industrial cleaning services.
Minimal downtime. Minimal operational interruption.
Our ERF shutdown services
At Veolia, we offer four main Energy Recovery Facilities shutdown services, designed to maintain the reliability, efficiency and most importantly, the safety of facilities that are converting waste into energy.
Banish blockages and breathe new life into your pipework with our specialist high pressure water jetting services. From stubborn drain and pipeline clearances to delicate descaling of boiler tubes and condenser cleaning, we offer a range of solutions.
Our techniques tackle even the toughest build-up in tanks and vessels, utilising both internal and remote access rigs, including innovative 3D Aqua mat cleaning technology.

High airflow solutions streamline the shutdown process, reducing staff movements and efficiently removing substances. Our tankering services further alleviate post-shutdown burdens, transferring waste to Veolia's treatment and recycling facilities, maximising resource efficiency and minimising your ERF's carbon footprint.
⬩ High flow vacuum cleaning with DISAB systems
⬩ Transport and cleaning of primary or secondary tanks (sludge, grit, sand, rags and plastic contamination)
⬩ ADR and non-ADR tankers for safe transportation

Our general cleaning services are designed to ensure all operational equipment and tools such as baghouses, incinerators, and conveyor belts within an ERF are thoroughly cleaned and maintained.
⬩ Process plant cleandowns and maintenance
⬩ Baghouse filter maintenance and changeouts
⬩ Incinerator bottom ash removal and disposal
⬩ Air preheater cleaning and servicing
⬩ Chute cleaning
⬩ Conveyor belt cleaning
⬩ Plant deep cleans

We offer chemical cleaning for closed-loop systems, including pipework and tanks, specifically designed to tackle limescale build-up. This process involves adding and circulating specialised cleaning chemicals throughout the system using dedicated pumps.
By removing scale and restrictions, we restore optimal flow rates and reduce differential pressure, leading to savings on pump output, running speed, and overall energy consumption.

What are ERF Shutdown Services?
ERF shutdown services are cleaning and maintenance services designed to guarantee optimal efficiency, compliance with stringent standards, and minimal environmental impact during an Energy Recovery Facility (ERF)'s planned outage or shutdown. These services typically include:
⬩ Boiler, hopper, and conveyor belt cleaning and maintenance
⬩ Confined space entry and inspection
⬩ Baghouse filter changeouts and debris removal and more.
By prioritising ERF shutdown services, operators can ensure their facilities run smoothly, efficiently, and safely, while minimising the risk of costly downtime and environmental damage.

Our precise shutdown services ERF testimonials
Our industrial services team delivered a precision shutdown at SELCHP's energy recovery facility. With efficiency boosted, downtime reduced, and compliance ensured, we're proud of the impact we made. Discover how our ERF outage expertise helped keep SELCHP ERF running like clockwork.
Thomas Folliard, General Manager at SELCHP, said:
“Veolia Industrial (site) Services are a key partner for us, ensuring we hit the correct efficiency and maintenance levels of the facility during our annual shutdowns. They work to the correct industry standards and the experience they gain from supporting other ERFs and similar industries, they bring that experience to us and we get that reassurance that they will hit the standards we require at SELCHP and give us the confidence that we will return to service on time and to budget.”
Garry Dow R&A Manager Treatment at Portsmouth said: "I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your team's hard work and dedication during the recent outage at Portsmouth ERF. Your team's professionalism and efficiency were instrumental in ensuring a safe and successful outage. Thank you for your and your team’s commitment to ensuring minimal disruption. We appreciate your partnership."
Steven Hodgson - Operations and Maintenance Manager at Chilton Power Station:
“I wanted to acknowledge the exceptional performance of your team at Chilton over the past two days. From the initial call, through the excellent organisation and execution of the work, your team's efforts were impressive. I appreciate your commitment to maintaining team consistency, as it clearly contributes to the team's familiarity and effectiveness on the job. Please extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to every member of the team."

tonnes of boiler ash removed per shutdown
ERF plant utilisation rates
successful outages in the last 5 years
litres of scrubber tower residue removed
Why choose Veolia?
When the clock is ticking on your ERF shutdown, every minute counts. That's why Veolia's dedicated team has spent over 35 years honing our shutdown services to get you back online quickly, safely, and efficiently.
Our commitment to innovation and extensive experience in ERF shutdown management make us the go-to partner for:
- Waste stream disposal
- Dedicated supervision
- Project management for outages
- Post-outage reports to provide:
- Valuable insights
- Recommendations for future improvements
Our dedicated team will work closely with you to ensure a smooth shutdown and swift return to full operation, allowing you to focus on what matters most - turning waste into energy for a sustainable future.
Is our precise shutdown service what you are looking for your ERF?
Q1. Do you provide shutdown assistance for specific areas or do you only provide services for the whole shutdown?
We provide shutdown assistance through discrete or packaged solutions from our set of over 50 services, from in-house support, air-pollution control logistics, to post-shutdown services. Check out of ERF capability profile to discover our suite of services.
Q2. Do you provide rope access services?
While rope access might not be part of our toolkit, our innovative approach to industrial cleaning ensures a safer, more efficient, and spotless result. By leveraging cutting-edge plant and technologies, we can deliver high pressure water jetting services, including 3D remote cleaning for the internals of tanks, towers, hoppers, and ducting. This approach not only saves time but also maintains our high standards of customer satisfaction, which is at the heart of everything we do. Get in touch with our expert ERF team.
Q3. What are the essential steps ERF operators can take to prepare for the Veolia Industrial Services team to ensure a smooth and efficient shutdown?, and what are the most common mistakes to avoid?
A smooth and efficient shutdown for your ERF relies on good planning and preparation. To make sure things go smoothly and avoid delays, the Veolia Industrial Services team needs time on-site at your facility beforehand. This lets us get to know your plant and complete all the necessary checks and paperwork before the shutdown begins.
Proactive completion of the following tasks will further contribute to a successful shutdown:
• Site Visits and Permits: Arrange for the Veolia supervisors to visit the site and get any necessary permits to work before the shutdown starts.
• Training Records: Please provide copies of everyone's training certificates in advance.
• Access Platforms: Install any required pre-outage scaffolding for access.
• Shutdown Team and Contractor Meeting: Before the shutdown, it's helpful to have a meeting with everyone involved (including other contractors) to coordinate activities and mitigate any potential conflicts of work, such as keeping the grates clean during dismantling.
• Shutdown Workflow Determination: Defining the procedures for a controlled plant shutdown, encompassing cooling, opening boilers, tanks, and vessels, deslagging, grate cleaning, and preparing for maintenance.
• Special Equipment: Install any specialist fittings required for tanks, hoppers, or other similar equipment beforehand.
Contact us to find out more.
Q4. What additional services can you provide to support the efficiency and productivity of an ERF, outside of shutdown maintenance?
We can provide a wide range of services to meet your needs. Four popular services that we provide ERFs like yours are:
⬩ Emergency Response: Proactive preparation is key to minimising risk and ensuring continuity. Don't wait until it's too late - take control of your business's resilience today.
⬩ CCTV Inspection: Our CCTV monitoring system inspects sub-surface infrastructure in real-time, detects potential leaks/ damage, and helps prevent costly cleanups.
⬩ Tank Cleaning: Our specialised services ensure a thorough clean with zero downtime, allowing your operations to run smoothly and uninterrupted.
⬩ Water Optimisation: Boost your cooling system performance with our expert water management and treatment solutions. Cut costs, and extend equipment life.
Find the ERF service for your business by contacting us.
Q5. What is the recommended lead time for booking ERF shutdown services with your team, and are there any specific scheduling requirements we should be aware of to ensure a smooth and efficient shutdown process?
While advance preparation is always beneficial, we understand that unexpected situations can arise. Our team is equipped to respond to urgent needs and provide flexible solutions to support your ERF shutdown requirements. We recommend providing as much notice as possible to ensure a seamless shutdown process, but we can adapt to changing circumstances and prioritise urgent requests as needed. Talk to our specialist ERF team.
Want to know more about our ERF shutdown services?