Blackburn Rovers FC has enhanced its under-pitch heating system with the installation of two new Viessmann Vitocrossal 200 Type CRU commercial boilers, supplied and installed by Burnley-based Proctor Process Plant Ltd. This upgrade ensures the smooth operation of the club’s under-soil heating for the 2024/25 football season, which concluded with a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United on Saturday.
The under-soil heating system is essential in protecting grass pitches from extreme weather conditions such as snow and ice, preventing match cancellations and potential fines. Blackburn Rovers first introduced under-soil heating at their Ewood Park stadium in 1994, and with the previous boiler aging and replacement parts becoming scarce, the club sought a more reliable and energy-efficient solution.
Proctor Process Plant Ltd tendered successfully for the project, replacing the old system with two 800 kW high-efficiency Vitocrossal 200 Type CRU boilers, known for their quiet operation and superior energy efficiency (up to 98%). The Vitocrossal boilers also feature a corrosion-resistant Inox-Crossal heat exchanger made of stainless steel and a MatriX-Disk burner with a modulation range of 1:6.
The new system also includes a custom-designed flue system, high-efficiency pumps, prefabricated distribution header pipes, and advanced water treatment and thermal insulation. Located in the plant room under the Bryan Douglas Darwen End grandstand, the system delivers 70m³ per hour of warm water to the under-pitch pipes and is controlled by a bespoke plantroom control panel.
Viessmann Climate Solutions commissioned the new system in June 2024, ensuring Blackburn Rovers’ readiness for the upcoming season. Nathan Proctor, Director of Proctor Process Plant, expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the Vitocrossal boilers’ ability to meet the club’s specific needs for reliability and efficient under-soil heating.
Lynsey Talbot, Head of Operations at Blackburn Rovers, praised the quick installation and ongoing support, noting that the new system offers greater reliability for the club moving forward.
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