Kremsmüller is building the core component of the steam-water cycle

At its site in St. Johann in Tirol, the internationally active wood-based materials manufacturer Egger is constructing a new boiler plant to generate renewable energy from biogenic fuels. Kremsmüller has been commissioned to handle the piping work for the balance-of-plant (BoP) system in this power plant project—thereby playing a central role in the interplay between energy generation, distribution, and consumption.

The goal of the project is to further strengthen the site’s self-sufficiency in energy and to provide additional process heat and district heating. To this end, Kremsmüller is designing, supplying, and installing the entire steam-water circuit with district heating extraction, as well as the necessary cooling circuits.

Distributing energy efficiently – not just generating it

While the boiler generates the energy, the BoP system ensures that steam and heat are delivered to the respective consumers in a safe and low-loss manner, tailored to their specific needs. The piping systems installed by Kremsmüller connect the boiler house to the steam turbine, other consumers, and the district heating network—precisely tailored to the requirements of plant operation.

Close collaboration with Egger’s planning and project department is a key factor in ensuring the plant’s functionality, operational safety, and long-term availability.

The Highest Standards of Care in Prefabrication

The majority of the piping is manufactured at the Kremsmüller prefabrication facility in the Linz Chemical Park. This facility exemplifies our high standards for quality, documentation, and traceability: piping is precisely assembled, welded, and inspected—including non-destructive testing and comprehensive material documentation.

Heat-resistant materials, as are standard in power plant construction, are used. These materials require a precisely coordinated sequence of preheating, welding, and heat treatment. The piping, some of which has very thick walls, is heat-treated locally and inductively using heating mats at around 600°C. This reduces stresses in the material and ensures the required mechanical properties.

This approach requires not only technical expertise but also disciplined work according to clearly defined procedures—a crucial factor in ensuring a durable and reliable plant.

Installation Under Demanding Conditions

In St. Johann, the Kremsmüller team is installing the prefabricated piping as the central connection system between the boiler, steam turbine, and consumers. At peak times, around 30 installers are working on-site—coordinated, safety-conscious, and mindful of the complex interfaces within the power plant environment.

The installation of the live steam line is particularly sensitive. The connection to the steam turbine must be made completely stress-free, as even the slightest tension could impair the high-speed machine. To ensure this, after the pressure test, the future insulation weights are simulated and verified together with the turbine manufacturer. The final connection is made only after approval.

This approach demonstrates how important precise planning, clean execution, and collaborative coordination among all parties involved are.

Exhaust steam pipe: A special component with a major impact

A key component of the plant is the so-called exhaust steam pipe. It captures the residual energy at the outlet of the steam turbine and discharges it in a controlled manner via emergency coolers or the cooling tower. With nominal diameters of DN 1600 and DN 1200, it is one of the largest components in the system.

This special component was manufactured at the Kremsmüller workshop in Steinhaus, then transported to Tyrol, assembled on site, and installed prior to turbine assembly. Here, too, precise preparation, forward-thinking logistics, and well-coordinated processes were crucial.

Complex Interfaces, Collaborative Solutions

One of the biggest challenges in the project lies at the interface between detailed piping design and support fabrication. The goal is to find solutions that are both technically sound and efficient to install—within a tight timeframe and through ongoing coordination with the client.

Constructive collaboration on an equal footing makes it possible to identify challenges early on and solve them together—a key factor in the project’s success.

Contributing to a Sustainable Industry

The new boiler plant in St. Johann demonstrates how industrial energy supply and sustainability can be effectively combined. By using biogenic fuels, fossil fuel CO₂ emissions are reduced, while on-site power generation, process heat, and district heating output increase.

By implementing the balance-of-plant portion of the project, Kremsmüller is making a decisive contribution to this effort—with technical expertise, a sense of responsibility, and a clear commitment to delivering reliable solutions for a sustainable industry.

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