ICI Oil Works, Billingham - hydrogen compressor

Image: © Chris Allen Taken: 13 Oct 1990

ICI built a coal to petrol plant at Billingham (known as the Oil Works) in 1935 and this was of great use during WWII. In the post war era it was adapted to produce more mundane chemicals such as detergents and plasticisers. It was decommissioned in the early 1990s and demolished. This shows the hydrogen compressor. Nearest the camera is an Ashworth and Parker inverted vertical compound (enclosed) steam engine that was direct coupled to a multiple cylinder compressor beyond its flywheel. As seen here the engine was receiving some maintenance and the governor case was open and the cylinders off. The white horizontal cylinder in the foreground is the oil cooler. The red linkage was the emergency stop. The engine was built in 1955 as No. 2110 with cylinders 15" & 24" x 10". It was rated at 525 bhp maximum with a speed range of 80-340 revolutions per minute. It was later removed to Markham Grange steam Museum for possible preservation but was ultimately scrapped.

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