At the Chemelot site in Geleen we removed two O2 degassers. Safety and the care of the adjacent live tanks and pipelines were the challenges in this project. Otherwise, the entire site could cease production.

Through good work preparation and excellent consultation with the client, we arrived at a working method that was workable for all parties. The work area was restricted, which is why we took extra measures so that the project could be carried out safely. All this was planned in detail in the project plan with a complete risk inventory and evaluation.

We started with the removal of the stair tower and the platforms, which we removed from an aerial platform and subsequently lifting down to ground level. We then cut the degassers, lifted them in large sections and placed them directly on to transport. The pieces were transported to our scrapyard on the Chemelot site, where they were further reduced in size using excavators fitted with hydraulic shears before being transported to an authorized scrap processor.

We then removed all the pumps and remaining piping in the hall using the overhead crane. Structural work was also carried out, the pump foundations were finished and the outer wall was repaired with new cladding.