These pressurized gas spheres were part of the refinery’s former LPG and process gas storage facilities.Due to the structural design, material thicknesses, and work at height, the project required a controlled dismantling methodology.
Technical Scope – Gas Spheres
The five gas spheres had the following specifications:
Equipment Deployed
The dismantling of the gas spheres was carried out using a controlled oxy-fuel cutting method in combination with mechanical material processing.
Access to the elevated sections was achieved using MEWPs, allowing certified cutters to safely segment the spherical shells. The spherical shells were systematically reduced to container-sized sections by oxy-fuel cutting to optimize transport and further processing.
Material processing and separation were performed using an excavator equipped with a sorting grab. The cutting sequence was carefully planned to ensure structural stability during the phased dismantling process. Given the substantial wall thicknesses (up to 46 mm), the work required precise control of the cutting process.
Safety and Control
Special attention was given to:
The Quality and Health, Safety and the Environment policy is an ongoing process. That is why DDM is continuously working on improving all these areas to keep improving safety levels.
DDM was rewarded with a World Demolition Award in the Civils category.
Removing 5 arch bridges over the Amsterdam Rhine Canal was an intensive job. The schedule was tight and the expectations of all employees were high. But with a joint effort and incredible passion, DDM has successfully removed and recycled the 5 bridges within schedule.
Every year DDM holds a number of safety days to boost safety awareness.
Last year's objectives are evaluated and new objectives are determined. All managers and all operational employees discuss safety, policy and vision together. In addition to all regular training courses, DDM offers workshops and training to all employees during these days to take the qualities of the professionals to an even higher level. Together with all DDM employees, we are working on an increasingly higher safety ethic. Everyone at DDM carries out their work in a safe and healthy manner, with sufficient attention to the environment. And they're getting better at it. This applies to everyone; back to work healthy and safe and back home healthy.
Dow has awarded DDM a certificate for Outstanding Safety Performance.
Following various demolition and disassembly projects that DDM carries out worldwide for Dow Chemical Company, DDM has received recognition for its excellent safety performance during implementation. DDM always continues to strive for a higher level of safety. Safety First! Read below a quote from the letter that DDM received from Dow. “In summary, DDM continues to deliver excellent performance in safely planning and executing all work related to Dow demolition projects. We truly believe that your company's exceptional efforts continue to be a reflection of the leadership and support of you and the entire DDM Management team. "
