BASF chemical plant dismantling about to commence 18 October 2011

Chemicals giant BASF has commenced dismantling and demolition of its Kaipiainen polymer production facilities in Finland, following its acquisition of Ciba back in 2009.

BASF appointed engineering consultants RVA Group to project manage the process, and its team is now ready for the operation, having spent the last five months helping BASF to prepare and appointing a Finnish team to carry out the demolition work.

Trevor Nicholson, from the BASF Procurement HUB, explains that that this is not a straightforward site clearance. While major redundant plant items are to be dismantled for recycling, some production areas have been cherry-picked by a new company that will store and distribute chemicals from this site.

Hence, RVA must ensure the safety, protection and integrity of these assets, which include large storage vessels in a tank farm only metres from the demolition area, and a two-storey building with two process areas separated by a large warehouse.

"We sought RVA's expertise for the Kaipiainen project, following their work with us at Seal Sands in the North East of England in 2009, where they demonstrated their ability to meet BASF's exacting standards when it comes to environmental health and safety," comments Nicholson.

"A project of this nature requires a thoughtful, coordinated and attentive approach, plus specialist industry knowledge that we know RVA can deliver," he adds.

A 53 tonne excavator with a 25m reach and a 2.3 tonne shear will be among the machinery utilised to carry out the works, all within a confined operating space of approximately 3,000 sq m.

Central facilities, including a boiler house, waste water treatment plant and a rail freight line will be protected and, while some services have been re-routed, the supply of raw materials will be protected during the work.

RVA will remain on site throughout the three month project to ensure it runs smoothly and safely.

Brian Tinham

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