Column remediation in containment

Earlier this year we were able to contribute to the demolition of a chemical plant. At the front of the plant were three large columns and a smaller column that previously housed a chemical process.

Under the insulation layer of these columns were asbestos-containing spacers. To remediate these spacers, we decided to flatten and remediate the columns in their entirety.

Lifting out the columns

We first drew up a lifting plan to lay the columns in their entirety horizontally on the ground. The columns were lifted out in two stages using two cranes. Laying the columns flat made it easier to remediate the insulation with asbestos spacers. After the outside of the columns and the work area were cleared, remediation of the inside of the columns could begin.

Remediate asbestos-containing gaskets

The entrances of the columns face each other, allowing a containment to be built over the entrances. Because we keep the columns intact until the last moment, they themselves act as part of the containment.

The Expert Asbestos Removers (DAVs) are currently dismantling the bulkheads in the columns and remediating the asbestos behind them. This process will be repeated until all 50 bulkheads are completely clean. After remediation, the containment will be thoroughly cleaned and released by the lab technician. Once the containment is broken down, the columns can be safely demolished. Of course, we will also share some nice pictures of this with you!