Total dismantling of a contaminated storage tank in 3 phases

Recently, we have been busy with dismantling an empty storage tank. Before the tank became empty some years ago, it contained a fertiliser product. This product is no longer produced and the tank was decommissioned.

The product in the tank had contaminated the walls and bottom of the tank, which was largely cleaned before we began dismantling. We carried out the dismantling process in 3 phases, which we had described in a scrappage plan drawn up in advance.

Phase 1: Dismantling up to 50 cm above ground level

In the first phase, we systematically dismantled the roof and walls. Using a crane (High-Lift) with an extra-long boom (24 metres, including steel shears), we made an incision just below the tank roof. The hole created ensured that the tank wall would fall inwards during the cutting process. We then cut up the tank wall in stages, from top to bottom.

Phase 2: Mechanical cleaning assistance

However, the base and the lower 30 centimetres of the tank wall could not be cleaned properly beforehand. Therefore, we temporarily stopped dismantling approximately 50 centimetres above the bottom. This allowed the last 30 centimetres of contamination to be cleaned, for which we were able to provide mechanical assistance.

Phase 3: Dismantling of the remaining wall and floor

Finally, we were able to dismantle the remainder of the tank wall and base. In addition, we disposed of the materials that had been removed.

In short: we took care of the entire project from A to Z. The work lasted a total of two weeks. So this project, too, was carried out efficiently.