3-D high-pressure cleaning tool used on reactor
Problem: An industrial facility in Delaware faced production problems due to severe fouling of a horizontal reactor, with buildup predominantly on the agitator shaft, blades and reactor ends. The company attempted two different manual cleaning methods – a sharp metal rod and a high-pressure lance. Both methods were only able to remove chunks of residue in the line of sight of the operator, leaving a large amount of residue on the vessel’s walls and blades. A safer, faster, more efficient solution was required.
Solution: Chemac was invited to conduct a demonstration using a URACA 3-D TWK 175/800 high-pressure cleaning tool. The tool had an operational pressure of approximately 10,000 psi and a flow rate of 40 gpm. It was fitted on a high-pressure pipe and positioned inside the vessel with a special flange adapter. The operator only needed to position the tool, lock the agitator and turn on the pump.
Result: The tool successfully removed all buildup from the reactor in minutes. All residues were removed to the complete satisfaction of plant management. All cleaning was done with minimal labor, mitigating previous safety concerns. 800/217-8677; www.chemacinc.com.
Product reduces total cleaning time on crude oil tanks
Problem: An oil company based out of Bakersfield, Calif., needed to clean over 190 crude oil tanks as part of its tank decommissioning program and as part of California law AB 1960 (operators are required to test the bottom plate thickness of their tank). The goals were to evaluate if they could save time, identify specific ways to reduce total cost of tank cleanup, and meet environmental and safety requirements, including reducing water usage.
Solution: E&B Green Solutions provided G-Clean Storage Tank Cleaner to the company, whose cleaning crews used it to test clean two similar style tanks using their conventional hot-water pressure washing method on one and G-Clean on the other. The one-step use of a 3,000 psi pressure washer with diluted product was successful. The temperature on the pressure washer thermostat was set at approximately 175 degrees F, and the crew used a turbo tip on the nozzle.
Result: The cleaner reduced cost by more than 50 percent, time to clean by 75 percent and water usage by 60 percent. The workers cited improved safety, as the cleaner suppressed and eliminated VOCs and caused no skin irritations. 855/484-6091; www.ebgreensolutions.com.
Automated rotary impingement device dislodges grease from lift station
Problem: Ryland Holmes of Virginia Public Works Equipment, a municipal, high-tech and heavy equipment needs company, was looking for a better way to clean lift stations. Their customers were struggling with grease problems and needed an effective way to resolve those issues without demanding more of their manpower or budget.
Solution: Gamajet, part of the Alfa Laval Group, provided the company with an EZ-8 rotary impingement device, configured for 80 gpm and 300 psi. A demonstration was held at the tidewater regional facility while members of the City of Virginia Beach Department of Utilities and other local municipalities and sewer authorities watched as the device, which was used with the department’s jetter truck, scoured the wet well clean in 12 minutes. Another half cycle was run to further decimate the grease pad, which could then be easily suctioned into a combo truck or washed downstream.
Result: The lift stations were free of grease in just 12 minutes without laborers entering the lift station, eliminating hazardous, time-consuming confined-space entry riggings. The city decided to purchase, and with the addition to their maintenance toolkit, authorities are able to stay ahead of their lift station problems, provide better service, increase safety and reduce demand on resources. 877/426-2538; www.gamajet.com.
Petroleum product cleaned from Texas shipping barge
Problem: A shipping barge berthed at Port Arthur, Texas, had a hardened heavy oil/asphalt petroleum product at the bottom of three compartments totaling 30,000 barrels of capacity. The barge owners tried to clean the barge for several months, without success. Because the product had set up for some time, it had the consistency of rubber and could not be easily removed.
Solution: In July 2014, the barge owners contacted Polston Applied Technologies. Polston provided a PAT 360-HD combination truck and set up at the site. After extending their down-hole pump system into the product, the crew was able to recirculate and soften the material. Polston was able to remove the material and pump it into dockside vacuum boxes.
Result: Over 75,000 gallons of petroleum product was removed, and the barge capacity was restored. The work was accomplished in five days, with almost no disruption of dock activities. 844/765-7866; www.polstonprocess.com.
Comments