A barge operator requested the degassing of a 2.100 m³ inland barge that had previously transported Propylene. The operation was required to enable safe loading of an alternative cargo.
Client: BASF
Duration: 72 hours
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Results: Zero environmental emissions
A barge operator requested degassing of a 2.100 m³ inland vessel that had carried propylene, so it could safely load a new cargo. The barge arrived at a permitted site in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges with empty tanks under ~0.5 bar, still containing propylene vapors.
The requirements were to reduce gas levels below 10% LEL, fully inert the tank to eliminate explosion risk, comply with environmental limits and complete the work efficiently.
The main challenge was safely removing and recovering propylene vapors from a large enclosed space without combustion, flaring or atmospheric release.
The cryogenic approach delivered strong technical, safety and environmental results.
Degassing and inertization were completed in under 23 hours, including 2 hours of depressurization and 21 hours of active degassing. The target of <10% LEL was reached after five nitrogen purging cycles.
Around 11,058 liters of propylene were recovered, allowing it to be fully reused as a high-value product.
Emissions stayed within permitted limits, with no combustion, CO₂ generation, or harmful releases. The process supported sustainability by maximizing recovery, minimizing environmental impact and avoiding flaring or venting.
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