In this project in Norway, a 2,500 m³ VCM storage sphere required complete gas-freeing to enable maintenance work to be carried out safely. The operation had to be performed within a very narrow time window, as extended downtime would result in significant operational costs.
The customer, a world-leading company in VCM storage and treatment, conducted a comprehensive pre-operational assessment before selecting Group AQ to execute the full scope of work.
Client: BASF
Duration: 72 hours
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Results: Zero environmental emissions
Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) is a globally significant petrochemical and the key precursor in PVC production. Stored as a colorless, flammable gas, VCM poses substantial environmental and occupational hazards due to its toxicity and carcinogenic nature.
Safe handling, containment and treatment are therefore essential, especially during maintenance activities
involving large-capacity storage spheres.
Group AQ was entrusted with:
• Degassing and inertizing the sphere
• Supporting maintenance activities through safe system isolation
• Conducting post-maintenance pressure testing
• Reintroducing VCM into the sphere and ensuring safe recommissioning
The project achieved fast and efficient degassing within 37 hours, recovered 14,000 L of VCM for reuse, ensured system integrity through testing and repairs, enabled safe recommissioning with high-purity output and maintained strict environmental standards with zero harmful emissions.
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