In this project, two RTCs containing propylene required complete gas-freeing to enable non-routine maintenance activities.
As propylene is both flammable and economically valuable, the operation demanded a safe, fast and efficient approach that minimized product losses and ensured compliance with environmental requirements.
Client: BASF
Duration: 72 hours
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Results: Zero environmental emissions
In an industrial project, two rail tank cars containing propylene were safely gas-freed for maintenance using cryogenic condensation technology, ensuring minimal product loss, full emission control and CO₂-neutral operation.
The process was efficiently integrated with a nearby cleaning facility to reduce downtime, while a third tank car was used for temporary storage of recovered product and residual liquid.
Group AQ carried out the degassing and liquid transfer using a compact mobile setup that minimized site disruption while meeting strict safety requirements. Residual liquid propylene was first transferred from the two rail tank cars into a third storage car, after which remaining gas was removed through controlled depressurizing.
Using cryogenic condensation technology, the gaseous propylene was cooled, liquefied and recovered with high efficiency, supported by an automated system that used liquid nitrogen to maintain optimal conditions.
The project highlighted efficient execution and strong coordination between Group AQ, the terminal and the cleaning facility. Rapid planning enabled the entire process from request to execution to be completed within two weeks, while on-site operations, including liquid transfer, depressurization and cryogenic degassing, were finished in under 12 hours.
The operation achieved significant recovery of valuable propylene and allowed an immediate transition to cleaning, minimizing downtime and maximizing overall efficiency.
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