In an industrial environment in the Netherlands, a client requested the upgassing and commissioning of two propylene gas bullets, each with a capacity of 2,500 m³ and an associated pipeline system of approximately 2km, connecting the gas bullets to a harbor facility.
Client: BASF
Duration: 72 hours
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Results: Zero environmental emissions
A client in the Netherlands needed to commission two large propylene storage tanks and a 2km pipeline system that were fully filled with nitrogen.
The goal was to quickly replace the nitrogen with propylene and reach over 99% purity, while keeping nitrogen below 1%, preventing any product loss and meeting strict emission limits.
The main challenge was to achieve this within a tight deadline while maintaining safety and full control over emissions.
Group AQ deployed a specialized cryogenic upgassing system designed for large-scale propylene installations. The setup included a condensation unit to recover propylene, a vaporization system and certified stainless steel connections. Operations were continuously monitored for pressure, temperatur, and gas composition, with centralized control to maintain stability and minimize emissions.
Strict safety measures were implemented, including certified equipment, emergency shutdown systems and full compliance with ATEX and environmental regulations.
Cryogenic condensation was chosen as the best available technology because it avoids combustion, produces no harmful emissions, keeps releases extremely low and allows recovered propylene to be reused.
The operation achieved strong technical, operational and environmental results. Both large storage tanks and the 2km pipeline were fully commissioned in under 20 hours, meeting the tight schedule and enabling immediate start-up.
The final gas quality exceeded requirements, with over 99% propylene and less than 1% nitrogen. No product was lost, all propylene was recovered and reused, with nothing flared or released.
Emissions stayed well within limits, no combustion or CO₂ was produced, and the process demonstrated a high level of safety, efficiency and environmental performance.
Tell us about your chemical services needs and we’ll
respond as soon as possible with a detailed quote.
