Item:

• 9m diameter blow-off tank in a European aluminium plant

Problem:

• Current cleaning practice for the tank interior involves personnel access, causing concerns for the plant health and safety management team

Objective:

• Safety team propose a tank modification utilising a 3m diameter nozzle on top of the tank, from which a hydraulic cleaning hammer can be suspended, so as to end the requirement for personnel access
• Can the nozzle support a 2.8 ton hydraulic cleaning hammer?
• Timescales for implementation both critical and short

Solution:

• Design of a supporting framework for the hammer and a structural integrity assessment of the framework/nozzle assembly

Results:

• In partnership with end user and manufacturing subcontractor, initial design of supporting framework proposed
• All operating loads identified and ideal position of entry to blow-off tank identified
• Safety factors agreed with end user
• Full structural integrity assessment performed
• Detailed sketches of final design provided for manufacturing process

Benefits:

• Design and structural integrity assessment performed in short timescales
• Manufacturing takes place within weeks of initial identification of requirements
• Reduced timescales results in cost effective solution for client
• New cleaning method successfully implemented