Last year, a silo in northern Germany containing approximately 80 tons of rapeseed succumbed to a devastating fire, demanding immediate attention. To avert potential explosion risks, the local fire department employed a nitrogen gas flooding strategy. Once the fire was subdued, the challenging task of silo cleaning while prioritizing safety emerged. Seeking expertise, the silo owner reached out to BUCHEN-ICS, known for its proficiency in nitrogen atmosphere operations and specialized silo cleaning. Responding swiftly, our team of experts mobilized on-site, prepared to address the emergency around the clock.
The tailored solution for our client involved a multi-faceted approach:
Multi-faceted solution:
- BinDrill® system application: Utilizing our advanced silo cleaning equipment, we deployed the BinDrill® system to eliminate blockages from the silo outlets. This facilitated the efficient drainage of burnt material through the silo’s conveying system. Notably, the BinDrill® method, expertly drills through bridged material, effectively navigating depths of up to 45 meters.
- Vacuum suction unit: Residual materials were effectively suctioned using our vacuum suction unit, directing them to designated containers in an environmentally friendly manner.
- Nitrogen-filled environment safety measures: Our team manually extracted tough and burnt rapeseed residues from specific compartments, ensuring their safety in the nitrogen-filled environment. Specially designed anti-panic helmets, equipped with a breathing system connected to our external Life Support System, guaranteed maximum safety. This comprehensive system incorporated features such as video cameras for monitoring, continuous air quality checks, and communication tools for the crew.
The entire emergency operation, including manual extraction, was completed within an impressive 14 days, rendering the silo operational once again.
Conclusion:
BUCHEN-ICS stands as a beacon of reliability and trust in the realm of silo cleaning and nitrogen atmosphere operations across Europe. This successful emergency operation exemplifies our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions, ensuring the safety of personnel, and swiftly restoring operations in critical scenarios. When it comes to safeguarding operations, BUCHEN-ICS is the steadfast partner you can rely on.
