Demolition/Dismantling of Storage Tank C7 May-June 2024

Introduction:
As part of the site’s asset replacement programme, storage tank C7 was scheduled for dismantling and replacement at the AAK International site, King George Dock, Port of Hull.
The tank was of mild steel construction with a mineral wool, aluminium sheet clad outer skin and was to be replaced with a new stainless-steel tank.
Ron Hull Demolition was awarded the contract due to the competitive quotation & experience of tank dismantling works.
The tank had contained palm oil and was fully decommissioned and cleaned prior to commencement of the main demolition work. The scaffolding, that used during tank decontamination, was removed in readiness for demolition.

Scope of Works:
Mobile crane was used to lift the 50t demolition machine into the tank bund
Dismantle storage tank C7 by 50t demolition machine
Disposal of demolition arisings into RHDL bulk waste containers and removal off site under our duty of care
Protection to maintain the existing bases and hard standings that were to be reused
Mobile crane was then used to lift the 50t demolition machine out of the tank bund

Sequence of Works:
Immediately to the North of storage tank C7 was a set of live pipe ranges that remained in use and valves to be reused on the new tank – scaffold crash deck systems were set up to protect these.
As storage tank C7 was landlocked, with no access possible for plant or machinery, a mobile crane was used to lift the demolition rig into the bund to carry out the work.
A lift study was conducted, and it was determined that a 750t mobile crane was needed to undertake the lift, with a trained appointed person, lift supervisor and slinger/signaller allocated to manage the lifting operation.
Despite inclement weather disrupting the planned original lift day, the demolition machine, arm, attachments & slab protection mats were safely lifted into the bund on the following day. The arm was then coupled up to the demolition rig from within the bund.
As the bases were to be maintained for the new tank, protection mats were placed into position, helping to prevent damage. A Delap survey was also completed.
Following all enabling work, storage tank C7 was dismantled mechanically by our 50t demolition rig with shear attachment.
The spiral ladders were initially cut down, and the outer mineral wood/tin sheet cladding stripped back down to the mild steel tank shell.
The tank shell was then cut down in pieces, initially cutting out an opening in the front wall, followed by removal of the tank lid and outer wall in sections.
Due to the confined footprint and limited space available, the debris from the demolition was brought inside and temporarily stored within tank C7.

Sequence of Works: Continued …
The waste material stored within tank C7 was regularly loaded out into bulkers and removed from site, using the access road opposite.

Completion
The work was completed within the planned 3-week project schedule to the satisfaction of the Client.

Project Challenges:
Limited workspace available and careful planning needed
Working on an operational dock with other contractors nearby
Lifting operations using a 750t mobile crane to include delays due to inclement weather
Live pipe ranges and valves within the vicinity for protection