Runcorn – Erith

PROJECT

Runcorn

Representing one of the most impressive UK industrial demolition projects to date, our works at Inovyn, Runcorn commenced with the asbestos removal, decontamination, deplant, dismantling and site clearance of the Chloromethanes Facilities.

The operational focus of Runcorn, Chloromethanes Facilities was the production of chlorine, caustic soda and chlorinated derivatives. It had one of the largest membrane electrolysis units in Europe. The chemicals produced by the site were sold into a wide variety of industrial applications across sectors such as water, process, building and construction, electronics and pharmaceuticals. The works comprised asbestos removal, demolition, dismantling and site clearance of two significant Chloromethanes Facilities, HCL Plant and associated areas, including building and equipment collapse of various process plant structures, switch rooms, pipework, cables, pipe bridges, plant and equipment.

Technical challenges

One of the main constraints and challenges we had to overcome was regulations surrounding COMAH. 

Control Of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 (COMAH) aims to prevent and mitigate the effects of major accidents involving dangerous substances which can cause serious damage/harm to people and/or the environment. 

Our employees managed all heavy lifting works in-house. These were planned by an appointed person, overseen by a lifting supervisor and executed by slingers/signallers.  A factor of safety (100%) was incorporated into every COMAH lift, and jib/slew restrictions were applied over sensitive assets such as 30 bar gas mains, volatile organic lines, acid lines, 11kv electrical services, instrument air and nitrogen services.

The technical nature of the construction gave rise to significant engineering challenges.

Numerous existing services, groundwater sampling points, interceptors, ejectors, drains, structures, buildings, pipe bridges, plant, equipment, roads and footpaths had to be retained and protected inside the heavy dismantling works site boundary. Our in-house structural engineering consultants, Swanton Consulting, provided the requisite temporary works design and calculations. 

Dismantling works had to be designed and executed sympathetically to ensure existing drains and sumps were not disturbed as they were critical to process operations on-site. 

All hot works had to be carefully controlled under our Hot Works Policy. 

We used specialist jetting equipment for secondary cleaning of residual chemicals. Treatment and testing of pH and suspended solids were carried out prior to discharge. 

SERVICE OVERVIEW

Due to the outstanding performance throughout the project and further to an intensive qualification process we have since been appointed as a 10-year framework contractor for Inovyn at Runcorn and have successfully completed a number of projects across the site over the last year.

Demolition

THE DETAIL

INOVYN is an intelligent client with a strong engineering, work management, commercial and project management capability.

Client collaboration

We have work collaboratively with Inovyn to place great importance of the “designing out” and managing of risks associated with health, safety and environmental matters as well as maximising environmental protection.

Local employment

We have employed several local people from the Runcorn area and provided the necessary training to them to give them an opportunity to work in the demolition industry. These staff have been outstanding in their application and enthusiasm for the industry and have progressed into positions within the company on Runcorn projects, with some travelling to other major projects within the group.

Completed projects

We have completed the removal of redundant assets in the Weston Point Power Station Pump House, the demolition of the Waste Brine Treatment Plant and the Weaver Stock Sheds and the decontamination and removal of Mercury Cells from J Units.

Future works

We will soon be commencing demolition, decontamination, and remedial works at the Liquid Chlorine Plant.

Summary of service 

Asbestos removal