Demolition and dismantling of flue gas ducts in a paper plant in Norway

Date May 2008

Used equipment 160m high lift, man baskets

Special features All work undertaken at height

In recent years the ‘Demolition’ division has gained a great deal of experience in the removal of high chimneys, located right in amongst or close to an ‘operational’ plant. This was also the reason that DDM was approached to remove three steel flue gas ducts from a concrete chimney. The diameter of the ducts was 2m1 and they were fully insulated with 12 cm of rock wool. The concrete chimney around the flue gas ducts was 155m high. The flue gas ducts entered the chimney at a height of 20 metres and extended to approximately 4 metres above the top of the chimney (approximately 160m1).

First of all, a lift was installed on the outside in order to gain access to the top. Using gas burners the stainless steel sections that protruded from the top were then removed. A man basket was then installed in each flue gas duct. Working from these baskets the ducts were cut from top to bottom. The material that was released was lowered through the ducts.

Because people were continuously working at height, safety, an escape route and the action to be taken in the event of an emergency formed the spearhead of this project. The project, including the preparations, was completed within the planned five weeks, to the complete satisfaction of the client.