Relocating a plant from England to Mexico

Date: January – April 2008

Equipment used: DDMs crawler cranes, 1000 ton telescopic crane, SPMTs and specialised dismantling crew

For one of its clients, DDM and its sub-contractors ‘relocated’ a HF plant (production of hydrogen fluoride) from Avonmouth in the UK to Mexico. DDM was given the task of dismantling the entire plant. The first phase consisted of preparation and engineering, followed by the dismantling work of the process plant. All work was undertaken in accordance with the CDM Health and Safety Regulations. To dismantle the plant a number of cranes were used, and a specialised dismantling crew was deployed. Working at height, in windy conditions and with due regard for the equipment all combined to create a challenge to undertake the work safely. All tanks, silos and reactors were cleaned, inspected and packed. The reactor vessel (the drier), with a length of 40 metres and a weight of 200 tons was transported to the port and loaded onboard the ship using SPMTs and two 500 ton cranes. The voyage then began in conjunction with a shipping company. The plant will be producing again, this time for the Mexican market, in the summer of 2009. Major, complex projects are completed successfully by DDM in conjunction with its joint venture partners.