Selective Demolition of Liquid Nitrogen Gas Vaporizers

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services (R. Baker & Son) recently completed the demolition of three (3) Liquid Nitrogen Gas (LNG) vaporizers including piping, conduits and selected foundations at an active LNG facility in New Jersey.  The large energy services client contracted R. Baker & Son due to their exemplary safety record, expert selective demolition services and competitive rates.

The vaporizers were shutdown in early 2008. The piping was previously purged by the client with nitrogen and made safe. The vaporizers were also confirmed to be asbestos free. Prior to any demolition and dismantlement activities, R. Baker & Son worked with the client representatives to make necessary disconnects and weld caps, reroute piping, and isolate mechanical systems from the existing vaporizers.  This included hydrostatic pressure testing of the newly installed vales and piping as well as certification of the welding (100% radio graphed).  In addition, all necessary Local and State permits were obtained to perform the work.

Due to the proximity to active operations, strict safety measures were implemented.  These safety procedures included

• A Contractor Safety Orientation was completed with each worker before any work began.
• Daily “Tail Board” safety talks were given to the workers covering work topics such as MSDS sheets, hand tools, weld flash, burning, fire extinguisher use, ladders, etc
• No smoking policy on entire facility
• U.L. approved fire extinguishers and fire hoses with nozzles to protect work area and equipment.
• Temporary fencing, barricades, safety lights, traffic control,etc. were utilized to secure work area.
• All roadways remained open at all times for emergency equipment access.
• All fire hydrants remained operable and accessible during the entire demolition process.
• Area combustion testing was performed at the start of the work day and at mid day
• Since the LNG plant is an active operating plant, no equipment, pipes beams, etc. could be dropped which would cause vibrations to the surrounding operating equipment. All materials needed to be carefully lowered to the ground using cranes or heavy equipment.

Once the vaporizers were isolated, R. Baker & Son began the demolition of these items.  The typical procedure for the demolition of each vaporizer was to first torch cut the legs of the vaporizer.  A 75,000 lb excavator with shear was utilized with rigging gear to carefully lower each vaporizer in a controlled manner to the ground.  Once on its side, it would be moved to the nearby staging area to be cut into scrap metal using the excavator with shear attachment. 

Once the demolition of the vaporizers and associated piping and conduits was completed, R. Baker & Son proceed with the concrete work.  The main concrete foundation needed to be prepared for grading. The foundation was to remain but all surface protrusions such as anchor bolts and grout needed to be removed to create a flat smooth surface.  In addition, pipe support footings were removed to one foot below grade. Voids created by concrete footing removal were filled with ¾ size clean stone.  Final grade was accomplished by covering the area with 4 inches of  ¾ inch clean stone matching existing area stone.

The work was completed in less than a month weeks without incident or injury.