New cleaning standards in Terneuzen
In 2021 Gröninger Cleaning Systems built a new tank cleaning facility for Imperial in Terneuzen. As with most projects, this was preceded by the necessary preparations. The system is now running at full speed.
Rob Libbers, who on behalf of Imperial has taken care of this project said: “As manager of Imperial tank cleaning operations in the Netherlands, I have been closely involved in this project for some time. The former facility – also built by Gröninger – had been in use for 30 years. So, it was really time for something new. We deliberately moved to a completely new location. Based on our many years of experience, we knew exactly what was needed and what the market was asking for. That process took some time due to many factors and circumstances, but you can only do it right once. And I really have that feeling now.”
The Gröninger team can confirm that this is correct. As early as 2013, Gröninger and Rob Libbers made an exploratory reference visit to a newly completed tank cleaning facility. Several visits followed in the years after. As the project gained momentum, numerous preparatory discussions were held with Imperial as well as with the building contractor. Together with Rob Libbers, Joost Kasbergen and other technical colleagues, everything was prepared down to the final details. Then the first pile could be driven into the ground with peace of mind.
In addition to proper planning and the technical setup of the system, the location and logistics for a tank cleaning are extremely important. “We are now located at a very good spot on the map for our customers from Antwerp and Ghent and surroundings. A very large chemical producer is literally around the corner in Terneuzen, less than 15 minutes away. Moreover, we are closer than before to a very important customer, a transport company for which we do a lot of work. And last but not least, for Imperial’s own tank transport we are very centrally located as well. This way everyone who needs to clean tank lorries and containers benefits. So, the new knife cuts both ways,” Libbers added.
The cleaning facility is state of the art and well organized. But what kind of technology was applied and why was this selected? “Our aim above all is to increase quality, in order to meet the current requirements of shippers,” said Libbers. “We have opted for a completely different set-up for the new cleaning. Previously we cleaned at 60 bar, now the standard is 100 bar and for some products we even have 200 bar available. That makes a difference. Our customers do transport a wide range of products. Some products are what we call ‘heavy duty’ chemicals, including class 3 products.
“We can now flush these products much faster and more effectively at 200 bar. A further advantage is that much less water, and less time is required. In the course of time, you recover the investment, and our customers will benefit right from the start from higher quality. With this 200 bar we are truly unique in the wider area of Terneuzen. At other tank cleaning sites in the Netherlands, you now more often see 200 bar, so it is really a trend.”
“We do everything we can to distinguish ourselves with our services in this region. Something very important is the 24/7 service to heat tankers and tank containers with products using steam. Some products must be kept at a constant temperature, others must have a certain temperature in order to be processed directly in a factory. So, we take care of that too.”
You can’t ignore sustainability – Gröninger contributes key knowledge and skills in this field. For example, heat is recovered via the flue gases from the boiler to preheat water. By applying more pressure, the lead times are a lot shorter, which also saves energy. And by using washing programmes the procedures provide exactly what it takes to get the tank thoroughly clean, saving water, gas or oil, chemicals or steam. All in all, significantly more tankers and containers can be cleaned per day with less input than before.
Imperial is now fully equipped and ready for the present and the future.
For more information visit groninger.eu
19th April 2022
