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Overview
Project
Blasting of an internal 14-meter (48-foot) diameter tank
Location
Oregon, Ohio
Task
Extensive weldment repairs on the floor of the tank, including new floor patches. The existing coating on these new steel patches needed to be fully blasted and feathered into an existing 30 mils of sound coating.
Challenge
Advanced Industrial Services (AIS) faced significant challenges with the costs of compliance, the risks posed by OSHA regulations, and extended project timelines. To address these concerns, AIS developed a cost-efficient blasting solution using GMA ToughBlast™ for an internal 14-meter (48-foot) diameter tank at the BPHusky Toledo refinery in Oregon, Ohio. The tank required extensive weldment repairs on the floor, including new floor patches. The existing coating on these new steel patches needed to be fully blasted and feathered into an existing 30 mils of sound coating.
AIS estimated that they would require a truckload of slag - approximately eight to ten bulk bags, with at least a minimum of seven bags, and it would take up to four days to complete. However, BlastOne was confident that GMA ToughBlast™ garnet abrasives could get the job done faster with less abrasive consumption. This alternative abrasive from GMA was put to the test.
50%
Savings
Using GMA ToughBlastTM
Surface & Structure
The underside of the tank roof comprised the flat section of the roof and panels. Both had a very thin coating with a significant amount of rust coming off in large sheets. The roof support beams were in sound condition, consisting of steel sectioned C-channels with a very thick 30 to 40 mil coating.
Trial Outcomes
During the blasting of the floor patches, blasters experienced a significant increase in speed and noted that the edges feathered much quicker. They were impressed by the minimal dust generated. When blasting the roof, the blasters were amazed at how quickly they could move the nozzle and remove the coating. The steel beams with sound coating were effectively cleaned without the need for complete re-blasting.
Key Project Outcomes
- Reduced Costs: Switching to GMA ToughBlast™ led to a significant reduction in project costs.
- Improved Efficiency: The blasting was completed in one and a half days, significantly faster than the estimated four days.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduced abrasive consumption helped the refinery reduce its green space (landfill) and remain in compliance with OSHA Beryllium regulations.
Summary
Switching to GMA ToughBlast™ abrasives not only saved time and money but also provided environmental benefits, making it a highly effective solution for the BP-Husky Toledo refinery project.
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*Case study courtesy of BlastOne International