Situation
OCT employed an innovative stick blasting method to conduct a comprehensive safety clean across 3 lines simultaneously on the furnace walls and grate.
This process involved breaking down large rocks and slabs of material that had accumulated in these areas. The primary objective was to ensure the furnace was safe for subsequent contractor teams to enter. Additionally, this method significantly reduces the rope access shift time required for de-slagging, enabling maintenance activities to start earlier and minimising overall downtime.
Results
During previous shutdowns, rope access teams spent over 60 hours cleaning just one line, hanging from ropes and using jackhammers. In contrast, OCT completed the cleaning of all three lines in just 6 hours, entirely from outside the furnace. This approach not only saves valuable time for clients but also ensures a safer environment for any personnel entering the furnace. The client expressed their satisfaction with the process, stating:
We would like to take the opportunity to thank the team we had on site on Monday. We thought set up was well done, with good area seclusion and communication throughout. It really helped us with our Outage as it meant the rope access clean after only took a few hours.
Conclusion
OCT’s innovative stick blasting method for furnace safety cleaning has proven to be a game-changer in terms of efficiency, safety, and time savings. By completing the cleaning of all three lines in just 6 hours, OCT has demonstrated its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that benefit clients and prioritize the safety of personnel involved in maintenance activities.