Menu de navegación principal
cabecera-case-studies-puertollano
SEE CASE STUDIES
  • Puertollano

3/15/2018

Controlled demolition in the puertollano thermoelectric power plant: further success for MAXAM

MAXAM was the company in charge of the design and execution of the blasting for the demolition of the Puertollano thermoelectric plant’s concrete towers. Part of the success of the operation is the result of our experience and knowledge acquired after more than 100 demolitions in the world.

Where did it take place

Spain

Project Timeline

The ELCOGAS thermoelectric plant, which produced electrical energy with integrated gasification combined cycle technology, ceased its activity in 2016. MAXAM was in charge of the complex demolition of the two concrete towers that was carried out with the detonation of 275 kilograms of explosives in just 3,285 milliseconds.

  • Key figures

  • WHERE ?
    Puertollano, Spain
  • CUSTOMER
    RECIFEMETAL and ELCOGAS
  • Safety perimeter
    1.2 kilometers
  • Boreholes
    892
  • EXPLOSIVE USED
    275 kilograms of RIODIN dynamite
  • DETONATORS
    +more than 1000 RIOTRONIC DT electronic detonators
  • TOTAL SEQUENCE
    3,285 milliseconds

After the demolition, both towers fell in the planned direction and the seismographs reflected much lower vibration results.

Facts & figures

  •  

    RIODIN. Due to its high power and high density, RIODIN was the explosive used for the operation, since it works very well in large outside demolitions. In addition, its high detonation speed and low gas emission were very positive for the conservation of Puertollano’s natural environment.

    RRIOTRONIC ELECTRONIC DETONATORS. IThe charging and programming of blasting with RIOTRONIC DT electronic detonators enables greater precision and control while reducing the levels of vibration that can affect the surrounding structures. Its use was crucial in achieving the desired movement of the towers - one of our main challenges.

  •  

    Throughout the project, all members of the MAXAM team have shared the same passion for overcoming challenges and reaching beyond the customer’s expectations and the environmental needs of the area. The objectives of the operation were established around the possible scenarios of each phase of the project in response to the question of “what would happen if...”.

     


    The cooling tower had to implode and leave the debris in the position it occupied at its source. The gasification tower, on the other hand, had to fall in a northwesterly direction to achieve the same goal.

     


    The main concern of the three companies involved in the project was the safety of all site personnel, as well as that of any spectator wishing to witness the blasting. Another priority objective was to mitigate the four main environmental conditions generated by demolition blasting: vibrations, airwaves, projections and dust. In addition, there were several structures in the vicinity of the towers that had to be protected during blasting.

  •  

    Safety has always been the main objective of all of MAXAM's global operations together with respect for the environment and the communities in which we operate. The demolition of the two towers of the plant was no exception and a series of specific measures, equipment and tools were implemented in order to achieve this.

     

    Communication plan Before starting the demolition, a shared communication plan was drawn up between teams, residents and local and provincial authorities. Furthermore, a safety perimeter with a radius of more than one kilometer was established and monitored by the competent authorities.

     


    Minimum projections To avoid projections, a layer of simple twist metal mesh and another geotextile mesh weighing 500 grams per square meter were installed around each area with explosive charges.

     

    Environment The monitoring of the possible environmental conditions depended on four seismographs which measured vibrations in order not to exceed the limits established by the UNE 22-381-93 Spanish standard. To reduce the air wave, polyurethane foam was used in the stemming of boreholes. Finally, to capture part of the dust generated, dust collectors and hydrants were installed and a study of prevailing winds of the area was undertaken to define the most favorable time for firing.
  •  

  •  

    The work of our professionals and their effectiveness in the design and execution of the blasting helped us to achieve operational success beyond the customer’s expectations.

     

    The cooling tower. The first tower collapsed in nine seconds, fell vertically and left the debris in the position planned as an objective. The firing sequence lasted 285 milliseconds.

     

    The gasification tower. The correct collapse of the second tower was achieved thanks to the wedge generated by the explosive during the 3000 milliseconds that the firing sequence lasted. By reducing its maximum height to ten meters above ground level, the tower was in a more accessible and safe position for demolition by mechanical means.

     

    Effects. The air wave did not produce any complaint or damage. The projections reached about 50 meters distance from the tower, far from the 1000 meters where the nearest people were.

     

    The dust control was also a resounding success. The part that was not contained by the hydrants and the sensors moved in a northeasterly direction, that is, towards the nearby hills and the CR504 road that was cleaned after firing.
/Images/Maxam/CaseStudie/PanamaCanalVideo
X

Cookies

This site uses cookies to facilitate your user experience. By continuing to browse you accept our cookies policy.