Temporary steam keeps German chemicals plant online during turnaround maintenance

15 June 2021

Full steam ahead for Ineos Phenol 

The cluster effect in Germany’s densely developed Ruhr region allows companies like our client, Ineos Phenol, to profit from all kinds of synergies. The proximity of the neighboring powerplant, for example, enables the supply of efficient power and steam directly to the chemical producer’s production facility. But what happens when those service lines are shut down for scheduled maintenance, as they are every two years? Then you call the Temporary Solutions provider and the Steam Experts for advice.

A hot topic

Located in the heart of Germany’s industrial Ruhr region, Ineos Phenol’s chemicals plant in Gladbeck takes full advantage of the surrounding cluster to boost the efficiency and sustainability of its operations. Fed directly into the plant via a fixed pipeline, for example, Ineos Phenol relies on a constant flow of steam from the nearby power station. The steam is used for operating valves in certain production flows, to power auxiliary heating systems. In fact, without a constant, steady, and reliable influx of steam to the plant, our customer risks losing significant production capabilities. Hence, the need for a robust Temporary Solution from a trusted partner with a flawless track record.

A solid solution

Ineos Phenol had already witnessed the added value of Atlas Copco Rental’s renowned speed and agility first hand with previous nitrogen, power, and compressed air projects. Now it was time to prove just how reliable, economical, and hassle-free our temporary steam solutions can be as well!

Our client was quickly convinced by our proposal from a commercial and technical point of view. But given the critical nature of the plant’s steam supply, it was the system uptime guarantee built into the solution that clinched the deal. Around-the-clock operation and monitoring by our expert team on-site also added to their peace of mind, guaranteeing safe operations, fast response times, and professional service.

Florian Heinrich , Sales Engineer at Atlas Copco Rental Germany

Seamless steam

The full package designed, delivered, installed, commissioned, and operated by the German Team included a 16t/h steam boiler, 20,000L feed water tank, 60m3 fuel tank, blow-down tank, various water, and steam connection hoses, protection panels, and a state-of-the-art steam silencer. And while that last item on the shopping list may have been the smallest, it proved to make a big difference!

In the past, competitor solutions all involved ‘cold commissioning’ of the temporary boiler with zero assurances that the package was working before connecting it to the customer’s systems. But with the steam silencer, our solution could be connected ‘hot’, ensuring a seamless connection, immediate operation, and all the peace of mind that comes with it.

Florian Heinrich

Satisfying results

We’re proud to say that our end-to-end temporary steam solution really hit the mark for our customer. Most importantly, they were extremely satisfied with the outcome. As testified by Stefan Hacker, Ineos Phenol:

The availability commitment was particularly important for us due to the systemic relevance of the steam generator. Atlas Copco Rental’s solution was conceptually, technically, and commercially attractive. We were very satisfied with the solution itself and the technicians. They were very competent, professional, and reliable and the safety during assembly and commissioning was exemplary. We were also impressed with the short response times to technical queries and generally, the very high availability of the system.

Stefan Hacker, Ineos Phenol

Yet another project that illustrates the added value of our speed, reliability, and efficiency!

Curious to learn how we can make agility count for your operations, too? Get in touch with your local Atlas Copco Rental expert!

For more information, please contact:

  • Kris Herremans - Marketing Manager, Atlas Copco Rental Europe
    • Kris Herremans - Marketing Manager, Atlas Copco Rental Europe
      • Kris Herremans - Marketing Manager, Atlas Copco Rental Europe

At Atlas Copco, we have been turning industrial ideas into business-critical benefits since 1873. By listening to our customers and knowing their needs, we deliver value and innovate with the future in mind. 

Great ideas reinforce sustainable development. At Atlas Copco Specialty Rental, we team up with our customers to set up state-of-the-art temporary air, flow, steam and nitrogen solutions. Our passionate experts have extensive application and equipment knowledge. We understand our customers' needs and can provide a total solution for any industry, no matter if it is for emergencies or planned projects. We are a division of the Power Technique business area, headquartered in Boom, Belgium and offer specialty rental solutions under several brands around the globe.