Cement plant, Guadeloupe

Cement Plant Clinker Hopper Cleaning

Rope access removal of hardened clinker that filled 70–80% of a clinker hopper, restoring flow at a cement plant in Guadeloupe.

The challenge

Clinker had hardened inside the hopper until it filled 70 to 80% of its volume, restricting flow, causing bridging and putting clinker handling at risk of downtime. Even the internal access ladder was buried under the deposits.

The likely causes were high ambient humidity, condensation between hot clinker and cooler walls, possible water ingress and long retention times.

Scope of works

Internal inspection of the hopper surfaces
Confined space entry with atmospheric testing, ventilation, standby rescue and continuous communication
Rope access for vertical and horizontal movement inside the hopper
Breakout of hardened clinker with pneumatic chisels and hand tools, directed to the discharge point
Site report with observations and the probable causes of hardening

Outcome

The blockages were cleared and clinker flow restored. The report gave the plant the probable causes, so it can reduce moisture ingress and retention times and prevent a repeat. See our material flow services and other projects in Guadeloupe.