The challenge
Moisture in the tropical marine climate had hydrated cement inside silo No. 1, creating dense wall caking, overhanging bridges and rat-holes down to the discharge cone.
The deposits restricted discharge, loaded the shell unevenly and made entry hazardous: engulfment, dust and limited access.
Scope of works
- Full lockout/tagout of inlet conveyors, aeration blowers and discharge gates
- Continuous multi-gas monitoring and forced ventilation
- Dual-rope rope access with edge protection at the manhole
- Top-down mechanical descaling, keeping technicians above any hung-up material
- Controlled discharge into transport with 100% tool tethering
Outcome
Silo No. 1 was cleared and handed back ready for refilling. The same team cleaned silos No. 2 and No. 3 at this plant. Read the cement silo unblocking case study.
Photo record
