Groningen gas: Gasunie Zuidbroek (NL) very pleased with cooperation for new nitrogen plant
The pressure to make a success of the gigantic nitrogen plant in the north of the Netherlands is increasing as the soil problem in the Groningen region is still a reality. Altrad has been appointed partner for scaffolding, insulation and fireproof penetrations of this site since 2021. Just an update on how things are going…
One earthquake too many
By now everyone is familiar with the problem of the unstable underground in Groningen, due to years of gas exploitation. It led to major social and economic unrest in the Netherlands.
So importing foreign high-calorific gas was 1 of the solutions, but this has to be mixed with nitrogen to be used in Dutch households (low-calorific). So the construction of three air separation plants where nitrogen is removed from the air was a necessary measure to reduce dependence on that Groningen gas in the relatively short term and to spare the population.
Plenty of challenges
Johan Logtenberg, project manager of a team of now 80 employees, explains:
" Altrad, in collaboration with Ballast Nedam, is involved in the construction of the three required distillation columns, the compressor hall, pipe bridges and the steel structure with civil, mechanical and E&I work. Here, we do the sound and cold insulation and build the scaffolding structures.
Work on the site was previously delayed but Altrad has always met the agreed commitment. We have now reached 1400 tonnes of scaffolding material present here at the site. However, delays in the prior process, also mean challenges for our stock and material."
Quality service
" Another challenge is the coordination of people and material. There are currently many different parties working simultaneously but some work cannot be carried out together due to organisational or safety reasons. It is a puzzle to respond to the changing circumstances as well as possible, but with our team we succeed and the customer is satisfied. And that's what we do it for."
Thank you Johan for the comprehensive tour of this impressive site.
Team Altrad:
Project manager: Johan Logtenberg
Scaffolding construction: Henk Horst (foreman) & Dirk Jan Reijer (foreman)
Insulation: Rob Niersman (surveyor ISO) &Henk Bolk (foreman ISO)