Largest container degassing site opens on Maasvlakte

For measuring containers for harmful gases and then degassing them in an environmentally friendly way, Gasmeetstation Nederland BV is opening the largest location in the Netherlands this month on Rotterdam's Maasvlakte. What is also new is that containers for degassing are stacked three-high in racks with integrated degassing units.

For environmentally friendly degassing, special racks have been developed to handle large numbers of containers simultaneously. A total of four racks for 24 containers each have been installed at the two-hectare new site at the Distripark Maasvlakte.

The degassing units are integrated into the rack. The new approach reduces space requirements on valuable land and enables efficient degassing. No longer is a separate purification unit required for each container.

In one rack, all 24 containers are connected to one treatment plant. 'A special squeegee that fits into the rubbers of a container door ensures that a container never has to be opened. The seal always remains intact,' the company explains. 'Extraction is done through special hoses that exit into an activated carbon filter to capture harmful gases. Only pure air thus reaches the outside air.'

Drive through

For checking containers for harmful gases, Gasmeetstation Nederland BV is also opening a state-of-the-art 'drive-through' at its new location this summer. A driver arrives and knows within minutes whether he - provided with a gas-free certificate - can continue on his way.

If unwanted gases are measured, environmentally friendly degassing is immediately possible on site. Until the opening of the new 'drive-through', gas measurements will take place at Gasmeetstation s existing location on the Maasvlakte.

Pilot space

At the new site, the company will also have access to 4,500 square meters of warehouse space. The repackaging of cargo from fumigated containers can take place here in conditions that are protected for people and the environment. This cargo can then quickly continue on its way in specially designed, extra-ventilated trailers.

Containers coming to the Netherlands from all over the world may contain harmful gases. Such gas may be created by the nature of the cargo (e.g., gluing of footwear) or because the gas has been added to render vermin harmless. In the Netherlands, there is a legal requirement that employers provide safe working conditions for their employees. This includes gas-free containers. This is done by taking an official gas measurement prior to opening the doors. Should this subsequently prove necessary, environmentally friendly degassing is required.

source: www.nieuwsbladtransport.nl