Producing the rectification columns was an important project for BUTTING Anlagenbau in 2015. The pressure vessels each had a diameter of 2,700 mm, were 31,000 mm high and had 48 support rings for fittings. The vessels were made from material 1.4404 and the attachment parts from material 1.4301. Both a TÜV inspection and a pressure test when laid flat had to be performed before delivery.
Additional orders in connection with this one made the project particularly challenging for BUTTING Anlagenbau. The old rectification columns had to be dismantled and replaced by the new ones within a few days. Transporting the vessels also had to be arranged by road on a special lorry transport. The abnormally long and wide load weighing 30 metric tons made this no easy task.
The columns were fitted and removed on the same day over the roof of the plant. A 1,200 metric ton crane was ordered for this task. Then the 48 new bottoms were fitted while the system was switched off. It took a mere ten days to erect the column, fit the bottoms and go into operation. For the second and third column, the upper parts and the 48 bottoms of the old columns were dismantled and recycled by BUTTING.
Ulrich Menter, Director of BUTTING Anlagenbau in Schwedt, makes clear: "This order was very special for us, because we're motivated by the desire for a top-class performance. Producing the large vessels, transporting them by lorry and assembling them quickly demonstrated just how much expertise and planning skills BUTTING possesses. We can now successfully complete the project in February."
BUTTING - Progress by Tradition