DESCRIPTION
At Rugby Cement Works the initial access and then wrecking of refractory in the pre- heater tower is a hazardous operation with operators potentially exposed to a range of risks. During previous overhauls, the risk from these hazards had been mitigated by safe systems of work (SSOW), detailed rope access cleaning, manual tap testing, netting and air bag solutions. However, further improvements were required.
CEMEX site engineers collaborated with an Irish company to design and manufacture a robotic wrecking arm. The robotic wrecking arm can be installed and remotely operated from outside the vessels, removing build-up and tap testing before any individual gains access.
BENEFITS
- Task more efficiently carried out saving time and resource
- Eliminates risk of being struck by falling objects
- Eliminates potential falls from height
- No confined space working in dusty conditions
- No manual jack hammers reducing HAVS exposure
- Complex scaffolding no longer required
- Workforce directly involved in finding the solution