During “Shut-Down” these pressure vessels had to be removed and sent to Stalls Workshop, for removal of waste catylist. The”Titan” a 100 ton rail mounted crane lifted them , carrying to “Stalls- Building” but before entering they were hung outside to remove the covers, this was a really heavy job, (look at the size of the securing nuts). A team of fitters and labourers swung 14lb hammers at the ring spanners to start them as the mechanical hammer could make no impression on the warm bolt-studs, if they were lucky a few hours work was enough, I”ve known 3 shifts working on these covers Once “free” the machine took over, the vessel then layed on its side and cover wedged off. This was a dangerous part, as the catylist although waste, was liable to fire when exposed to air. The cover was wedged open to the nuts and allowed to stand at least a day, then removed and the really dirty work began raking out the tons of black carbon and dust, with a fire hose standing by as pockets of carbon were still red-hot. Once cleaned and stress tested the vessels were taken into the Stalls building for a meticulous grinding of joint faces, filled with new product, the covers replaced with the mechanical machine taking up the slack, but it was man-power and 14lb hammer which finished the job, the chargehand or foreman only satisfied when the hammer “rang” correctly. For this work all trades got 1/- (5p) an hour extra (Dirty Money)
I worked in Agricultural Div as a messenger boy in 1968 & was based in the Ammonia Shift Clerks building on East Avenue which was near to all the HP Ammonia buildings. My job was to deliver mail around the buildings & I had to walk through the 100ton bay to get to the various offices etc on a daily basis. There were gas leaks & fires & it was always very unnerving. I eventually served my time as a plumber/pipefitter & went to work in LP Ammonia down the bottom of East Avenue. Left in 1975 to become a Building Inspector. I go onto the site occasionally to inspect building work & it is very sad to see the empty spaces & derelict plant.
Bob, Fitters of today do not have to swing 14lb hammers they just turn the pressure up on the multiplier machines they now use.
During “Shut-Down” these pressure vessels had to be removed and sent to Stalls Workshop, for removal of waste catylist. The”Titan” a 100 ton rail mounted crane lifted them , carrying to “Stalls- Building” but before entering they were hung outside to remove the covers, this was a really heavy job, (look at the size of the securing nuts). A team of fitters and labourers swung 14lb hammers at the ring spanners to start them as the mechanical hammer could make no impression on the warm bolt-studs, if they were lucky a few hours work was enough, I”ve known 3 shifts working on these covers Once “free” the machine took over, the vessel then layed on its side and cover wedged off. This was a dangerous part, as the catylist although waste, was liable to fire when exposed to air. The cover was wedged open to the nuts and allowed to stand at least a day, then removed and the really dirty work began raking out the tons of black carbon and dust, with a fire hose standing by as pockets of carbon were still red-hot. Once cleaned and stress tested the vessels were taken into the Stalls building for a meticulous grinding of joint faces, filled with new product, the covers replaced with the mechanical machine taking up the slack, but it was man-power and 14lb hammer which finished the job, the chargehand or foreman only satisfied when the hammer “rang” correctly. For this work all trades got 1/- (5p) an hour extra (Dirty Money)
I worked in Agricultural Div as a messenger boy in 1968 & was based in the Ammonia Shift Clerks building on East Avenue which was near to all the HP Ammonia buildings. My job was to deliver mail around the buildings & I had to walk through the 100ton bay to get to the various offices etc on a daily basis. There were gas leaks & fires & it was always very unnerving. I eventually served my time as a plumber/pipefitter & went to work in LP Ammonia down the bottom of East Avenue. Left in 1975 to become a Building Inspector. I go onto the site occasionally to inspect building work & it is very sad to see the empty spaces & derelict plant.