Traditionally Gas Holders played a key role in the UK gas network, as they were used to store town gas which was created from burning coal. However the development of the gas pipe has since left many Gas Holders redundant as the requirement diminished for their service, leading to demolition projects taking place across the UK.
Traditionally Gas Holders played a key role in the UK gas network, as they were used to store town gas which was created from burning coal. However the development of the gas pipe has since left many Gas Holders redundant as the requirement diminished for their service, leading to demolition projects taking place across the UK.
Although now mostly defunct as part of the gas network, many holders still have a place in the skyline of several UK towns and cities. Famous Gas Holders include the one that overlooks the Oval cricket ground, which is synonymous with many iconic cricket moments.
As an industry leader with over 20 years of contracting experience in contaminated land remediation, VHE are currently working on three major Gas Holder Demolition Projects across the North of England on behalf of National Grid. The works are part of the ongoing UK wide initiative by National Grid to decommission and demolish the holders which has been running for a number of years.
Due to the advancing technology and capacity of local gas networks, the additional storage capacity provided by a Gas Holder is no longer required in most areas. Since the decommissioning programme began in 1999, National Grid has been preparing the sites to be sold on for future development.
VHE are currently involved with various projects in Barnsley, Preston and Liverpool. In total, VHE are demolishing five Gas Holders, including both above and below ground structures, with one holder in Barnsley, two in Liverpool and two at the site in Preston. The largest measuring 55.1m in diameter and containing four lifts, each at 9.7m height.
Initially, VHE must empty each of the steel structures of around 20,000 cubic metres of water which is then treated prior to discharge, under consent, into the sewers. The water was originally used to create an airtight seal and has been untouched within the structures since they were first constructed. Once this process has been completed, the base is cleared of any contaminated residual sludge before being stabilised on site and transported to safe waste facilities. Finally, the immense steel structure is then carefully dismantled.
In total over 85,000 cubic metres of water and over 1,400 cubic meters of sludges will be removed and treated across the three sites.
If you are looking to carryout demolition and land remediation services on redundant Gas Holder sites, please do not hesitate to contact VHE on 01226 320150 or alternatively email enquiries@vhe.co.uk.
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