Chemical Containment Chamber

Posted in Main by imperial on 08/22 at 05:53 AM

BASF needed to store flammable chemicals in a controlled environment. They approached Luwa Environmental Specialties for a solution. They in turn contacted Imperial Manufacturing to provide a warm room. Although the chemicals were to be stored at 40ºC the environmental chamber was to be outdoors in a high humidity area, so heat was needed on the doors to control condensation.

Since the chemicals being stored were flammable, the chamber needed to meet Class 1, Division 1 regulations and needed to be FM approved. It also needed to have blow out panels in the event of an accidental explosion. They also needed (1) emergency egress door and (2) 10’ x 10’ doors to allow forklift traffic, but they could not be sliding doors due to the potential to cause a spark. The required interior dimensions of the chamber were 31’ x 37’ 6” x 13’ at the lowest point, and the slab needed to have a slope for drainage of any spilled chemicals.

Imperial was able to meet all of the above criteria with FM approved high density urethane framed panels and double swing doors. Recirculated glycol was used in lieu of heat cables. The chamber was self supporting, utilizing internal posts and beams and girt support for the walls. A concrete curb was poured for the walls to sit on due to the site not being level. Imperial also provided the roofing and weatherproofing materials, and handled the structural engineering utilizing Miller Consulting Engineers, and the installation utilizing Pitman Enterprises.

BASF and Luwa Environmental Specialties were very pleased with the completed chamber.

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