Site expansion with fourth production line for demineralized water (Water-Link)

The customer

Water-Link 's demineralization plant is among the largest in Europe. As much as 2,000 m³ of water per hour runs through 22 kilometers of piping. Moreover, they have their own supply of 15,000 m³.

Purpose

Due to the proximity of the petrochemical industry, the Port of Antwerp has an increasing demand for demineralized water. The expansion of Water-Link's site consisted of the construction of a fourth production line, additional neutralization units (for NaOH and HCl) for the neutralization basins (neuts), an additional regeneration line and connection of the pressure lines to the neuts.

Problem-solution

With an eye for the different chemical properties of the products to be pumped, CGK supplied the degassing towers, chemical container and pump cabinets. Moreover, we also provided all piping - a clever combination of stainless steel and plastic materials - and corresponding insulation.

The planning and phased overbuilding were very important, as all connections to the existing network could take up to 4 hours.

In addition, the transfer of chemicals was taken care of with a truck unloading station. We provided the necessary piping, valves and pump containers.
- Previously, chemicals were in fact unloaded from the truck by means of the truck's own pumping system. Since that pressure is difficult to control, it can cause overpressure in the installation. For products with high vapor pressure (e.g., HCl), the truck cannot discharge the air in a controlled manner, creating a chemical vapor.
- To solve this problem, CGK built a pump station so that the flow rate can be perfectly controlled. The chemicals are sucked in by the pump station and the vapors are returned to the truck, so there is always a balance.