English edition - Buchen UmweltService GmbH

In Larnaca on Cyprus, the Buchen Group dismantled the
eleventh TEL-system. “TEL” is the abbreviation for lead
tetraethyl, which was produced until the end of the 90s
and mixed with the gas as an anti-knock agent.
The proven Buchen “TEL-Team” from the North Region with the project
leader Jean Mathys was used again. The complete equipment was
transported to the Mediterranean island by boat. A perfect work
preparation was an absolute requirement due to the distance and
because Cyprus is a “tourist island” and there is barely any technical
equipment available. A complete list of materials and the prior
test of all equipment was particularly important. There were delays
during the construction site setup. Extreme weather changes and
downpours with egg-size hail led to further forced breaks. The Cypress
Department of the Environment approved the construction site
after touring it. Thus, after one-and-a-half weeks of preparation, the
work could finally begin.
After the highly poisonous, organic lead compounds were removed
from the tank, there was high pressure cleaning and finally, the
complete system was flushed with a special solution in order to
completely remove all poisonous residues.
Working with breathing protection
Eleven tons of TEL-waste were filled up in small containers and sent
to Germany where they were burned. In the last step, the decontaminated
tank was cut into small parts that were then brought to
Greece in containers for melting. The four-week work was executed
mainly under the use of severe breathing protection, which illustrat-
ed an enormous burden for the employees due to the high outdoor
temperatures.
The team should be praised for being able to maintain the planned
final date, despite all difficulties. The Buchen employees left the
beautiful Mediterranean island with mixed feelings. Our customer,
the Cyprus Petroleum Storage Company Ltd., was completely satisfied
with our service.
TEL-system tank, basic cleaning
The highly poisonous lead compounds were properly removed from the tank under the highest protection measures
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