Tank Cleaning magazine

SUMMER 2016

Issue 2 Volume 3

Home sweet home Tank cleaning pioneer embraces change

Wash and go

Staying ahead of the game

BELGIUM TANK CLEANING STA T DIRECTORY IN ION SIDE

COMMENT Dear reader,

SUMMER 2016 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Woodcote Media Ltd Marshall House 124 Middleton Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 6RW, UK MANAGING DIRECTOR Peter Patterson Tel: +44 (0)20 8648 7082 peter@woodcotemedia.com EDITOR Liz Gyekye Tel: +44 (0)20 8687 4183 liz@woodcotemedia.com DEPUTY EDITOR Ilari Kauppila Tel: +44 (0)208 687 4126 Ilari@woodcotemedia.com INTERNATIONAL SALES MANAGER Matthew Clifton Tel: +44 (0)203 551 5751 matthew@globaltankcleaning.com PRODUCTION Alison Balmer Tel: +44 (0)1673 876143 alisonbalmer@btconnect.com SUBSCRIPTION Contact: Lisa Lee Tel: +44 (0)20 8687 4160 Fax: +44 (0)20 8687 4130 marketing@woodcotemedia.com No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in any form by any mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording or other means without the prior written consent of the publisher. Whilst the information and articles in Tank Cleaning are published in good faith and every effort is made to check accuracy, readers should verify facts and statements direct with official sources before acting on them as the publisher can accept no responsibility in this respect. Any opinions expressed in this magazine should not be construed as those of the publisher.

ISSN 2059-1357

It has been a difficult market environment for many sectors this year, including the oil industry and commodities sector. Low oil prices and weak growth in emerging markets has not helped the situation. Not many businesses are innovating as a result of weak demand for their products.

However, the tank cleaning sector is one that is creating a variety of innovations.

In fact, some tank cleaning companies, such as Gröninger Cleaning Systems, have been making advancements over several decades. In this issue, the company analyses how it has evolved since 1947 and what its future expansion plans are.

Elsewhere, industry standards, in terms of regulation, are constantly climbing, as is the cleanliness that customers demand. Belgian logistics and transport firm Katoen Natie, which has tank cleaning divisions, can attest to this notion. In this issue, the company describes what measures it takes to meet high cleaning standards while keeping its employees and customers safe.

As well as the usual selection of technical features, this edition focuses specifically on tank cleaning stations in Belgium. We have worked very closely with the CTC (Koninklijke Federatie van Belgishce Transporteurs & Logistieke Dienstverleners) – the Belgian trade association for professional certified tank cleaners – and together created a tank cleaning station directory. We hope you find this geographical focus a useful and interesting addition.

Feel free to contact me at any time at liz@woodcotemedia.com if there’s a particular topic you’d like to see covered in TCM for future editions – I’ll be happy to hear from you.

Liz Gyekye Editor

@tankcleaningmag

Tank Cleaning Magazine

Contents PAGE 1 News

PAGE 8

A formal introduction A look at Belgium’s trade association for professional tank cleaners

PAGE 10

Belgian tank cleaning directory Certified CTC tank cleaning members directory

PAGE 13

Certification Getting all the juice from high quality cleaning

PAGE 15

Company profile Spotlight on Belgian tank cleaning specialist

PAGE 19 SUMMER 2016

Company profile Wash and go

Issue 2 Volume 3

Home sweet home Tank cleaning pioneer embraces change

Wash and go

Staying ahead of the game

PAGE 20

Staying on top Tank cleaning firm prepares to celebrate eight-year anniversary BELGIUM TANK CLEANING STAT DIRECTORY INSIION DE

Front cover courtesy of Cleaning Thys

PAGE 22

Down Poland way A look at tank cleaning in Poland

SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

NEWS

ITCO survey shows 7.2% growth in worldwide tank container fleet The International Tank Container Organisation (ITCO) recently published its fourth annual tank container fleet survey, and data shows solid worldwide fleet expansion over the past year.

The survey revealed that there are a total of 458,200 tank containers presently in operation worldwide – an increase of 7.2% from a year earlier.

The survey’s qualified estimate is based on detailed research of tank container operators, leasing companies and other owners.

A total of 43,780 tank containers were manufactured in 2015 (down from 48,200 in 2014). Compiled with the support of ITCO members and based on data provided by tank container owning companies, the ITCO Survey gives details of 205 operators of tank containers worldwide.

The operator figure of 329,080 units (up from 305,700 in 2015), is numerically dominated by the top 10 global tank container operators: Stolt Tank Containers, Hoyer Group, Bulkhaul, Den Hartogh Logistics, Newport, Bertschi Group, China Railway Logistics, VTG Tanktainer, Interflow, Suttons. These represent some 54 % of the total fleet.

A total of 36 leasing companies, with a fleet size of 201,750 units (up from 195,000 in 2015), are listed in the survey. The top 10 are EXSIF Worldwide, Seaco Global, Eurotainer, Trifleet Leasing, TAL International, NRS Group, Raffles

Lease, IEL, TWS Tankcontainer and Multistar Leasing. Those companies account for 85% of the total leasing fleet, with the top three alone making up 58% of the total fleet.

However, as the majority of these tanks are leased to operators or direct to cargo shippers, leasing company tanks (with the exception of units not currently in operation) are not included in the global fleet total.

Growth in the tank container industry is reflected by the number of new containers built. The ITCO Survey gives details of 18 tank container

manufacturers, which produced 43,780 new tank containers in 2015. Compared to 2014, when 48,200 new tank containers were manufactured, this represents a decrease of 9.2% over 2014.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Heike Clausen, ITCO president, said: “The 4th annual ITCO tank container fleet survey shows that the world’s tank container fleet grew by 7.2% compared to last year, with the total figure now standing at some 458,200 units.

She added: “This growth shows the recognition of the tank container as a

safe, reliable, economic and sustainable means of transport. It is certainly fair to say that with 43,780 new manufactured tank containers in 2015 and our maintenance programmes, our customers can count on an extraordinarily innovative and progressive tank container industry.”

The ITCO Fleet Survey is published annually, with periodic updates. ITCO said that it welcomes companies to contribute to the ongoing reports by providing fleet totals, comments and recommendations. z

ITCO’s new survey revealed that there are a total of 458,200 tank containers presently in operation worldwide

TANK CLEANING IN PORTUGAL – LISBON

Quinta São João das Areias Rua D, Sacavem, Lisboa

www.gomeseseverino.com Tel: +351 219473050/218851657 fabrica@gomeseseverino.com GPS: 38.799486, -9.121833

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 1

NEWS

Tankclean Sweden acquires Stockholm tank cleaning station

Tankclean Sweden will take over GW:s Bulk-och Tankrengöring’s terminal in Arsta, Sweden.

In a statement, the company said the acquisition of the Stockholmbased tank cleaning station will help strengthen the firm. It also said that it will become a major player in the cleaning of road tankers and tank containers, workshop operations and terminal handling in Northern Europe.

The move was made in late

February, 2016. Tankclean Sweden has now moved its operations from the Swedish town of Sollentuna to its new terminal in Arsta.

“For the new facility, the change means an intensified focus on eco-efficient cleaning techniques and a wider service offer to our customers with for example a workshop for containers just as we have on our other terminals,” said Christer Andersson, operations manager at Tankclean Sweden. z

Tankclean Sweden hopes its acquisition of an Arsta-based tank cleaning firm beef up its Northern Europe operations

Quality Distribution acquires Isotank Group UK Quality Distribution, a North American logistics and transportation provider, has announced that it has acquired Isotank Group UK. Isotank, led by Colin Garnett, is a UK-based intermodal tank container and depot services provider. The firm will become part of Quality Distribution’s Intermodal business, Boasso America.

In a statement, Quality Distribution said: “The acquisition will complement Boasso’s strong heritage and deep experience that has made them the market leading, full service provider in the ISO tank industry in North America.”

“We are excited by the opportunity to operationally expand into the UK/European markets,” said Tony Morsovillo, president of Boasso America. “We believe Boasso’s operating strength and capabilities will complement Isotank’s highly respected business, and allow us to provide our customers with broader coverage and services in the coming years as we grow internationally.”

Morsovillo added: “Colin and his business partner Bob Bayliss have done an outstanding job building and running Isotank, and we are delighted that they both have agreed to stay on board. We look forward to growing within the UK and European markets, as we jointly serve our existing customers as well as attract new customers to the market leading services we can collectively provide.” z

cleaning your wörld Gröninger Cleaning Systems B.V. Overschieseweg 111 3044 EH Rotterdam The Netherlands telephone +31 (0)10 437 1022

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2015-04-20-Groninger-adv.indd 1

Gröninger Asia Pte. Ltd. Block 809 French Road #07-150, Kitchener Complex Singapore telephone +65 6264 3644

Gröninger Cleaning Systems is the leading international supplier of specialised cleaning systems for tank trucks, ISO containers, railcars and IBCs. Since it was founded in 1947 Groninger has established a reputation for reliability and innovation. Its global customer base is contributing to major improvements in cleaning standards through the use of Gröninger technology.

groninger.eu 20-04-15 16:44

SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

NEWS

Quala acquires Minneapolis-based tank cleaning provider Quala, a US-based bulk transportation cleaning specialist, has acquired Minneapolis-based tank cleaning specialist South St. Paul Truck Wash.

In a statement, Quala said that the move will expand its chemical and food-grade cleaning capabilities in the state.

This is the tenth acquisition made

by Quala since 2012, expanding the company’s footprint to more than 60 locations across the US. “We are thrilled to establish a presence in the attractive Minneapolis-St. Paul region,” said Mike Bauer, CEO of Quala.

He added: “This acquisition reflects our strategy to expand into new markets and better serve our customers in both the chemical and food-grade end markets.

Over the past 22 years, the South St. Paul Truck Wash has earned a stellar reputation by operating with the highest quality and safety standards, and we look forward to continuing those practices and enhancing certain capabilities as we transition the facility to the Quala brand.”

Conveniently located on the corner of Concord St. S and Grand Ave. in South St. Paul, the South St. Paul Truck Wash is the well-known provider of chemical and food-grade tank cleaning services in the Minneapolis– Saint Paul region.

The re-branded facility will include: • Segregated foodgrade and chemical

Quala hopes its new acquisition reflects its strategy to expand into new markets and better serve its customers in both the chemical and food-grade end markets

tank cleaning bays • Van trailer and tank trailer cleaning capabilities • Kosher certified.

Earlier this year, Quala opened a new container cleaning facility in Hutchins, Texas.

The facility includes four

trailer cleaning bays on seven acres of land, servicing various types of containers, including ISO tank containers, Frac tanks, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and tank trailers.

“We’re excited to expand our footprint of existing facilities

in the Dallas-Fort Worth area,” said Terry O’Brien, president of Quala. “With this new location in Hutchins, we can now offer the Dallas-Ft. Worth market a premier facility that is significantly closer to Dallas than any other service provider.” z

Bolondi Cleaning Heads Via A. Volta, 4 42027 Montecchio Emilia (RE) Italy Tel. +39 0522 864434 Fax +39 0522 865780 E-mail: bolondi@bolondi.com Web Site: www.bolondi.com

CLEANING HEADS SELF PROPELLED OR MOTORIZED FOR WASHING AT HIGH AND LOW PRESSURE SUITABLE FOR FOOD, CHEMICAL, PHARMACEUTICAL, WINE AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY, TRANSPORTS, URBAN AND BUILDING CLEANING INDUSTRY.

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 3

NEWS

Katoen Natie aims to boost container throughput with new reachstacker Belgian bulk logistics specialist Katoen Natie has taken delivery of a Liebherr reachstacker LRS 545.

The reachstacker is the latest machine from Liebherr Maritime Cranes and was selected by Katoen Natie to increase the container throughput at its intermodal terminal in Antwerp.

The design of the LRS 545 is based on the latest technology in order to maximise driver comfort, performance and eco-friendliness. It is equipped

with a 4-cylinder, 230kW Liebherr diesel engine. This downsized engine has lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. To fulfil stage IV and tier 4 final legislative requirements, Liebherr relies entirely on a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system developed inhouse which reduces exhaust emissions without a sacrificing performance.

The machine stacks five containers high in the first row and four containers high in the third row. Moreover, it is

capable of handling 45 tonnes in the first row and 21 tonnes in the third row.

The distinctive feature of the newly designed cabin is a large glass panel that unites the front window with the side windows. A curved window design allows the driver to have a panoramic view. Wide angle mirrors and a rear view camera ensure a complete view behind the machine, the company said. Ergonomic adjustments of the driver seat ensure high comfort and so reduce fatigue. z

Liquid Concept expands tank fleet A system to support your tank cleaning business Record any relevant detail concerning tank cleaning activities Record details on heating, repairing or storing tanks Book activities in the calendar Give your customers overview through the Portal Print ECD forms, receipts and search history ... and much, much more

www.tankmin.eu

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Liquid Concept, a Germany based logistics provider, has acquired an additional 20 new tank containers to its portfolio.

After having established its intermediate bulk container (IBC) business within a short time, Liquid Concept is now responding to an increase in demand for integrated logistics services by investing heavily in its pool of tank containers.

The current purchases amount to an investment of â‚Ź500,000.

With the addition of the new tank containers, the Hamburg based company now has a total of 50 on offer. Of the 20 new tanks acquired, 15 have already been rented out to customers.

According to the firm, they can be used, not just for transport, but also where additional storage capacity is needed short term. The tanks can be configured to adapt to individual clients’ requirements. Foodstuffs producers will use the tanks primarily for filling with chocolate, cacao products, fruit juices and glucose, to be delivered mainly to companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for onward processing. z

SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

NEWS

Van den Bosch concludes joint venture with Aspen International Van den Bosch Transporten, an international logistic provider, has concluded a joint venture with South African Aspen International.

With this joint venture two new sites, one in Cape Town and one in Dubai, have been opened.

The new company retains the name Aspen International.

Aspen International will offer a full range of transport solutions to and from the South African market from the strategic hubs in Cape Town and Dubai.

The main focus is on shipping liquid bulk products (food as well as chemicals) in tank containers in cooperation with Van den Bosch’s subsidiary

Van den Bosch DMCC in Dubai. Moreover, the business includes shipping liquid bulk products in flexitanks, palletised dry goods in 6m and 12m general purpose containers, as well as

Van den Bosch says it believes in Africa’s potential, as it plans to expand in the continent

perishable goods in reefer tanks and containers.

Solid base According to Van den Bosch, Aspen International has built up a “good reputation in the reefer market in South Africa, providing an outsourced logistic solution, including freight forwarding”.

Peter van den Bosch, director of Van den Bosch, said: “Therefore it’s a deliberate choice to keep using the name Aspen International. With the new hubs in Cape Town and Dubai, we want to build on the solid base which owner Gary van Niekerk and his partners have built over the past 18 years.”

Expansion

Aspen International has built up a good reputation in the reefer market in South Africa

For Aspen International, the joint venture offers the opportunity to expand its services with the tank container activities of Van den Bosch, the company said.

Aspen International will cooperate intensively with Van den Bosch DMCC in

Dubai, for that very purpose.

“The cooperation will mean a one stop shop concept with access to a wide range of transport solutions, all under one roof for our clients,” Gary van Niekerk said. “Moreover we can also take care of the local transport handling, taking advantage of our strong intermodal network in Europe, Africa and Asia. In this way we offer a complete door-to-door solution for the South African market.”

For Van den Bosch, the cooperation is another new step ahead in the African market. “We believe in Africa’s potential and want to further develop this growth market,” Van den Bosch said.

He added: “We have built a strong network in the past few years and we are now shipping various liquid bulk goods from, to and in Africa.

Thanks to the new office in Cape Town, we will be locally represented in South Africa, so we will be able to support our clients even better in setting up and optimising their flows of goods from and to Africa.” z

European specialist in Tankcleaning Car- & Truckwash nv is one of the leaders in Tankcleaning equipment.

The cleaning is done by using rotating high pressure cleaning heads. All installations are customer-built for food, chemical, container and bulk transport.

Car- & Truckwash nv - CTW Sint-Jansveld 7 2160 Wommelgem - Belgium T: +32 (0) 3 235 60 80 F: +32 (0) 3 235 60 90 info@ctwcleaning.com www.ctwcleaning.com

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 5

NEWS

Cleaning Thys introduces round-the-clock web-based order system Cleaning Thys, a Belgian food and liquid logistic provider, has launched a new web-based order system for its customers.

Customers using the company’s new system can book slots for cleaning trailers and containers online, 24 hours, seven days a week.

In a statement, the company said that trucks arriving within a pre-booked slot time are cleaned with priority, increasing speed and reducing waiting times.

A customer can enter a cleaning order, specifying cleaning options such as kosher or hot air drying.

Typically the planners will enter the order a couple of hours or the day before the cleaning has to take place.

According to the company, this guarantees the planner that the cleaning will take place according to the specifications of the shipper of the next loading activity.

Customers can enter or upload their drivers, trucks, containers or trailers including number of manholes and required number of seals, Cleaning Thys said. The new system makes it easy to enter an order and make sure communication mistakes with drivers are avoided.

Cleaning Thys is based in Merksem, Belgium

With the new system, cleaning orders will be automatically loaded in the software of the cleaning station of Cleaning Thys.

New app In a statement, the company said: “When the driver announces himself with the ONEtoMOVE app, all paperwork and data entry has been done. The driver can automatically drive to the right lane where the cleaning program is started according to the order.

Example of Cleaning Thys’ new web portal, which customers can use to create a cleaning order

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“Immediately after the cleaning has taken place, information like start and end times, applied European Federation of Tank Cleaning Organisations (EFTCO) codes, PDFs of the signed cleaning certificate are made available on the portal. If desired, the transport planner will receive an e-mail that the cleaning has finished and the certificate can be downloaded.”

Customers can generate reports which gives them insights into the average time spent at the station and the percentage of orders finished in time.

Cleaning Thys director Frank Thys said: “We believe that the portal offers our customers great benefits. They will be serviced with priority, save waiting time, have

control over the cleaning program and the previous cargos on the certificate and have immediate access to the certificate.

“Together with our IT partner ONEtobeONE, we have put a lot of effort in a very user friendly system.

Entering an order will only take a couple of seconds.”

In an ever increasing international transport market, the program also gives drivers knoweldge about the “required cleaning programs” they need, as some are often not aware about the programs they need.

Cleaning Thys also said that the system has benefited the company because it has become “almost paperless and the administration is more smooth”. z

Cleaning Thys’ customers can generate reports which give them insights into the average time spent at the company’s cleaning station

SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

NEWS

Tanker operators warned on the dangers of non-standardised cleaning products Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS), a global provider of products and services to the shipping industry, has urged chemical tanker operators to ensure their products adhere to international chemical regulations.

In a statement, the firm said: “If you can’t trust your cleaning products, you can’t guarantee compliance.”

WSS is imploring owners and operators to look beyond the label of tank cleaning products to ensure compliance with regulation 13.5.2 of MARPOL Annex II – a regulation enforced by the International Maritime Organisation.

Knowledge of a product’s chemical composition and trust in the supplier is absolutely crucial, said Jan Fredrik Bjorge, WSS’ product marketing manager.

“The cost of non-compliance can be tremendously high,” Bjorge said, “so it

pays to know exactly what a product is made of, how it reacts with cargo residues and that every time you use it is exactly what you expect it to be.”

He added: “That may sound like a daunting prospect, but an experienced tank cleaning specialist will be able to provide support, telling you everything you need to know to ensure a clean result, while staying in compliance with all relevant regulations.”

Bjorge said: “For global regulations you need standardised products. You need to be able to look at documented performance while knowing that every litre of product is exactly the same as the last – same strength, same composition, same volume, same dosage and same results.

“The danger in using multiple local suppliers is that uniformity of quality is not a given.”

Bjorge noted that all of WSS’ tank cleaning chemicals are highly concentrated and produced in one location – Tønsberg, Norway – and manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001 and 14001 standards.

“Industry standards, in terms of regulation, are constantly climbing, as is the cleanliness that customers demand,” Bjorge concluded. “By partnering with firms with the right combination of expertise, supply and a high quality chemical portfolio, ship owners can avoid compliance headaches and get on with what they do best – providing quality transport services worldwide.”

WSS, which has offices in 75 countries around the world, servicing 2,200 port locations, owns its own cleaning brand Unitorm, which includes tank cleaning chemicals such as Unipol and Tankleen Advance. z

Power meets intelligence Tank cleaners for advanced processes

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09.06.16 11:27

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 7

A formal introduction

TANK CLEANING IN BELGIUM

A look at Belgium’s trade association for professional certified tank cleaners CTC is the Belgium trade association for professional certified tank cleaners, founded in 1991. CTC started as a working group within the Belgian Road Haulage Federation (FEBETRA), until in 1998 it became an independent association. The trade body is made up of companies whose primary activity is the internal cleaning of road and rail tanks, an essential part in the efficiency of the logistics chain.

The association’s main aim is to defend the professional interests of its members and to continuously reinforce the quality, safety, and security in the tank cleaning sector. The association’s other aims are to: • Take part in all discussions with Belgium and EU authorities on regulations relating to the cleaning of various containers • To establish relations with other associations in Belgium and in other countries and with regional, national, and supranational authorities in order to be recognised as a discussion partner • To invest in studies and training Pioneer CTC was the first national organisation to officially use the European Cleaning Document (ECD) in 2004. The ECD is a standardised document, run by European Federation of Tank Cleaning Organisations (EFTCO), which shows proof of quality of cleaning in order to satisfy the needs of cleaning stations, transport companies, and chemical companies. In fact, CTC is one of the founding members of EFTCO and has always tried to play a leading role. Before the introduction of the ECD, CTC was also one of the first national associations to develop a national cleaning certificate (predecessor of the ECD).

When CTC officially became an organisation in 1998, it had 15 members.

The organisation now has 37 members and

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CTC offers theoretical health and safety training for members

is catering to a growing market. However, a growing market brings challenges. There are new regulatory requirements in the pipeline, including new rules to measure the environmental impact of wastewater discharged by tank cleaning stations.

Later on this year, a Best Available Technique (BAT) study and revised standards will be unveiled for the tank cleaning industry. A BAT document is a publication resulting from a series of

‘CTC is involved in a new online-based cleaning cloud project’ exchanges of information between a variety of stakeholders, including regulators, industry, and environmental non-governmental organisations. The study gives an overview of environmental challenges in a specific sector and outlines the best available techniques used to tackle these hurdles, such as pollutant discharges. BATs are regulated under the European Commission’s

Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive.

Internet-based computing Another challenge, coupled with an opportunity, is the launching of a new online-based cleaning cloud project, which EFTCO and the CTC are involved in.

The cleaning cloud project was initiated

by Essencia, a trade body representing the chemical industry in Belgium. The project aims to put all data (e.g. orders, last product data of tanks, safety data sheets, ECDs, and special requirements) in a “chemical” cloud only once and all other parties needing this data can download it when authorised.

The first step is the creation of an electronic ECD. Consequently, CTC and EFTCO are involved in this process.

Initially, a pilot of the system will start in the Antwerp area and CTC members will participate in the trial. CTC acknowledges that there will be no direct advantage for tank cleaners at the beginning of the trial. However, in the long term the organisation expects members to benefit as the system progresses.

SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

TANK CLEANING IN BELGIUM

CTC offers practical training exercises, including showing members how to access confined spaces in a safe manner.

CTC in numbers z

37 member cleaning stations, all recognised under Belgium law

z As a whole, CTC’s members make 400,000 washes per year z CTC has celebrated its anniversary this year

25th

In relation to tank cleaners, it is important to keep control over the ECD as a document that stands for high quality, legal cleaning. It is also important that it remains an open system which is not limited to the chemical industry.

CTC and other EFTCO members are prepared to invest in this project on the condition that the other parties involved commit themselves to it. The CTC also hopes that the project will not be limited to the electronic ECD and that it will be rolled out all over Europe. EFTCO’s scopes were put on paper and sent to the European Chemical Transport Association (ECTA), which is leading the workgroup. EFTCO wants to sit in the cockpit seat to steer the project in the right direction and to defend the interests of tank cleaners across Europe.

Separately, CTC members and EFTCO are involved with putting together a polymer industry cleaning specification and equipment check list for European silo-tank operations, which will be put on the market as a new standard.

The main aim is to reach a standard

that is accepted by a majority of plastic polymer manufacturers.

Training For the past 25 years CTC’s members have benefitted from dedicated training. The organisation has just finished a revision of its training programme and has worked on it in close cooperation with its French counterpart, Aplica. The training comprises two parts: safety within the cleaning station, and food safety. CTC will have two training programmes for tank cleaning operators, one for chemical specialists and one for food specialists. The training is available in Dutch and in French.

CTC made an agreement with an

‘There are new environmental regulatory requirements in the pipeline’ external company for this training, and the first programme started in June. Elsewhere, CTC is continuing to support online Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) training for cleaning operators.

All in all, CTC has been successfully operating and serving its members for 25 years and hopes to continue doing this for many years to come. z For more information:

Visit: www.ctc-belgium.be

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 9

TANK CLEANING IN BELGIUM

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ADPO Steenlandlaan, Haven III, 9130 Beveren-Kallo Stefan Embregts www.adpo.com Antwerp Bulk Cleaning Vosseschijnstraat 31, 2030 Antwerpen Johan Veraghtert www.katoennatie.com

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ASRO Clean Textilstrasse 13, 4700 Eupen Roger Heinen www.asro-clean.com ATC Schomhoeveweg 9, 2030 Antwerpen Joris De Moor www.vanloon.be

SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

TANK CLEANING IN BELGIUM

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Belgian Cleaning Center Industrieweg 156, 3580 Beringen Stefan Heymans www.bcc-cleaning.be Bertschi Belgium Zomerweg 5, 2030 Antwerpen Rene Vanmol Cleaning Thys Eugeen Meeusstraat 116, 2170 Merksem Sven Beeusaert www.tanktransport-thys.com cotac Belgium Transcontinentaalweg 10, Haven 200, 2030 Antwerpen Erwig Seliaerts www.cotac-group.com Dekker Transport Vosmeer 8, 9200 Dendermonde Jeffrey Van Acker www.dekkergroep.com De Decker-Van Riet Kouterbaan 40, 1840 Londerzeel

ECLA Rue de l’Aeropostale 12, 4460 Grace-Hollogne Fabrice Dockier

e-LOGISTECH Zoning Industriel Strepy-Bracquignies, Etienne Demessemaeker ERPC Rue du Hainaut 8-16, 6180 Courcelles Rudy Vandevelde www.erpc.be

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Feluy Services Center Parc Industriel - Zone B, 7181 Feluy www.f-sc.be

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Verbeken Transport Hoogveld 85, 9200 Dendermonde Koen Goossens www.verbekentrans.be

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HTC Colombus Scheldelaan kaai 373, 2030 Antwerpen Gilbert Moerkens www.htctc.com

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HTC Herenthout Moerbroek 10, 2270 Herenthout Gilbert Moerkens www.htctc.com HTC Seneffe Chaussée de Nivelles, 7170 Manage Gilbert Moerkens www.htctc.com ICS Industrieweg 105, 3583 Beringen Hugo Wouters www.intercleaning.be Mac2 Solutions Blauwe weg 7, kaai 261, 2030 Antwerpen Frank Rammelaere www.mac-2.be Mervielde Transport Monumentstraat 13, 9940 Ertvelde-Rieme Kristel Verstraeten www.mervielde.be

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Remitrans Pamelstraat Oost 447, 9400 Ninove Ronald Dedoncker www.remitrans.be Schmidt Belgium Guddegemstraat 24, 2160 Wommelgem Yves Preuschoft www.schmidt-heilbronn.com Silo Cleaning Antwerpen Haandorpweg 1, kaai 1227, 9120 Kallo Johan Veraghtert www.katoennatie.com Spoelhal Hezemeer 3, 2430 Laakdal Ria Dams www.tancleaning-spoelhal.be Spoelhal Rosteyne Industriezone Rosteyne 2, 9060 Zelzate Sabine De Vleesschauwer www.spoelhalrosteyne.be Tack Oostrozebeke Ingelmunstersteenweg 58, 8780 Oostrozebeke Nick Vandekerckhove www.tackcleaning.com Tack Zeebrugge Koggenstraat 19, 8380 Zeebrugge Nick Vandekerckhove www.tackcleaning.com Tankterminal Gent Kennedylaan 30, 9042 Gent Diederick Pauwels www.tankterminal.be Tankterminal Lokeren Dijkstraat 9, 9160 Lokeren Diederick Pauwels www.tankterminal.be Tessenderlo Cleaning Center Kanaalweg 58, 3980 Tessenderlo Etienne Lenaerts www.essers.com TSA Hoeikensstraat 31, 2830 Willebroek Stefan Delaet

TSA Port Romeynsweel 1A, Haven 200, 2030 Antwerpen Stefan Delaet

TWZ Durmakker 4, 9940 Evergem Ivo De Vlieghere www.twz.be Unidet Amsterdamstraat 2, 2321 Meer Diederick Pauwels www.tankterminal.be Van Moer Cleaning & Repair Vitshoekstraat 11, haven 1054, 2070 Zwijndrecht Maarten Sysmands www.vanmoer.com VTS Brusselsesteenweg 391, 1731 Zellik Geert Van Laeken

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 11

PAGE HEADER COMMISSIE TANK CLEANING BELGIUM

Now in our 25th anniversary year Our members carry out over 400,000 washes per year CTC was the first association to implement the ECD and is a founding member of EFTCO 10 members have the EFTCO food assessment certification CTC organises training for cleaners with a specific focus on general safety and food safety

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www.ctc-belgium.be

SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

CERTIFICATION

Getting all the juice from high quality cleaning One of the most critical stages in the food supply chain is transport The tank container industry continues to grow both in terms of the volume of cargo transported and the number of tank containers in the global fleet, which includes tanks that carry liquid. The fourth Annual International Tank Container Organisation (ITCO) Tank Container Fleet Survey shows that the world’s tank container fleet grew by 7.2% compared to the same period last year, with the total figure now standing at some 458,200 units worldwide. This demonstrates that more liquids are being transported in tankers and their is an increasing need for the industry to prove that it is meeting high standards in cleaning.

The international fruit juice association (SGF) has developed a voluntary control system (VCS) for tank cleaning.

The scope is the cleaning of tank cars, containers and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for liquid foodstuff only.

Using the VCS, the industry is able to close the gap in the fruit juice supply chain. Cleaning stations, equipped for cleaning bulk food containers, have the opportunity to become certified according to the rules of the SGF VCS. Cleaning stations can apply for certification if they at least fulfil the following requirements: 1. A complete Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) analysis must be present 2. A suitable process data monitoring system must be installed 3. The food cleaning must be exclusively carried out with drinking water 4. Food cleaning bays must be clearly separated from chemical cleaning bays Without fulfilling these requirements certification will not be possible. The whole audit and certification process is outsourced by SGF to AJA Registrars in Speyer, Germany. This is an accredited certification body with experience in auditing cleaning stations. AJA Registrars

is accredited for various ISO standards such as: Quality (ISO 9001), Food Safety (ISO 22000) and Environmental Management (ISO 14001) and has accredited auditors for SQAS (auditing system installed for auditing chemical cleanings stations).

Regarding process data monitoring there are two types: 1. The classical data monitoring with data available only at the cleaning stations and which can be verified during the audit.

2. A data monitoring system combined with an online platform either managed by the cleaning station itself (checked during the audit) or by an independent third party. This system is developed and managed by tank cleaning quality monitoring specialists.

On such a system the stakeholders (cargo loader, cargo receiver, cargo transporter and the cleaning station

Using the VCS, the industry is able to close the gap in the fruit juice supply chain itself) are informed about the actual cleaning process data of the particular cleaning. This offers also the possibility to reject a bulk liquid transport unit at the earliest stage (before loading) in case cleaning was not up to specified requirements. Third party systems have to be accredited by SGF.

In order to ensure the quality of the whole certification process, SGF will carry out witness audits whereby SGF will at random accompany AJA auditors and monitor the performance of the auditors in practice. Furthermore, SGF will also check the consistency and correctness of audit reports and certification decisions. A commonly agreed integrity programme has been installed with both preventive quality assurance actions as well as quality assurance actions after appeals and complaints.

In order to improve food product transportation and minimise the risk of possible contamination SGF members are recommended to: 1. Specify the cleaning method in relation to pre-loads with the logistic service providers and/or cleaning stations.

2. Require the logistic service providers (which usually order and choose cleaning stations) to use only SGF certified cleaning stations.

By expanding the network of SGFcertified cleaning stations in Europe, the industry can work together on a high level of quality and food safety. z

For more information:

Visit: www.sgf.org

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 13

PAGE HEADER

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SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Safety – a core value Tank cleaning is not something that can be undertaken lightly. Safety is the first priority of a tank cleaning team

Every company tries to provide a safe environment for its employees and customers. When looking at the evolution of safety matters over the past few years, logistic specialists have been trying to emulate the standards set out by big industrial companies. The high safety standards that those companies impose on their employees and customers result in a safe – and healthy – work environment.

In the tank cleaning business we see ourselves faced with several risks: opening the manlids at height, cleaners working at height, cleaning of the tank and couplings at high pressure, slip and trip risk etc. The cleaners are already used to attaching themselves with a fall protection system whilst working.

On site they will be equipped with oxygen monitoring equipment, resuscitation and other safety equipment, and carry out full risk assessments and method statements before starting work.

However, we do not only value the safety of our staff but also that of our customers.

This ensures everyone’s health and safety are protected as far as possible and the customer has peace of mind while the work is being done. Using specialised equipment and cleaning agents, the usual procedure is to clean sludge from the base and walls and then jet the surfaces at high pressure for a really deep clean.

This level of health and safety measures is a priority for the tank cleaning divisions from Katoen Natie (KTN cleaning), a logistics and transport specialist with tank cleaning divisions also in Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain. The company values the health and safety of not only its own personnel, but also that of its customers. Five years ago, KTN decided to start using fall protection in all of its assignments. Since the safety harness is part of the standard equipment of the driver and its use is very

common on big industrial sites, this was nothing new for the company’s clients.

What was new was that this measure was taken at a cleaning station.

The same goes for the use of safety glasses and safety shoes. KTN is working to prompt cleaning operators to encourage their customers to be aware of their own safety.

is planning to install an outside drying facility at its tank cleaning base in Antwerp – the Antwerp Bulk Cleaning. This facility will not necessarily create more capacity, but it should create a more continuous flow. By moving the drying process to the back of the cleaning station, the cleaning bay will be more quickly cleared for the next customer.

Commercial – time management

Quality – Trying to achieve a European standard

When it comes to the client’s arrival times at a tank cleaning station, KTN is no different from a regular car wash.

There are – of course – the known peak times, depending on the activity of nearby logistical platforms. But when one exploits a tank cleaning station that does not primarily wash trucks for their own transport company, it can never be known in advance how many trucks will be coming in.

This depends on several factors. In the port of Antwerp, one of the biggest challenges is to deal with traffic not just in and around the port, but also the town. This means that there can be high peaks of several trucks arriving at the same time, whenever they get through the traffic jam. There is no one-way solution to handling this variable flow, so the tank cleaning industry – just like most major logistics players – has to try and adapt itself to the situation.

Furthermore, at the end of 2016, KTN

Over the past few years, KTN has specialised in the cleaning of dry bulk goods. Over the past 23 years – tank cleaning facilities have existed in Kallo since 1994 – the industry has evolved and the cleaning processes have had to adapt. Various polymer producers developed their personal cleaning requirements – some together with KTN – to obtain even higher cleaning standards.

But, as stands in the definition of the word, evolution never stops. At the moment KTN is collaborating with major parties from the industry and transport, aiming to create a high quality cleaning standard for the polymer industry. The company and collaborating parties aim to propose this as a European standard in the near future. z For more information:

This article was written by Cleo Frimout, tank cleaning manager at Katoen Natie. Visit: http://www.katoennatie. com/services/tank-cleaning-repair/

KTN offers fall protection training for members of staff

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 15

COMPANY PROFILE

Home

home

Tank cleaning pioneer embraces change Since July 2015, Gröninger Cleaning Systems has been based at a new location at Overschieseweg 111 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. At this base the company has been operating its engineering and manufacturing operations for its high and low-pressure cleaning systems.

In fact, in early April 2016, the new premises of Gröninger were officially opened, with more than 450 guests attending the official ceremony. The event was labelled the “Cleaning Your Wörld” event. The guests – suppliers, customers, business partners, and company friends – came to enjoy demonstrations and to join in a guided tour of the premises, including a visit to the firm’s extensive showroom and workshop.

New facilities The new location reflects Gröninger’s core values. The facility is situated in a prime location for both customers and suppliers in Rotterdam’s Spaanse Polder

industrial area near the junction of highways A20 and A13 and in the vicinity of Europe’s largest port. The site is easily accessible from the nearby airports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam and also by all modes of public and private transport. The company is expanding in line with its ambitions to grow globally.

The old facility was based at Fokkerstraat, Schiedam – a town located around 800 metres away from the new facility. The new Rotterdam plant has double the amount of square meters of floor area in comparison to the previous location and offers additional showroom and office space. More importantly, a larger warehouse and expanded manufacturing space have added a new dimension to the display of Gröninger’s service operations and equipment ranges.

All project engineers are now housed in a modern open office, using advanced engineering equipment design software and systems. In addition, the entire company has started benefitting from the

Gröninger’s worskhop based in Overschieseweg, Rotterdam

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advantages of the new premises, whether in welcoming potential new customers or the delivery and factory acceptance tests of newly built installations.

The company spent considerable time and effort with the preparation of the new premises prior to the implementation of the relocation. Apart from the refurbishment of the building, the design and layout of the production process and the showroom all required rethinking to cope with the increased capacities that were required to be handled.

With the time that has passed since the smooth transition from the old location, the benefits of the pre-planning that went into the layout of new premises has enabled the staff to settle in very quickly.

Procedures are being reviewed to further optimise working the Gröninger way.

Early days Since the company’s establishment in 1947, Gröninger has developed into a global supplier of highpressure cleaning systems.

The company offers complete, customised, and/ or turnkey solutions. The scope of activities includes design, development, engineering, installation, and service of main cleaning infrastructure and equipment.

Originally, the company was involved in trading and shipping activities. In the mid-60s Gröninger became an importer and later on a distributor of professional Kärcher pressure washer equipment. In that same era, rapid developments in the market for liquid transports of foodstuffs and chemicals challenged the son of the company’s

SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

COMPANY PROFILE

Gröninger’s project in the Middle East

founder, Ralph Gröninger, to come up with new technology for which many liquid logistics companies were looking.

What were required were professional methods to clean tank trucks in large numbers while maintaining the strict quality requirements needed for product and food safety. The first modern tank cleaning facilities were built by Gröninger for Dutch road transport company Bos Transport, based in Dordrecht. To this day these facilities are still in operation, now currently operated by the tank container company Den Hartogh.

European trailblazer Ralph Gröninger is without any doubt Europe’s tank cleaning pioneer. At the official opening of the plant at Gröninger’s “Cleaning your Wörld” event on April 9, Ralph was commemorated by officially naming the court in front of the new building Ralph R. Gröninger plein. Frank Gröninger, former director and brother of the late Ralph Gröninger, unveiled a nameplate together with the current management team. Since 2004, Gröninger has been managed and owned by Joost Kasbergen, Henk Klein, and Berthold Schaap.

Currently, the company has extensive experience in the field of tank cleaning equipment and systems and has an impressive reference list, which includes many important international company names in the logistics, waste management, food,

non-food, and chemical industry.

Applications range from tank cleaning facilities, mobile and stationary high pressure cleaning systems, intermediate bulk container (IBC) cleaning systems, drum and barrel cleaning systems, inplant cleaning equipment, and special purpose equipment like resin and latex cleaning unit modules to chassis cleaners, parts cleaning equipment and

‘In the last five decades many tank cleaning innovations have been introduced

by Gröninger at numerous sites throughout Europe’ custom-built cleaning systems, etc.

In the last five decades many tank cleaning innovations have been introduced by Gröninger at numerous sites throughout Europe.

This is completely in line with the pioneering spirit of Ralph Gröninger.

In recent years, Gröninger has expanded its activities to other parts of the world and also enlarged its product range in order to be able to provide turnkey tank-cleaning solutions. Key design capabilities include high-pressure pump technology, water-preparation

systems (water softening, boiler, heating), physical and biological wastewater treatment systems, energy recovery systems, and air-purification technology.

Far East and Middle East “In it for the long haul” was the commitment that Gröninger made when it commenced operations in Singapore in May 2011. Gröninger Asia is under the management of Lindsey Wallace as director of Asian operations, a longtime specialist in establishing businesses for European companies in the region.

He outlined the investment in time and money required if the group’s expansion strategy was to be successful.

With the Gröninger name and product range not really known outside the EU, it was never going to be easy. India, South East Asia, and China are all such different markets and, apart from language and cultural issues, there were no associations or industry groups that could be a starting point for any promotional activities. With more than half the world’s population in the target market, the region had less than 100 depots serving the tank container, road tanker, and rail car market compared to more than 600 in the greater EU. Thus Gröninger saw a clear opportunity in the area. However, the regional tank cleaning depots used a different cleaning regime to Europe. Solvents were predominately used for cleaning instead of steam and water-based chemicals.

The European Federation of Tank

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 17

COMPANY PROFILE Cleaning Organisations (EFTCO) and the European Cleaning Document (ECD) were not available in the region and without exception no cleaning standards existed anywhere. Consequently, the investment in technology to clean the “European way” was virtually nonexistent and cheap manual labour easily replaced significant investment in cleaning-equipment technology.

Saigon Newport Corp., a container terminal operation specialist based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, became the first company in South East Asia to purchase a full Gröninger depot tank cleaning system, complete with wastewater treatment facilities. Training was carried out in Rotterdam at Gröninger’s head office and also onsite in the Cat Lai Port depot location – a container port based at Ho Chi Minh City.

In addition, aided by a growing presence outside of the European mainland, industry leaders from Europe began seeking to become part of the logistics service chain in the Middle East.

As a direct result, Gröninger equipment found its way to several locations downstream from Saudi Arabia’s Sadara petrochemical project in Jubail.

Together with systems in the United Arab Emirates, the push from the West towards Asia was further underway.

Gröninger’s tank cleaning system in operation

Gröninger’s after-sales activities.

The continuing development of the service department has Gröninger’s full attention to ensure its future growth and to facilitate the professionalism

The company has extensive experience in the field of tank cleaning equipment and systems and has an impressive reference list

Challenges Development of the service department remains a top priority for Gröninger.

The service department is one of, if not the most important mainstay of

of its after sales activities.

The first steps have been taken with the addition of extra field service personnel and the establishment of a

FAMILY OF TANK CLEANING PRODUCTS

control room in the new building. The remote monitoring of installations from this control room can be supported more efficiently by the ICT engineers, enabling them to address any issue remotely.

A lot is happening with regard to systems. Gröninger’s Relyon service system will soon offer further possibilities, such as reporting, checklists in multiple languages, and a portal for customers with information on each system (drawings, manuals, etc.), the last orders, spare parts, service calls, etc. The operating software of Gröninger installations is becoming increasingly savvy allowing fault messages via the systems and status monitoring of the installations through sensors. With a growing international client base, it is essential for the company to be well-equipped to provide an international service.

In addition to these previously mentioned initiatives, soft skills like language knowledge are becoming of equal importance. There will also be more focus on preventative maintenance programmes, the optimisation of spare part packages, and the training of the customer’s operators to maximise equipment performance.

Outlook Gröninger will continue to drive its business forward, based on a clear “innovate and expand” strategy. Further innovations and developments will strengthen Gröninger’s core capabilities, which is a prerequisite to meeting future customer demands. More than 40 employees form a dedicated team with only one goal in mind: to maximise customer satisfaction. z

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This article was written by Lindsey Wallace, director Asian operations at Gröninger Cleaning Systems. Visit: www.groninger.eu 2/17/16 1:14 PM

SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

Wash and go

COMPANY PROFILE

When a Netherlands-based company needed a new tank cleaning system for its site in the port of Rotterdam, it had to turn to an expert Car- & Truckwash (CTW) is a Belgian company that specialises in the washing of cars and trucks, and tank cleaning. The company has recently installed a new tank cleaning station in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for Cotac Rotterdam, one of the biggest tank cleaning operators located in the heart of the port of Rotterdam.

Cotac has an independent network of tank cleaning and service stations for tank trucks, tank containers, and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) in several European countries. In the past, CTW has also installed a tank cleaning facility for Cotac Belgium, a member of the Cotac Group. For the customer, renovation and expansion were the base for a brand-new food cleaning hall with two washing lanes and a chemical cleaning hall for four containers. The installation, which was custom-built for Cotac Rotterdam features: • Large landing platforms with lengths of 9 and 12m • Full automatic control options • Software which enables Cotac to link its washing orders, forms, and certificates • Adjustable washing programs in combination with steam injection • Washing path accessories: compressed air hoists, washing heads, steam injection next to the washing heads, automatic hose reels, trolleys and a washing chute for cleaning or drying hoses CTW’s new tank cleaning unit became the heart of the installation. The unit is built with CTW’s new Compact HP-Unit with two flange-connected high pressure pumps controlled by frequency converters.

Water filters, a pre-pressure pump, product injection, and monitoring are also standard equipment on the new unit.

The firm’s new technology included in its tank cleaning units has helped Cotac and will help new clients to achieve the following: • 50% less noise in the technical room • 50% less vibrations on the pipework • Requires less suface – energy saving Together with the client, CTW defined

the needs concerning Cotac’s food lane. This resulted in an all-in-one system to clean tanks and containers in the quickest and most efficient way possible.

After the fine-tuning and the start-up of the cleaning installation, the results were an added value for Cotac.

To offer the best quality and performance, CTW has equipped the chemical washing lanes for the four containers with the best parts of its range. The entire technical installation was built in a 20ft container that was placed directly next to the new chemical washing lanes. The traditional work method of the customer associated with

this new tank cleaning installation makes it possible to provide more capacity.

CTW adheres to its vision – speed, quality and price. These are three important factors that make the difference for most clients. The company has also recently signed a new contract with Van Den Bosch Group, a Netherlands-based liquid transport provider, and is installing two container washing lanes in Ghana, West Africa. z

For more information:

This article was written by Iben Schellekens, marketing officer of CTW Cleaning.

Visit: www.ctwcleaning.com

Cotac’s new CTW Tank cleaning station

Technical installation in a container

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 19

COMPANY PROFILE

Tank cleaning firm to ce

Shipper Ulrich Bresser was not satisfied with seeking the services of a tank cleaning

How did you get into tank cleaning?

After completing my degree in business administration, I entered the transport industry in 1990. Since 1992, I had been TTC’s CEO Ulrich Bresser working at shipping company Europaverkehre Hammer + Co. (Hamco) as a managing director.

This is based in Aachen, a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The company provides transportation, logistics and haulage services in Germany.

As the shipping company began to grow, the demands for cleaning the silo truck fleets that transported the goods also began to grow. Various service providers in the region were tested.

However, I was not satisfied with any of them. I saw a great deal of potential for optimisation, especially when it came to the waiting times for customers.

It is all about perfect processes in the shipping sector. It is also about time.

As soon as a process is not running optimally and you therefore have to wait, you or your customer are losing money. My vision was for a cleaning company that thinks just like logisticians and also transfers this standard to the cleaning process. Ultimately, cleaning is a part of the entire logistics chain.

In 2008, I founded Top Tank Cleaning (TTC). I manage this in parallel with Hamco. TTC has now become an institution in the greater Cologne area.

the ideal amount of cleaning agent is calculated. Nothing is left to chance, from the pre-washing to the drying.

The latter is performed with hot air to minimise the waiting times for customers.

In essence, sensors decide how much cleaning agent, water and hot air are required so that the vehicles are 100% hygienically cleaned, but no resources and time are wasted. For, in the end, this would ultimately be to the detriment of our customers.

Once you established TTC, what was our strategy?

Minimum waiting times, maximum cleaning performance – this is the unique selling point of TTC. The entire cleaning process is automated. The control software Act Control and TSC Cleaning analyse various data, such as the type of vehicle, the tank size as well as the type and concentration of residue in the tanks. Based on this,

TTC headquarters in Cologne, Germany

Do you see any new trends in the industry?

It has always been common practice for us to clean silo transporters with dry products and tankers with liquids at a proportion of approximately 45:55%.

You say that maximising cleaning performance is one of your unique selling points. What other opportunities will TTC offer to tank cleaners?

Besides a perfect cleaning result, it is particularly important to have thoroughly

TTC’s high-pressure pumps and its heat exchanging devices

How do you actually clean a chocolate tanker?

To clean a tank truck filled with chocolate is a tricky matter. Yet, Cologne-based Top Tank Cleaning (TTC) has a few tricks up its sleeve to remove the sweet stuff

20

“The tank truck must first be brought to the right temperature before the initial rinse cycle,” said TTC CEO Ulrich Bresser.

In fact, the solid chocolate has to be liquefied in order to remove it completely. For this purpose, the company has a special steam unit on the

SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

COMPANY PROFILE

lebrate solid eight years company. So, he started one himself in Germany. TCM catches up with him trained staff for price inquiries and explanations of the cleaning methods.

Customers greatly appreciate that. The drivers are as happy to meet friendly check-in staff as they are about the possibility of receiving complementary hot and cold drinks and a snack from our company during each cleaning. Of course, the free showers and our loyalty card system are also very popular.

The documenting process is just as fastidious at our company as the cleaning process itself. Every work process, the training of staff, the exact steps of machine operation – everything is

cleaning systems so that the load on sewage water and ecological systems is reduced to a minimum.

recorded in writing. Some new employees are amazed at how precisely we have regulated everything. But in this way, no one is left alone and everyone knows what needs to be done.

chlorine. Hygiene is ensured at all times through certifications pursuant to hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) and separate cleaning systems for food and non-food.

A special sand blasting system for multiple document interface (MDI) containers with a riser pipe is among the unique selling points. This is used to clear dome and hose boxes or to clean silos with

What does your company do to minimise its impact on the environment?

TTC has its own water treatment systems and even exhaust air

TTC’s steam unit

cleaning track. This is connected with the tank truck through a tanker coupling, whereby the ventilation system can circulate freely in the tank.

The temperature in the tank must reach at least 100°C to carry out proper cleaning. Throughout the cleaning, steam must continuously be reproduced in order to avoid solidification of the chocolate.

For this, a flow path heater with boilers is used, which constantly measures and maintains the target value of 100°C.

Do you have any expansion plans?

Investments are continuously made in the expansion and improvement of the company. For example, the licenses to clean more hazardous materials were recently expanded. TTC is now permitted to clean substances that are carcinogenic, harmful to reproduction and mutagenic. It may also clean highly volatile, halogenated hydrocarbons and substances that contain free

TTC’s osmosis system decalcifies the cleaning water

After the right temperature has been reached, cleaning with water-powered, high-pressure nozzles and a special food processing detergent is performed.

In addition, a so-called osmosis system is activated, which, among other things, decalcifies the cleaning water so that the drinking water quality remains guaranteed. After all, the tank will be loaded with food again and thus must be cleaned in such a way as to ensure food safety.

residues of cement, gypsum or limescale.

Only one cleaning process is done completely without computer assistance at TTC, and entirely by hand – the free shower for truck drivers.

You’re now celebrating eight years since you started TTC. What does the future hold?

In October 2016, we will be celebrating our eighth anniversary. We are proud to be welcoming virtually all renowned silo and tank transport companies at our sites. Of course nobody knows what the future has in store, but we will be mobilising considerable investments this year to improve the drivers’ stays even more. In addition, we are also working on options for further accelerating the turnaround time for the lorries at peak times. Without sacrificing any of our high-quality service, of course.

We are also considering integrating a cleaning service for intermediate bulk containers (IBC) containers to complete our range of services. z

TTC’s osmosis system

The steam supply can only be stopped when the tank is 100% chocolate free.

Subsequently, even the waste water is purified. TTC has its own water treatment systems and even exhaust air cleaning systems so that the load on sewage water and ecological systems is reduced to a minimum.

Now, the tanker can leave the premises and continue to the next delivery. Maybe it will be reloaded with chocolate again.

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 21

COMPANY PROFILE

Down Poland way The tank cleaning industry in Poland is booming with the ever developing infrastructure

Lotos Kolej’s washing hall

With a total area of 312,679km2, the Republic of Poland is the sixth largest country in the EU, and with a population of over 38.5 million people (2013) it is also the sixth most populous member of the EU. Positioned in Central Europe with its eastern and part of its north-eastern border it constitutes the longest land border of the Schengen Area with the rest of Northern and Central Europe. With its highly developed economy, Poland is a nation with a large and increasingly modern network of transport infrastructure.

Therefore, the country offers big potential, large internal markets and a lot of transport and logistic service companies. In addition, Poland has developed processing and petrochemical industries. No wonder that transportation and shipping is constantly increasing in Poland – and with this the whole relevant infrastructure is growing.

This also comprises tank cleaning.

Many companies are raising quality standards and use modern technologies in services. These are the main reasons why the Polish tank cleaning market is developing so rapidly and already has become an Eastern Europe leader in this area of business.

Polish Tank Cleaning Association

This can easily be derived from the growth of the Polish Tank Cleaning Association (PSMC) too. PSMC has been part of the European Federation of Tank Cleaning Organisations since 2006 and has roughly 35 members to date. The Association works in the area of washing and tank cleaning and implementation of European standards.

All members of PSMC have to pass Safety and Quality Assessment System (SQAS) audits. This audit confirms high standards of service quality, health protection, safety, and environmental protection. Through this audit, PSMC not only helps to raise people’s awareness of these topics but also to improve the implementation and performance of the relevant requirements.

PSMC annual meeting

Poland-based transportation company Wizet Transport has installed a road tanker cleaning plant, equipped with five interior cleaning systems from Kärcher

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Just recently, on 20 May, the annual board meeting of the PSMC took place at the Polish headquarters of Kärcher in Kraków.

Discussions about the development of the Polish tank cleaning market took centre stage, besides some minor changes in the statutes of PSMC. Members of PSMC also visited Kärcher offices, Kärcher Center, and watched demonstrations of some devices.

One of the presented devices was the ultra-high pressure unit MK3 2500 from the Kärcher subsidiary Woma. Woma specialises in these kinds of ultra-high pressure devices for a huge variety of cleaning applications, including tank cleaning. The MK3 2500 features an ultra-high pressure pump with a capacity of 26l/min for operating pressures of up to 2500 bar. It was demonstrated by removing corrosion from rusted metal and cleaning concrete surfaces.

The members of the PSMC were surprised by the power of the presented device.

Konrad Wójtowicz, CEO of PSMC, said: “PSMC is very grateful for the huge support of Kärcher towards our organisation

SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

COMPANY PROFILE as well as with respect to the ongoing improvements in tank cleaning technology.

“It is not just by chance, that Poland plays a major role in the Eastern European market for tank cleaning – strong partners like Kärcher help us to keep pace with the always increasing demands for tank cleanliness.”

Sample cases Founded in 1935, Kärcher is one of the world’s leading suppliers of cleaning technology to the private, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Its product range includes high-pressure cleaners, vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, scrubber driers, vehicle washing bays, and drinking water and wastewater treatment systems to mention but a few. Also in the tank cleaning business the family-owned corporation, with headquarters in Winnenden, Germany, numbers among leading suppliers.

In Poland many well-known PSMC members rely on solutions from Kärcher.

Already in 2012 Wizet Transport installed a road tanker cleaning plant, equipped with five interior cleaning systems from Kärcher.

These systems comprise interior cleaning heads, high-pressure pumps with 120 bars, heat exchangers, and detergent metering. Wizet owns 60 road tankers and provides services in the field of international transport of liquid substances.

The tank cleaning plant is used for the cleaning of the company’s own vehicles, as well as for commercial purposes.

Another major customer of Kärcher is

Several tank interior cleaning heads are hanging from the ceiling of the washing hall at Wizet, waiting to be inserted into the tank

the chemical company PCC Autochem.

The company cleans a lot of cisterns, both company-owned as well as from cooperating companies. Already several interior cleaning systems from Kärcher for road tankers had been in use at PCC Autochem when the company decided last year to build a new road tanker cleaning plant.

This new plant is also equipped with five interior cleaning systems from Kärcher.

New installations comprise interior cleaning heads, high-pressure pumps with 100 bars, heat exchangers, and detergent metering.

Władysław Pliszczyński, tank cleaning plant manager at PCC Autochem, was pleased with Kärcher´s customer orientation and the performance at his cleaning plant.

“At PCC Autochem we have very

PSMC annual board meeting, which occurred on 20 May, 2016

PSMC annual board meeting, which occurred on 20 May, 2016. Konrad Wójtowicz, CEO of PSCM, with the microphone

much benefitted from the knowhow and the flexibility of Kärcher. To work with Kärcher was a great experience – quality standards as well as productivity of our tank cleaning system were very much improved and now meet the highest European standards,” Pliszczyński said.

One of the biggest customers of Kärcher Poland, however, is Lotos Kolej. Operating as a part of the Lotos Group, one of the largest companies in Poland, Lotos Kolej is responsible for the transport of products and the delivery of petrol to a refinery in Gdansk.

Regular cleaning of the rail tanks is necessary for repair and maintenance.

The task was to build a tank cleaning system for railway tanks on two tracks at six wash bays simultaneously.

A high degree of automation was required with high uptimes and reliability.

Six interior cleaning heads are now working, driven by 10 high-pressure pumps, each of which delivers up to 120 bar water pressure and a water flow of up to 3,800l/h. Warm and hot water generation is performed through both high and low pressure heat exchangers.

A high-pressure detergent dosing pump enables Lotos Kolej to add detergents whenever needed in the cleaning process.

A Kärcher Poland spokesman said: “We are very proud to have won Lotos Kolej as a customer. Here we can demonstrate the effectiveness of our solutions at an extremely demanding application.” z

For more information:

This article was co-written by Jochen Wöhrle, product management engineering manager at Kärcher Poland and Andrejz Ociepa, head of direct sales at Kärcher Poland. Visit: www.kaercher.com

TANK CLEANING • SUMMER 2016 23

TANK INDUSTRY EVENTS

Upcoming tank industry events September 2016 27-28

Tank Storage Asia

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

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Biofuels International 2016

29- 1 October Expo PetroTrans

Ghent, Belgium Messe Kassel, Germany

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Hungary, Budapest

November 2016 2-3

StocExpo China

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ECTA Annual Meeting

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March 2017 28-30

March StocExpo

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SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING

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SUMMER 2016 • TANK CLEANING