R. Baker & Son Process Tank Repair Project

A longtime R. Baker & Son client with several large process tank farms at their New Jersey facility contacted us for assistance with tank repairs. A manufacturer supplying tank agitators needed several experienced riggers and millwrights for interior and exterior repairs. Usually, the Baker team is called in to disassemble and remove tanks, but this time we were helping to renew them. 

Over the years, these 20,000-gallon tanks had been used to mix and store various food and plant process media prior to shipment via truck or rail to other U.S. locations. At 23 years old, the tanks themselves were in excellent shape and needed little more than new gasketing and a good cleaning inside and out, but the tank agitators used to mix the media had taken a beating and were in need of repair or replacement. Agitator runout measurements were far beyond allowable parameters, so it was the decided that the best and most financially feasible plan of action would be to repair eight of the agitators and completely replace three. 

Tank interiors measured eighteen feet in height and could not accommodate scaffolding, so workers would need to be lowered into the tanks in order to reach the upper part of the shaft to perform shaft heat treatment and repair or replace agitator blades safely. Instrumentation and upper and lower manway covers were removed to allow ventilation and access to the tanks and a bosun’s chair with fall protection was used to gain access to higher levels of the agitators. Once heat treatment was completed on the agitators slated for repair, the shafts and blades were tested for runout and verified to be within acceptable parameters. 

The R. Baker & Son rigging and millwright team next moved on to the tanks in which the agitators required replacement. Again using the bosun’s chair, the interior blades were removed, leaving the only the hubs. An 80-ton crane was brought in to remove motor gearboxes and shafts and new pre-engineered replacement agitators were rigged into the tanks. After the Baker team installed new blades, runout tested successfully. 

At completion, the tanks were in like-new condition with repaired or new agitators, new instrumentation, new LED lighting, and new spray balls for cleaning. R. Baker & Son took about two weeks to complete the project with little downtime to the customer as we were able to coordinate our activities with the customer’s operating requirements. 

The agitator manufacturer was duly impressed with our ingenuity and professionalism and will use R. Baker & Son’s rigging and millwright team to make similar repairs nationwide at other facilities.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
190 Boundary Road
Marlboro, NJ 07746

https://rbaker.com/rigging-contractors.php

Baker Provides A Wide Range of Environmental Services

Included among R. Baker & Son’s core services are environmental remediation and decontamination. We boast a team of highly-trained environmental remediation personnel as well as an arsenal of tools and equipment that includes excavators, power and pressure washers, HEPA vacuums and filtration, industrial scarifiers, line-pigging equipment, and more. Remediation and decontamination are often performed as part of the demolition, decommissioning, dismantling, or other projects. R. Baker & Son personnel are HAZWOPR certified and CSE trained.

  R. Baker & Son environmental services include: 

     *Surface Cleaning (soda blasting)

     *Pipeline Cleaning and Pigging

     *HVAC and Other Duct Cleaning

     *Non-ACM Insulation Removal

     *Column, Tank and Vessel Cleaning

     *Scarification

     *HEPA Vacuum Services

     *Line Flushing and First Line Breaks

     *Power Washing and Steam Cleaning of Pipes and Equipment

Surface Cleaning/Soda Blasting

Soda blasting is widely recognized as a superior and environmentally friendly method of cleaning, paint removal, and degreasing surfaces. Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is granular and sharp enough to remove carbon, grease, oils, paint, rust, dirt, etc., from a variety of surfaces. Unlike harsh sandblasting and other methods that can damage substrates, however, it can be used on virtually any surface including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized metal, concrete, ceramic tile, glass, plastics, rubber, neoprene, etc., and is environmentally safe. ARMEX, the industry leader, offers a variety of particle sizes, formulations, and equipment, allowing R. Baker & Son to accommodate our clients’ wide range of needs.  

Pipeline Cleaning and Pigging

Pipeline buildup causes contamination, reduced flow, and decreased production, and can lead to cracks in the line. R. Baker & Son provides pigging as an effective method for removing solids and liquids, scraping, line drying, and pipeline inspection. Pigging is accomplished by propelling a cylindrical or spherical “pig” through a pipeline using one of several means including existing product flow, compressed air, inert gas, or it can be towed through a line by a cable or other device. As the pig travels through the pipeline, it sweeps the line by scraping the sides and pushing debris ahead. Other methods of pipeline cleaning employed by R. Baker & Son include flushing, jet-washing, hydro-blasting, mechanical cleaning, acid cleaning, and chemical cleaning, depending on a client’s specific needs.  

HVAC and Other Duct Cleaning

HVAC ductwork can become dirty over time, spreading dust, mold, bacteria, and other contaminants throughout a facility and causing a myriad of health and productivity problems associated with poor indoor air quality. The buildup of dust and debris in duct systems can also restrict airflow, reduce system efficiency, provide a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, and increase the risk of fire in facilities where combustible dust is present. Ductwork should be periodically inspected and cleaned by a certified professional like R. Baker & Son.

Non-ACM Insulation Removal

When the removal of non-ACM insulation (fiberglass, cellulose, etc.) becomes necessary, R. Baker & Son strictly adhere to proper safety procedures. Equipment such as HEPA vacuums, filters, and air misting, are used to prevent hazardous particulates like fiberglass, mold, rodent droppings, and other contaminants from escaping into the air, and all materials are properly containerized and disposed of.  

Column, Tank and Vessel Cleaning

Safety is always of utmost importance when cleaning columns, vessels, and other confined spaces.  Automated, remotely-controlled cleaning using high flow, high-pressure water jetting pumps is always preferable and used whenever possible, though human intervention is sometimes necessary. In projects where human entry is required, stringent safety procedures and PPE requirements are strictly followed. R. Baker & Son uses the latest high-tech cleaning equipment and workers are fully trained and experienced in both automated and manual cleaning methods as well as material containment and disposal.

Scarification

Scarification is a process used on concrete flooring to clean, texturize, level, groove, or remove material. It is commonly performed to remove deteriorated, damaged, or contaminated concrete, or to remove epoxy, paint, adhesives, or other coatings. Scarifying leaves surfaces clean, evenly textured, and ready to receive a new coating or overlayment. R. Baker & Son uses scarifiers that are equipped with a vacuum system to capture dust and utilizes HEPA scarifiers in conditions or environments in which it is necessary to capture and contain 100% of airborne particulates and over 99% of heavier solids. 

HEPA Vacuum Services

Environmental cleanup and abatement often require HEPA vacuum equipment for the removal of hazardous and toxic materials, dust, particulates, and fine powders. HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is a type of filter that meets an efficiency standard set by the DOE, removing at least 99.97% of all particles greater than 0.3 micrometers.  R. Baker & Son provides HEPA vacuum services for lead abatement, lead paint removal, mold remediation, duct cleaning, and various other applications. 

Line Flushing and First Line Breaks

When process pipes require flushing and/or first-line breaking, R. Baker & Son can provide all the necessary pumps, filters, hoses, and other equipment required for a full gamut of specifications. It is important that lines are properly flushed, vented, and verified as clear of hazardous residue, plugs, or pressure during line breaking, so it is important that these services be performed by trained, experienced personnel. 

Power Washing and Steam Cleaning of Pipes and Equipment

R. Baker & Son provides power/pressure washing and steam cleaning for a variety of pipe- and equipment-cleaning tasks. Pressure washing requires specialized industrial equipment, and appropriate measures are taken for water reclamation, filtration, containment, reuse, or disposal. Steam cleaning reduces the amount of water used by up to 95% compared to power washing and reduces or eliminates the need for solvents or chemicals. It can be safely used in water-sensitive areas such as around electrical equipment, in control panels, on motors, etc. Steam can be used to clean and sanitize pipes, as well, and can reach small cracks and crevices. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
190 Boundary Road
Marlboro, NJ 07746

https://rbaker.com/environmental.php

Requirements of Selective Demolition in Healthcare Facilities

Some of the most challenging selective demolition jobs are renovation projects that take place in healthcare facilities, where demolition team members must be specially trained to work in sensitive environments. Patient and worker safety are of utmost importance in hospitals, surgery centers, and rehabilitation facilities, so meticulous planning and strict adherence to clean demolition procedures are critical to these types of projects. 

Case in point, a large hospital in northern New Jersey was adding on to their cardiac care unit and R. Baker & Son was tasked with interior demolition. Before the area could be segmented off, modifications to ventilation and airflow, as well as electrical and hospital gas systems, were necessary. It had been determined that much of the ductwork could be cut and the existing ventilation system rebalanced to compensate for changes in the HVAC system. The Baker team worked closely with MEP contractors, walking down and identifying where lines would be cut and capped or rerouted and color-coding each, with red signifying what would stay and green signifying what lines were to be removed. 

Selective demolition in a healthcare facility requires the construction of a cocooned area with airlocks at the entrances and exits to ensure that dust and contaminants cannot escape the work area. Airlocks are monitored by a magnehelic differential pressure gauge to ensure negative pressure is maintained at all times. Peel-away adhesive mats are installed at all access points to ensure that dirt from the work area is not tracked onto facility floors. Demolition debris is deposited in bins that are covered with plastic sheeting and must be fully wiped down before passing through an oversized exit airlock and over a sticky mat to remove any remaining contaminants. 

Once all debris had been removed from the demolition area, R. Baker & Son performed a detailed review and prepares a punch list to ensure all work had been completed. Last but not least, the entire area was wiped down and cleaned with industrial HEPA vacuums to eliminate as much dust as possible before new construction began.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
190 Boundary Road
Marlboro, NJ 07746

https://rbaker.com

R. Baker & Son Demo Team Completes Plant Demolition

R. Baker & Son recently completed a demolition and decommissioning project at a northern New Jersey plant. The first of R. Baker & Son’s tasks was to demolish a 60’ x 30’ fuel pipe platform, which included valves, filters, etc. Baker team members painstakingly drilled pilot holes to identify lines that still contained oil. When found, openings were cut in the pipes to allow thinning of the viscous oil with diesel fuel, followed by filtered vacuum removal. 

Crew members next assisted in recovering tons of raw proprietary product from a 12’ x 60’ silo that was 47% filled. We worked closely with the owner and environmental team to remove the product via vacuum truck then performed demolition of the silo. An adjacent metal storage building that still contained various crates and drums was slated to be demolished next. The product in the containers was identified by our environmental team, labeled, and removed for recycling or disposal. Lighting, ventilation, building structure, and concrete foundation were carefully dismantled and recycled where possible. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
190 Boundary Road
Marlboro, NJ 07746

https://rbaker.com

Rigging and Anchoring Heavy Machinery and Equipment

An important work scope that is often overlooked on construction projects is the rigging and anchoring of equipment to concrete, steel platforms, curbs, decking, etc. Anchoring should not be an afterthought as it requires availability of materials, labor, and detailed planning, and should be included in the contract whenever possible. 

Rigging and anchoring heavy machinery may be as simple as installing embedded epoxy anchors specified by a structural engineer, but in other cases, such as when equipment is tall or top-heavy, including certain tanks and storage bins, objects require anchors both at floor level and from above. Depending on the project’s location and/or application, anchoring may involve vibration elimination or seismic restraints with the addition of such items as springs or rubber pads. Shims or other types of hardware are often needed to render the equipment level and plumb. When rigging HVAC air handlers onto rooftop curbs, units may require stainless steel tethers to prevent movement due to high-shear winds or microbursts. Rigging and anchoring of instrumentation such as load cells for measuring the weight of tanks is sometimes required.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
190 Boundary Road
Marlboro, NJ 07746

https://rbaker.com/rigging-contractors.php

Baker Completes Selective Demolition Project Christmas Eve

Over the recent winter holiday season, R. Baker & Son was tasked with performing selective demolition at a medical manufacturing facility that produced orthopedic titanium parts and hardware. Demo crew members needed to clear all equipment and support utilities in a 20,000 square-foot area which included seven offices, two quality control laboratories, two chillers, two boilers, and one air handler serving a clean storage area with HEPA filtration. 

The project’s biggest challenge was to complete all demolition within the one-week time period between December 18th and 24th, with no interruptions to adjacent departments. The facility was slated to be closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day, during which time new equipment would be delivered and installed. Ordinarily, a demolition project of this scale and complexity would take several weeks, but the client had critical surgical manufacturing orders to fill and could not exceed the time allotted for the project. 

R. Baker & Son worked closely with the electrician, plumber, controls company, and in-house maintenance staff as the start date approached to review and mark up everything that would require removal with bright green paint. Once all disciplines were satisfied that everything had been double and triple checked, the lockout/tagout process began simultaneously with demolition on Friday, December 18th. Baker demolition crews worked 10-hour shifts each day, ensuring that all was cut, capped, and made safe. The selective demolition project was completed just before noon on Christmas Eve – right on time. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
190 Boundary Road
Marlboro, NJ 07746

https://rbaker.com/selective-demolition.php

3D Rigging Using BIM

R. Baker & Son was recently engaged in a complex project in which we were tasked with rigging and setting numerous pieces of process equipment from more than thirty different vendors. Items ranged from large process skids and tanks to small peristaltic dosing pumps. Project designers used 3-D building information modeling (BIM) to coordinate and build the project virtually to ensure that all of the equipment came together flawlessly once onsite. 

All equipment was placed into the master model, followed by process piping, plumbing, and electrical, which included control panels in varying sizes. Virtual BIM tours allowed owners to accurately visualize the form and function of the future facility. Prior to the arrival of the process equipment, pipes, platforms, and steel supports were prefabricated and installed with absolute laser precision based on the 3-D model. 

Fabrication and installation had to be exact – in many cases +/- 0.25 inches – in order to ensure that the many pumps, tank nozzles, and process equipment would have a precise flange-to-flange orientation when rigged into place. To ensure accurate rigging, R. Baker & Son used the approved 3-D model to transfer the design to the field via lasers to align critical parts. Ultimately, all process equipment was rigged into place successfully with few problems. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
190 Boundary Road
Marlboro, NJ 07746

https://rbaker.com/rigging-services.php