During the winter shutdown of 2024, the Hastings Demolition team successfully deconstructed and demolished the Sulphuric Acid Converter Tower at Ravensdown, Awatoto, Napier.

Our team completed the project in just under 3 weeks following 12 months of careful planning and consultation. The tower, which converted acid to gas through extreme heat, reached the end of its lifespan and needed replacement with a new, modern version. After completing our work, the new tower, constructed adjacent to the existing one, would be raised into position. Karl Fagence, our engineering manager, led the team in the strategic removal of the cladding, insulation, ducting, and internal components of the tower. After that, the team ‘ringed’ the tower and proceeded to remove the 20-ton base. The materials were recycled by our team with great care, resulting in over 90% of them being reused. We meticulously cut down the materials and then handed them over to our local scrap merchants, Sims Pacific Metals.

The challenges included restricted access, engineering difficulties in material extraction, and working in an acidic environment. The entire operation was perfectly managed, and we executed it to perfection. A huge thank you to Napier Engineering for their efforts in finishing this project. We are grateful to Worley for providing us with the opportunity to tackle this major challenge. And to the teams at Ravensdown Awatoto, Smiths Cranes, and Cunninghams Scaffolding.

Another project where our team have shown their diverse skill set and willingness to overcome major challenges to get that – ‘job well done’”.