Customer story
SARPI: 'The new tank farm gives us much more flexibility'
Gpi delivers 14 stainless steel tanks to SARPI
SARPI Netherlands in Almelo recycles and processes chemical waste streams, including the distillation of solvents and treatment of wastewater. A growing shortage of capacity led to the need for a series of stainless steel tanks for a new tank farm in Almelo. SARPI requested 14 new stainless steel storage tanks.
Roy Kobes, Operations Manager at SARPI, explains the project’s background: ‘It became increasingly difficult to schedule and process all of our customers’ requests due to limited capacity with our existing tank farm. We had to sell our materials even before they arrived, as they needed to be dispatched again the next day. That’s when we brought in Actemium to help us find the best solution.’ Actemium provides industrial solutions and services to improve and optimise production processes.
The request
Process Engineer Ben Brons from Actemium was involved throughout the project. He explains the request: ‘We developed the initial ideas in 2019. Gpi prepared quotes for us back then. Then COVID hit, and there were also some shifts within SARPI. We reconnected with Gpi in January 2023. We placed the tank order in May, and by January 2024, everything was in place.’
'We chose Gpi because they had the capacity to deliver what we needed within the specified time and budget'
Choosing Gpi
Roy discusses why they chose Gpi: ‘We are required to seek quotes from multiple suppliers, so we contacted Gpi and another tank manufacturer. We chose Gpi because they had the capacity to deliver what we needed within the specified time and budget. Our positive experiences with Gpi in the past also influenced our decision. The communication during the sales phase was clear, and the contact was pleasant.’
The assignment
SARPI requested 14 stainless steel tanks: ten with a capacity of 40 m³, two with a capacity of 100 m³, and two with a capacity of 145 m³. ‘We chose 40 m³ tanks so that we could fully empty a tanker truck into them. These tanks are used for various applications. Two 100 m³ tanks are used for mixing or as buffer tanks for distillation. The largest two tanks, with a capacity of 145 m³, are dedicated to a specific product that must remain uncontaminated,’ Roy explains. All fourteen tanks are made from stainless steel 316L, designed with a Klöpper top and a 90° conical bottom. The tanks are also PED CE-certified. Roy elaborates: ‘We opted for PED pressure tanks, as another part of our tank farm uses them. We’re familiar with working with these, so it’s convenient.’
Transport and Installation
Roy and Ben visited Gpi twice for the inspection. Ben describes the process: ‘This went smoothly. We reviewed the drawings and visited the factory for an inspection. One tank was still horizontal, allowing us to inspect the tank and the welds from the inside. The visit was well-organised, and there were very few points or remarks.’
The collaboration
Roy reflects positively on the collaboration with Gpi: ‘The project went smoothly. Gpi is a professional company with whom we had consistent communication. Deadlines were met, and safety and our company’s policies were well-considered. The documentation provided afterward was also thorough.’ Ben adds: ‘Working with Gpi relieved a lot of our workload in this project. We only had to review the drawings and ensure a good foundation. Everything else, from engineering to installation, was well-managed by Gpi.’
‘Working with Gpi relieved a lot of our workload'
The result
Operations Manager Roy is enthusiastic about the new tank farm: ‘With the fourteen new tanks, our work is much easier. We now have tanks that can hold a full truckload. We’re also more flexible with our customers. We can now schedule as we like without constantly being limited. We have a lot more capacity, which brings a lot of peace.’
