Mining/Construction

We at Graycor Blasting Company have had a long and successful history in assuring the successful removal of salamanders and cleaning of industrial equipment. In 1939 Graycor Blasting Company, then known as Chicago Concrete Breaking Company, received a request to explosively remove a salamander in India for Tata Steel. In business since 1921, we took on this challenge successfully. Ever since, we have been called upon to perform a service that we pioneered. Graycor Blasting has developed a process utilizing strategically placed explosives that can eliminate days of removing your salamander. Our proprietary procedure is used to analyze each salamander and develop a drilling pattern tailored for that specific project. All projects are unique and have several variables that must be considered and planned for in advance of removal. Upon completion of the drilling process, our team breaks apart the salamander pieces and removes them from the furnace without damaging the furnace's shell or staves. We also tailor the sizes removed to meet the specific requirements of that project. This system has been proven over decades and is well-documented. Due to the proprietary nature of this procedure, our process is to be kept in the strictest confidentiality. We have worked mainly in the U.S. but have performed work throughout North America and Europe as well.

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Scope of work

Graycor Blasting is prepared to offer a complete package for the removal of salamanders. It is our preference to contract directly with the steel producer, but if required, we will coordinate our efforts with the owner's appointed contractor to facilitate removal.

We are also willing to provide an agreement which would be based on that same information, but allow the owner to accept the risk and maintain that contingency working on a reimbursable contract. This would allow for our clients to minimize costs by utilizing existing plant resources. It is our goal to bring the best value tailored to our clients' needs. Our approach to cultivating long-term partnerships with our clients hasn't changed since our inception in 1921.

Early commitment

Our best results always include an early commitment by the client. Removal of a salamander is one of the most volatile tasks on your schedule due to its unknown nature. Appropriate and up-front planning minimizes these unknown factors that could ultimately make or break your project. There are also many factors that affect cost and schedule when removing salamanders such as: Is the shell going to remain? What will be the size, locations and number of portals? What should be the weight and size of pieces removed? The number of variables in this process requires Graycor Blasting to be brought in early in the planning stages to maximize the most favorable results in schedule and cost. Let Graycor Blasting Company partner with you to improve your productivity.

For more information about Graycor Blasting, contact Kevin Chastain, Eastern Region Manager or Charles Huguenot, Western Region Manager.