Nitric Acid Plant & Ammonium Nitrate Neutralizer Dismantlement

Dyno Nobel | Donora, Pennsylvania

Project Overview

In June 2025, Phoenix Equipment successfully completed the acquisition and dismantlement of a nitric acid plant and ammonium nitrate neutralizer at Dyno Nobel's facility in Donora, Pennsylvania. The project demonstrated Phoenix Equipment's ability to manage complex industrial decommissioning projects while maximizing asset recovery, maintaining the highest safety standards, and advancing sustainable recycling practices.

The Challenge

The Donora facility included a fully operational nitric acid plant comprised of highly integrated process equipment and infrastructure, including an absorber tower, compressor house, heat train, storage tanks, extensive pipe racks, and supporting utilities. Because portions of the facility remained active, the project required meticulous planning and execution to safely dismantle major process units while preserving critical pipe racks and infrastructure needed to support ongoing site operations.

The Solution

Phoenix Equipment executed the project through a carefully coordinated, three-phase approach.

Planning & Pre-Dismantlement

Before dismantlement began, Phoenix's team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the facility, documenting equipment layouts, structural conditions, and process systems to develop a detailed dismantlement strategy. Critical infrastructure that needed to remain in service was identified early, allowing crews to perform selective removal of obsolete piping while preserving essential pipe rack structures.

Safe & Controlled Dismantlement

Specialized crews systematically deconstructed the plant using proven industrial dismantlement techniques. Major process equipment—including towers, reactors, structural steel, piping systems, and associated infrastructure—was removed using heavy equipment and specialized lifting methods. Throughout the project, strict safety protocols and disciplined project management ensured controlled execution within an active industrial environment while minimizing disruption to the client's ongoing operations.

Asset Recovery & Sustainable Recycling

A key objective of the project was maximizing the value of recoverable assets. Phoenix Equipment partnered with PGM Technologies, led by David Kelley, to identify, extract, and recover precious metals from targeted process equipment. Reusable assets were evaluated for resale, while remaining metals were responsibly recycled. Construction debris was segregated, contained in site-provided containers, and removed throughout the project, maintaining a clean, organized, and environmentally responsible worksite.

Results

Upon project completion, Phoenix Equipment successfully:

• Safely dismantled the entire nitric acid plant and ammonium nitrate neutralizer.
• Removed major process equipment, structural steel, and associated debris.
• Preserved designated infrastructure required for continued site operations.
• Left concrete foundations and limited infrastructure ready for future redevelopment.
• Maximized project value through strategic precious metal recovery and equipment asset management.
• Responsibly recycled scrap materials and minimized landfill waste through sustainable material handling practices.

Key Takeaways

Strategic Asset Recovery
Phoenix Equipment unlocked additional project value through equipment remarketing, precious metal recovery, and responsible recycling.

Precision Execution
Careful planning and selective dismantlement allowed critical infrastructure to remain operational while major process units were safely removed.

Safety First
The project was completed with zero safety incidents while operating within an active industrial facility.

Environmental Responsibility
Comprehensive recycling and waste management practices minimized environmental impact and prepared the site for its next phase of development.

Conclusion

The Donora project highlights Phoenix Equipment's comprehensive approach to industrial decommissioning—combining engineering expertise, disciplined project execution, asset recovery, and environmental stewardship to deliver exceptional value for industrial clients. By transforming a legacy production facility into a clean, redevelopment-ready site while maximizing the value of recoverable assets, Phoenix Equipment once again demonstrated why it is a trusted partner for complex industrial dismantlement and plant closure projects.