Brokk helps Minnesota town go smoke-free

America’s shifting energy landscape has caused demolition contractors to become increasingly familiar with the task of dismantling coal-burning energy plants. In January, when several energy companies announced more planned closures, it pushed the number of shuttered (or fuel-converted) coal-burning facilities since 2010 to beyond 300.

Part of this task in almost all cases involves taking down smokestacks that often reach 500 feet high. That growing responsibility has allowed demolition contractors and equipment providers alike to gain experience with high-reach demolition and dismantling techniques.

One such recent project took place in Minnesota, where since the 1950s the Xcel Energy Black Dog power plant smokestacks had defined the Burnsville, Minnesota, skyline.

In an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the Black Dog plant—rather than being idled—was selected for conversion from being powered by coal to natural gas. The most visible changes in that process started in July 2018, when Rogers, Minnesota-based contractor Veit & Company began demolition of the once iconic smokestacks.

Traditional smokestack demolition can involve from six to eight crew members, numerous tools and potential safety risks when workers are tasked to brave dangerous heights. Veit sought out a safer, more efficient method. The contractor chose a rent-to-purchase option on a Brokk 500 demolition robot to help it complete the job with minimal danger to crew members.

Brokk Group, based in Sweden with an American office in Monroe, Washington, describes itself as a world-leading manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition machines and attachments for more than 40 years.

In Minnesota, opting for remote-controlled demolition allowed Veit & Co. crews to stay out of harm’s way, while getting the work done in 25 percent of the time, according to Brokk. “Because of the convenient remote capabilities of the Brokk, operators controlled the machine from a different location on the ground, further increasing the safety of the operation,” states the firm.

The 500 demolition robot is equipped with three cameras, which allowed Viet personnel to monitor each step of the process from a safe distance from where debris was generated.

The entire renovation process was completed in early 2019. With all outdated structures removed, the plant is on track for its conversion to being fueled by natural gas, according to Brokk. “Previously, Black Dog was Minnesota’s fourth-largest carbon polluter among power plants, but now [it’s] on the path to providing cleaner solutions thanks to advanced demolition technologies,” states the company.