Bespoke GRP Tank Covers for Merck Millipore, Cork
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
Maintaining infrastructure at high-sensitivity pharmaceutical sites requires precision and longevity. At the Merck Millipore manufacturing plant in Cork, Ireland, Corporate Engineering recently completed a significant upgrade, replacing an ageing structure with modern, high-performance GRP tank covers.
The project focused on the site’s 21.5m diameter Balance Tank, ensuring the facility remains at the forefront of operational efficiency and environmental compliance.
The Challenge: Replacing Redundant Infrastructure
The original cover, installed in 2000, had reached the end of its design life and was showing clear signs of wear and tear. As part of a wider refurbishment and lining of the tank, Merck Pharmaceuticals required a replacement that could:
Integrate seamlessly with existing mixers, pumps, and access ladders.
Minimise the volume of odour extraction required.
Be installed within a highly constrained, sensitive manufacturing environment.
The Solution: Low-Profile GRP Tank Covers
Corporate Engineering designed and manufactured a beam and infill GRP solution. By choosing this low-profile design, we created a minimal air gap above the effluent surface, which significantly reduced the volume of air to be extracted and treated for odours.
Key Technical Features:
Self-Supporting Structure: The GRP tank covers are supported by the concrete tank walls and are entirely free-spanning, removing the need for internal columns.
Equipment Integration: The new cover was oriented to align with existing mixer and access hatch positions, requiring minimal modification to the site's current mechanical setup.
Enhanced Monitoring: We incorporated new instrument access points specifically for a leak monitoring system, future-proofing the tank’s integrity.
Precision Installation: Despite the constrained area around the tank, our team meticulously planned all crane operations and installation activities to meet the rigorous safety standards of a pharmaceutical facility.
Project Summary
Feature | Detail |
Client | Merck Pharmaceuticals |
Location | Cork, Ireland |
Tank Type | 21.5m Diameter Balance Tank |
Design Type | Low-profile Beam and Infill |
Completion | 2025 |
We’ve Got You Covered
Corporate Engineering is a specialist in the design and manufacture of GRP tank covers and components for the global water and pharmaceutical industries. Our ISO 9001:2015 certified processes ensure that even the most complex refurbishments are handled with technical excellence.
Does your facility have redundant covers reaching their design life?
Contact us to discuss how our GRP solutions can reduce your maintenance costs and improve odour control.
Contact our team:
Email: sales@grpcovers.com
Web: www.grpcovers.com
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