HEAT EXCHANGE VESSEL REMOVAL

HEAT EXCHANGE VESSEL REMOVAL

An innovative craneage solution for a leading copper smelting plant.

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PROJECT OVERVIEW

When our client – a leading processor and exporter of refined copper and precious metal by-products – decided to replace the plant’s decommissioned heat exchange vessels, they contacted Marr for a heavy lift craneage solution that could be completed safely within a scheduled shutdown and without disruption to operations.

Client
UNDISCLOSED
Project
HEAT EXCHANGE VESSEL REMOVAL
Location
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Sector
OIL & GAS
Date
JULY – OCTOBER 2019
Cranes

1 x M2480D

THE CHALLENGE

Working over a live refining and smelting plant with limited space, during a scheduled shut down – the question was how quickly and safely can we turn this around with as little disruption to operations as possible?

OUR SOLUTION

Employing the Marr Crane Mat System and one of our Marr 2480D tower cranes to dismantle the structures in large manageable pieces (weighing up to 180t), our approach minimised the risks associated with working at height with limited space on the ground.

THE RESULT

With less lifting and a quicker deconstruction program, the overall risk on the project and to plant operations was reduced. Our solution allowed the refinery to return to production earlier than originally planned.

The original crane methodology proposed using a 600-tonne crawler crane with a super lift attachment which would have required demolishing part of the plant and shutting down critical production. The project proposed a number of challenges including working to a scheduled shutdown program in a congested site with restricted space and significant underground services. The areas highlighted in red above indicate structures that would have had to be demolished for the 600-tonne crawler crane to operate, subsequently ruling the original methodology out as a viable option.

Using the Marr Crane Mat System, one of our M2480D Heavy Lift Luffing (HLL) tower cranes could be installed on an above ground 10x10m static base off the existing roadway in an area inaccessible to traditional craneage solutions.

The heavy lifting capacity of Marr’s 2480D HLL – rigged to have a capacity of more than 280 tonnes – allowed the decommissioned vessels to be removed in a single lift and moved to the roadside for removal by road transport.

After the old vessels were removed, new replacement vessels were installed using the same crane configuration.

The last replacement vessel was installed with the 12-week scheduled shutdown resulting in the project being completed with less lifting, reduced risk to plant operations and a substantial cost benefit over the original planned methodology.

The methodology used on this project can be adapted for any large-scale operation where there is limited space to work at the interface of other working fronts, and a similar need to avoid non-scheduled shutdowns of operations.

LET'S TALK ABOUT HOW WE COULD ADD VALUE TO YOUR PROJECT

We work with our clients to find a craneage solution that works – no matter how big or complex the job is. If the right crane doesn’t already exist, we’ll build one to suit the needs of your project.

ABOUT US

We’re not just a crew and cranes for hire. We’re big thinkers and problem solvers who love a challenge. No problem is too big for us.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We believe that the crane needs to suit the job, not the other way around. We don’t just hire cranes – we design craneage solutions.

OUR HERITAGE

We’re a third-generation family-owned and run business with a strong sense of tradition and loyalty engrained in what we do and how we work together.

OUR PEOPLE

We think of our team as ‘one big family’ of problem-solvers who love cranes and the challenge of working on complex, large-scale projects.

OUR APPROACH

We work with you to find an engineering solution that works. Delivering value through the unique combination of our knowledge, experience, proven service delivery and people.

OUR SERVICES

We’ve worked on some of the most complex and challenging large-scale construction projects across Australia and around the world.

OUR CRANES

We don’t just hire cranes – we design them. So, if the right crane for your job doesn’t already exist, we’ll build one.

OUR PROJECTS

With almost 100 years’ experience, we have a reputation for taking on projects that others can’t or won’t.

SAFETY, QUALITY & ENVIRONMENT

We take on the jobs that many others can’t or won’t – but we always put good business practices first.

SUSTAINABILITY

We take sustainability seriously. It’s inherent in our commitment to finding the best and most efficient solution to every job.

SOCIAL IMPACT

As problem-solvers who love a challenge, we are never shy of tackling the big issues.

DIVERSITY

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace that reflects the clients and communities we work with.