When an essential industrial unit targeted for replacement began to fail earlier than expected, a plant operator called on Deep South to help transport and replace key components to support an emergency turnaround.

The primary task was to transport and remove and/or replace seven vessels that ranged from 50,000 to 600,000+ lbs. The largest piece that needed to be lifted/moved was a 40’ long x 12’ wide and 12’ tall vessel weighing just over 600,000 lbs.

To support the plant operations, the Deep South team reworked resources to start two months ahead of schedule.

Logistics Alignment

The biggest challenge with the transport and replacement effort was prioritizing the lift schedule in conjunction with the equipment delivery schedule while also adapting the necessary counterweight changes to accommodate the varying component weights. Specifically, two vessels needed to be removed to allow access to other pieces, two needed to be sent out for repair and returned for installation, and three needed to be removed and replaced with new vessels.

Deep South worked closely with the on-site project team to evaluate the stability of the structures and equipment around the various components. Rigging and flagging were also essential to align all parties for a safe lift. These discussions were particularly important since two cranes from another company would be used during the removal process.

With limited space for tail swing, a 1,000-ton VersaCrane™ CC-12000 was used as the main lift crane for a majority of the components.

One of the vessel placements would require a more customized solution to get it into place.

Keeping a Low Profile

One of the most complex parts of the effort was to replace a vessel that was under an existing elevated structure that restricted allowable load sizes. The vessel was 48-ft. long x 5-ft. wide x 7-ft. tall and weighed 90,000 lbs. Worst case clearances above and below the vessel when existing the structure were at ½ inch.

Deep South opted for a customized jack-and-slide methodology with custom low profile saddles that provided access for hydraulic jacks to raise and lower the vessel. This solution also incorporated slide points that sat on Hilman rollers to maintain the overall dimensions within the limited space. The custom fabricated slide rails simplified the installation into the structure, allowing the equipment to slide out and back once lowered from the start position.

A Terex-Demag CC-2400-1 crawler crane supported movement of miscellaneous pieces of equipment at the laydown yard. Equipment was transported to and from the industrial unit with a 12-line double-wide Scheuerle SPMT and a 12-axle-line Goldhofer E-Series transporter.

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About Deep South: Deep South Crane & Rigging is a leading provider of heavy lift and transport solutions in the refining, chemical, and energy sectors and strives to provide its customers the best tools to complete the task at hand and is home of the VersaCrane fleet. The firm offers a complete range of services, from bare crane rental to turn-key heavy lift and transport solutions to clients in North and South America. It operates out of 7 locations including Baton Rouge, LA; Sulphur, LA; New Orleans, LA; Dequincy, LA; Beaumont, TX; Houston, TX; and Catlettsburg, KY. Sister company DS Americas operates out of Bogota, Colombia. Recent recognition includes 2020 Houston Business Roundtable (HBR) Best in Class Safety Excellence Award Finalist, 2022 Best in Class Safety Excellence Award in Crane and Rigging, and 2023 Mentor Award; 2020- 2023 Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA) Safety Excellence Award; 2018-2023 Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association (SCRA) Safety Award; 2018-2023 Louisiana Worker's Compensation Corporation (LWCC) Safest 70); 2021 Texas Mutual Platinum Safety Partner Award; and 2021 and 2023 Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) Silver Level Contractor Safety Performance Award.