Expert Execution on a Time-Critical LNG Changeout

When a critical motor and its cooler failed at a major LNG plant, the operators needed a fix to minimize downtime and production delays. Product was already filling holding tanks and trapped in the liquefaction process.

However, the failed motor was no ordinary piece of equipment. It weighed in around 680,000 lbs and had never been changed out. Adding to the complexity, the plant operator needed the removal and replacement to happen in a maximum of 15 days.

A Gantry-Based Game Plan

With an eye on speed and safety, Deep South developed a precision plan to remove and replace the motor and cooler around several core pieces of heavy lift solutions: a 700-ton gantry, a custom jack-and-slide system and a 6-axle-line, double-wide Scheuerle SPMT.

The gantry was purpose-built for exactly this kind of job with its 5' base, which provides the stability needed to safely execute heavy lifts in tight or sensitive environments, and a 39’ stroke that provided the necessary clearance to remove and replace the motor using the custom jack-and-slide system.

Executing Under Pressure

When the new motor and cooler arrived by barge, the Deep South team transported the equipment through the active LNG facility to the installation site, where the gantry and other systems had already been assembled.

The old motor was lifted using the gantry and then walked to a nearby staging system where the motor was lowered onto SPMTs and moved out of the unit. The process was then reversed: the new motor was positioned, lifted and set in place.

With the changeout complete, the old motor was rolled onto the barge and returned to the manufacturer for repairs.

The emergency replacement was completed in 12 days, three days ahead of the deadline. The facility owner personally thanked both the day and night shifts for their professionalism, hard work, and safe execution in getting the plant back online.

• Equipment Used

  • Scheuerle SPMT
  • Hydraulic Gantries
  • Barge Ramps
  • Hydraulic Jacking Cans

• Services Used

  • Turnkey Solutions
  • Heavy Haul
  • Daily Lifting
  • Custom Solutions
  • Rigging Services
  • Engineering