Laffan Refinery lifts heaviest columns in its construction

The 53 meters high, 495 tonne Debutanizer and the 450 tonne, 65 meter high Condensate columns were safely and successfully lifted into place ahead of schedule. This was achieved by means of a Demag CC 8800-1 model crane, with a super-lift configuration enabling a total lifting capacity of 1600 tons. A second crane of 450 ton capacity was also utilized for both heavy lifting operations.

The columns were hoisted into place utilizing what is universally referred to as a "tandem lift", which is; two cranes working simultaneously with one crane performing the bulk of the lift, and the second crane being used for "tailing". "Tailing" involves the load being lifted from a horizontal to a vertical position, with both cranes and the bulk of the columns weight being borne by the larger crane.

Once the columns were lifted into a vertical position the tailing cranes' rigging was released and the larger crane completed both lifts. For both lifts, from the columns horizontal flat position to vertical upright took approximately two hours. Another hour was required to properly secure the columns onto their foundations before they were unhooked from the crane.

For these unique lifts a special project team of three dedicated PMT staff and numerous personnel from GS Daewoo worked with the Heavy Lift
Subcontractor to design, review and safely execute the lift.

"The team on site at Laffan Refinery has done an outstanding job to ensure that everything went smoothly for this hazardous activity. Most importantly the job was completed safely and without any down-grading incidents. I would like to congratulate all who were involved for a job well done;" said Salman Ashkanani, Laffan Refinery Venture Manager.

The debutanizer and condensate columns/towers play a part in the cracking and distillation processes in refineries. The resulting liquids and vapours are discharged into the tall columns and towers that give refineries their distinctive skylines.