BIS Industrial Services was commissioned to design modifications for a 350,000 tonnes pa vinyl chloride plant at Runcorn. To ensure safe plant maintenance, two additional 18" block and bleed isolation valves were required between existing reboilers and their associated column.
EVC Reboiler starting point
The equipment was in a very congested, hazardous area in constant daily use. The work was therefore designed with minimal hot work and within short shutdown windows, maximising the amount of shop- fabricated pipework and minimising down time.
Good personnel access had to be maintained to the relocated reboilers, the new isolation valves and the existing column.
THE SCOPE OF THE CONTRACT
The existing equipment was initially surveyed, using state of the art laser survey techniques, to accurately locate tie-in points and define existing plant. BIS Industrial Services's design team then interpreted this electronic data, using it to recreate three dimensional model of the existing plant, from which the modifications could be planned and designed. This work was completed using AutoPlant 3D design software, ensuring efficient interdisciplinary co-ordination and an accurate clash-free design.
Completed EVC reboiler
THE SCALE OF THE PROJECT
The project included full design , procurement, installation and project management for the inclusion of two 18" .00 double block and bleed isolation valves.
This modification required two new reboilers, three tonnes of steelwork, and at least 40 tie-ins to existing pipework, as well as relocation of the existing reboilers.
All construction work was achieved within a six week shutdown window, and the final project cost was £250,000.
BIS-IS was able to utilise in-house expertise and experience of the latest laser survey equipment and techniques. This, when combined with state of the art 3D CAD design tools, provided a reliable, error-free solution. Most of the new pipework was fully pre-fabricated in the shop, reducing the need for on-site adjustment and minimising installation time.
The 3D model produced not only improved design team co-ordination and clash checking, but also helped the construction team to visualise and plan the complex installation sequences required to execute the work.
BIS-IS provided a full complement of specialist design services from readily available in-house resources, including mechanical, plant design, civil and structural as well as the necessary project and procurement support.
