Al Jaber Heavy Lift and Transport recently used its 3,200 tonne capacity Terex CC 8800-1 TWIN crane to help complete a series of super-heavy lifts on a petrochemical development in Qatar.
The project involved a total of 143 lifts, 31 of which were carried out using the 1,600 tonne capacity Terex CC 8800-1 crane and two lifts - installing two AGR (Advanced Gas Reactor) absorbers each weighing 1,300 tonnes - with the crane in its TWIN format.
The lifts were planned by Al Jaber site manager Sevi Phillip over a period of 18 months with the two AGR absorber lifts critical in the company being awarded the contract. With the single boom 1,600 tonne capacity CC 8800-1 crane already on site to carry out the smaller capacity lifts, the crane was then adapted to SSL TWIN configuration by adding the second boom to lift the two AGR absorbers.
Once fully rigged in TWIN format, the self-propelled modular trailers (SPMT’s) used to move the huge columns into position were also assembled. Each absorber was raised from the horizontal to the vertical using the CC 8800-1 TWIN crane as the main lift crane and using a tail frame to control the base of the absorber.
Once the CC 8800-1 TWIN crane lifted the absorber clear of the SPMT’s, the trailer was moved out of way and the lift continued until the column was vertical. At this point the tail frame was then removed leaving the crane to carry the whole weight of the absorber.
Next the crane slewed through 90 degrees and placed the column into its final position on the specially prepared foundation. The TWIN was then partially de-rigged so that it could track a short distance into the correct position to carry out the second lift and then be re-assembled to carry out the identical lift sequence with the second AGR absorber.
Mark Rowlands, project manager with Al Jaber Heavy Lift based in the Middle East said that the contract was further complicated because of the intense heat in the summer and wind variations. “The Terex CC 8800-1 TWIN is not just the best crane for the job, but the best crane!” he said. “It was comfortable, easy to use, stable and flexible and the operators were very happy with its precise and user friendly controls.”
“We were all very pleased with the crane and how it performed. Everything went according to the plan - it was a dream come true!” said Phillip. “We were all surprised how compact the CC 8800-1 TWIN was given its huge lift capacity. There were 27,000 people on site so space was at a premium. We worked with the client to minimize time and space requirements which really benefitted the whole project.”
The AGR absorber column is a critical item in the liquefied natural gas processing train helping remove hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide and organic sulphurs in the raw feed gas so it complies with LNG liquefaction process or sales gas production standards.
Alex Mullins, executive director of the Al Jaber Heavy Lift Group responsible for all international activities said that the project was an example of the excellent working relationship with Terex. “We strive to provide clients with safe, cost effective projects and use the right people and equipment to ensure the right outcome. We were involved at an early stage with the development of the Terex CC 8800-1 TWIN and we are very pleased with the end result.”
For more information on the crane please follow the link: http://www.terex.com/cranes/en/products/latticeboomcrawlercranes/CC8800-1TWIN/index.htm
This story also appears on Crane Equipment Guide.
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