AA Machinery

Erect Two Modular Distillation Columns – Gantry Rigging

Scope Of Work:

Off-load and erect two (2) fully prefabricated distillation column modules within an actively processing pharmaceutical environment. The project was completed in two phases, seven (7) weeks apart; each phase being one module.  Each 58,000lb. module was brought into the building on its side through an enlarged, grade-level temporary wall penetration. The modules were then up-ended into their operating position using 300 ton telescoping gantry and lowered onto anchor bolts in a recessed floor area. The two phases were required to be sequenced in non-preferred order with the first module installed being the once closest to the wall penetration. This created a more restricted ingress and tighter clearances to erect the second module. For both modules, the gantries operated with zero overhead clearance for the tilt-up. Primary equipment consisted of 300 ton hydraulic gantry, two (2) Versa-Lift™ 60/80’s and a jockey tractor.

Project Details:

• Two (2) modules; each 13ft. x 14ft. x 34ft. and weighing 58,000lb.
• Two separate phases/mobilizations
• Unload, position, erect, level and anchor modules in place
• Erection required gantry extension to 37ft. limit
• Zero overhead clearance with full gantry extension
• Cribbed & plated pit area for module erection

Unique Challenges:

Severely restricted clearances through the wall penetration and into position for upending; particularly with regard to the second module which was placed behind the first (first module was already in position between second module and wall penetration).

To up-end the columns and gain enough height to rotate the columns to their vertical position, the gantry posts were extended to full 37ft. height extension and zero clearance existed between the lift beam and overhead obstructions.