Rope Access reduces costs flare modification by 33%

Challenge

The client required modifications to a flare ignition system, including the change out of a flare tip, to be conducted during a planned turnaround (TAR).

The project had to be completed within four days so that other key TAR activities could be executed. The height of the flare (140ft.) and tight timeline meant that conventional access methods, such as scaffolding or man lifts, could not be used.

Solution

Stork deployed a multi-disciplined rope access team to deliver the complete scope along a vertical height of 140ft on the wet and dry flare stacks:

• Removed 600ft of 1” electrical conduit
• Installed 600ft of 1” threaded piping
• Cut and removed 50 U-clamps
• Installed four uni-strut brackets
• Hydraulically torqued flanges to specification

Benefits

• Significant cost-savings - Stork’s rope access approach reduced project costs by 33%, when compared with scaffolding.
• Reduced project lead time - Stork executed the scope in four days, compared with approximately three weeks if scaffolding was used.
• Safe service delivery - The project was delivered on time, within budget and with no safety or environmental incidents, despite challenging weather conditions.

“I would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the Stork rope access and torquing crew for their work which allowed us to successfully complete the Flare Ignition Upgrade project on Train 1 Wet and Dry flare. The project was completed within schedule, despite many challenges and without any significant safety incident. The Stork team demonstrated a high level of professionalism during the activity”

Keshva Lalla - Team Lead O&M Engineer, Atlantic

Project Name: Flare modification

Date: 2016