Installation of D.H.D.S Reactor – HPCL, Mumbai

  • Project Name: Installation of D.H.D.S Reactor - HPCL, Mumbai

 

Case overview

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) Mumbai refinery wanted to upgrade their plant adhering to the strict Euro 3 emission norms. To align with auto fuel policy, HPCL decided to add a Diesel Hydro Desulphurisation (DHDS) plant for producing diesel of Euro III quality.  As a part of this project, they decided to install a new DHDS reactor at its operational refinery at Mahul, Mumbai.

Clients’ Predicament:

HPCL wanted to the install reactor without shutting down other units in their said refinery. The other challenge was the scarcity of space since the reactor needed to be installed in a congested area of the plant. To install the reactor using a crane or by towers with guy ropes, was not possible, in view of the scarcity of space and adjoining structures. Also, the space required for tailing the reactor with a crane during operation was not feasible. Therefore, HPCL was looking for non crane lifting solution. HPCL had given the contract of fabrication, supply and installation of the reactor measuring 30m x 3.6m x 3.6m to M/s Larsen & Toubro, Hazira.

Our Competence

We presented a customized non crane, non-guyed tower alternate lifting solution to L&T by proposing lifting with free standing tower, strand jacks and tailing by tailing frame mounted on hydraulic axles. The engineered solution comprised of twin sets of modular lifting towers, lifting girders, computer controlled strand jack operated by diesel driven power pack. We also transported the reactor from the storage area within the refinery to  under the lifting hook of our strand jack tower system. After lifting the reactor it was skidded towards its foundation by push-pull hydraulic cylinder system mounted on the top girder.During upending of reactor we used a customized tailing frame. The frame was mounted on hydraulic axles and the lifting/tailing operation was coordinated precisely in such a way that lifting speed and movement of the hydraulic axles were synchronized. The lift was executed in six hours and the Reactor was placed on to its foundation safely, to the satisfaction of the client.