Posted on February 25, 2025
A Midwest refinery recently faced a challenge that required not only technical expertise, but also creativity and precision. Lifting industry experts at Southern Lifting and Hoisting were brought in to tackle the installation of two vertically stacked gasoline coolers. At first glance, it was an operation that seemed straightforward but quickly revealed itself to be an extraordinary challenge.
The gasoline coolers tightly fit inside of the refinery.
The task came with a major complication: extremely limited space. The team had to perform the job with just one inch of vertical clearance, leaving little to no room for error. With horizontal space equally restricted by a maze of pipes and existing infrastructure, traditional rigging equipment wasn’t an option. The solution required specialized tools capable of operating in such tight conditions, which led Southern Lifting and Hoisting to partner with LGH. 20-ton hydraulic gantries to the jobsite was the only equipment compact and powerful enough to meet the demands of this project.
Southern Lifting and Hoisting was no stranger to complex rigging operations. However, this project raised the bar with a combination of spatial limitations and the added pressure of working within a live refinery unit- an environment where precision wasn’t just important, it was absolutely crucial.
With only an inch of vertical clearance, the team had to think outside the box. They designed and fabricated a custom jig to safely stack the gasoline coolers without making contact with the pipes or interfering with other delicate infrastructure. Every lift, shift, and placement had to be executed with pinpoint accuracy to avoid disrupting the surrounding control mechanisms and sensitive equipment that were still in operation.
LGH’s hydraulic gantry system set up.
The planning didn’t stop at installation. The team also needed a strategy for safely removing the gantries after the job was completed- no small feat considering the same tight spaces that complicated installation would also challenge disassembly. Strategic positioning became critical, with one gantry set closer to the foundation and the other positioned further away to allow for careful maneuvering in and out of the space.
The project team later described it as the most challenging rigging job they had ever encountered in terms of clearance. Every movement required intense focus, as even a minor misstep could have led to costly damages or safety hazards within the live unit.
Having worked with LGH on previous projects, Southern Lifting and Hoisting knew exactly who to call for support. They collaborated with Jason Martinez, their trusted LGH rental representative, whose expertise and reliability had proven invaluable on past jobs.
The solution started with the selection of LGH’s 20-ton hydraulic gantries. They chose these specifically for their compact size and lifting capacity. These features are essential for navigating the refinery’s spatial constraints. While Southern Lifting and Hoisting had developed a preliminary engineering plan, Jason provided an extra layer of assurance by reviewing and validating the approach with detailed engineering drawings. His input helped fine tune the rigging strategy, ensuring it met all necessary safety and operational requirements.
The first cooler loaded onto the gantry system.
Custom fabrication also played a vital role in the project’s success. Reeb Rigging, a trusted project partner, engineered and fabricated specialized header beams that supported the gasoline coolers during installation. They also designed a custom forklift cradle to manage the limited clearance and aid LGH’s hydraulic gantries in the precise placement of equipment.
Through close collaboration between Southern Lifting and Hoisting, LGH, and Reeb Rigging, the project exceeded expectations. Despite its complexity and potential delays, the team finished three days ahead of schedule, saving valuable time. Even better, it came in under budget- an impressive achievement in an industry where time and precision drive costs.
Every phase of the operation was executed flawlessly. The gantries and rigging equipment were positioned without damaging the refinery’s infrastructure, and the team delivered on time and within budget while maintaining top safety and efficiency standards.
This project highlighted Southern Lifting and Hoisting’s ability to perform under pressure. It also showcased LGH’s crucial role in supplying specialized equipment.
Both gasoline coolers efficiently loaded onto the gantry system.
The partnership between these teams proved that with planning, collaboration, and tools, even the most restrictive spaces can be successfully navigated.
In the end, the team set a new standard for precision rigging under extreme conditions. They proved that no space is too tight when the right minds and equipment come together.
Southern Lifting & Hoisting and its sister companies were founded to provide simple solutions that industries can depend on. Over the years, we’ve added services to our offerings to become a single-provider solution that simplifies your worksites. Lifting, logistics, hauling–all from a single provider with experienced operators. Our expansive knowledge allows us to provide innovative solutions for a variety of industries. Simplify your worksite with a single provider. Contact us today.
LGH holds North America’s largest inventory of lifting and rigging equipment, offering safe and efficient solutions for a variety of industries. With over 70,000 pieces of equipment and a network of locations across the U.S. and Canada, LGH is dedicated to supporting customers with the best rigging gear available.
