LGH and BMWC Constructors, Inc. / Refinery Cooling Tower Unit Section

The Project

BMWC Constructors, Inc. (BMWC) was challenged to perform the setting of (2) 15’ x 52’ cooling tower unit sections within an active, working refinery. While being responsible for the coordination of a 550-ton crane, submitting an engineer lift plan for approval, as well as the site prep work needed to meet the project soil compaction requirements, BMWC was also responsible for the removal of the HVAC/scrubber units. BMWC ironworkers, carpenters, laborers and operators worked together to complete the project, while turning to Lifting Gear Hire for expertise in developing a lift plan and for supplying the appropriately sized, tested and certified lift equipment.

The Lifting Challenge

This project was a critical lift inside of an active refinery. The work had to be complete while the refinery day-to-day operations were still in effect without disruption and within a tight schedule.

The Lifting Solution

Lifting Gear Hire provided the correct design configuration of the rigging and modular spreader beams to the structural engineer to create the critical lift plan. The quoting process used by LGH assisted the structural engineers in easily identifying equipment weight and capacities needed for calculations, as well as providing all of the safety certifications needed. “The involvement of LGH’s team really built a high level of confidence with our client,” states Dan Stegvilas, BMWC Purchasing Manager. Stegvilas also stated, “LGH has also been proactive instead of reactive, and they are always available with the right tools and expertise when needed.”

The lift design configuration was planned so that the same rigging equipment could be used for both critical lifts in different configurations as needed to further enhance BMWC’s cost and time savings. Modular spreader beams played a key role to allow the project’s structural engineer the ability to adjust the equipment according to each lift quickly — within the 2-day time frame allotted for both lifts.

The Outcome

This complete scope of work was completed in one week with the critical lift taking place over a weekend. We are proud to report that this project was completed without injury or incident, and it was completed on schedule and under budget as well. ¬John Manta, BMWC Vice President of Marketing & Sales, stated that “Working with LGH is always a positive experience. From top to bottom within their organization, every individual that I’ve worked with or come across nationally has been 100% supportive of our company’s efforts in all areas. Tony Fiscelli and his people clearly understand what ‘customer service’ means, and they’re willing to demonstrate it every day. We truly appreciate our vendor relationship with LGH.”

Equipment Used for this Project

(1) Modular 110 – 89 (ton) w/ (KEN200K X 40′) Top Rigging- Span (ft.): 31′

(8) EN360 x 20′ Slings

(8) Modular 50 – 50 (ton) W/O Top Rigging – Span (ft.): 16′

(8) 9.8 Ton Wire Rope Sling – DIA. 1″ – Length: 20′

(8) 17 Ton Screw Pin Shackle

About BMWC Constructors, Inc. (BMWC)

BMWC began in Indianapolis, IN in 1955. Since their beginning, they have grown to 2,500 employees with annual revenue of $500M annually. BMWC has locations in Indiana, Arizona, Oregon and Washington with two new locations soon to be opened in Northern Ohio and Edmonton (AB), Canada to better serve their customers. BMWC provides Construction Management, Field Construction Services, and Fabrication Services. With an excellent safety record, BMWC has been recognized and received regional, national and global safety awards. To learn more about BMWC, please visit their website at http://www.bmwc.com