Project Name: Sea Water Pump Foundation Regrout
Completion Date: 22/03/2023
Location: United Kingdom
Type of Project: Installation on existing foundation
Industry: Oil & Gas
Project Overview
Our client’s jetty team embarked on a crucial upgrade by replacing their outdated Sigmund Sea Water pump. The installation of the new pump required regrouting of the baseplates and cleaning of the existing foundation. The project aimed to enhance the pump’s performance and reliability, crucial for maintaining efficient operations at the refinery.
Unexpected Difficulties Encountered
The pump’s placement, situated close to the sea, posed a unique and challenging situation. The pump was several metres below water level during high tide, making access to the site difficult. As a result, all required tools and materials had to be manually transported to the site. This affected and added to the complexity of the project’s logistics.
Overcoming the Difficulties
Facing the access challenge head-on, the Alphatec Engineering team demonstrated exceptional teamwork and creativity. They established a human chain, allowing for efficient and organised transport of tools and materials. Each team member only had to carry items a short distance before handing them off to the next link in the chain, streamlining the process and overcoming the logistical hurdles successfully.
Lessons Learned
The experience of working with the original pump’s installation, which had utilised cement grout solely around the baseplate area, led to an important realisation. To achieve superior load distribution and vibration reduction for the new pump, the decision was made to grout the entire foundation area, covering approximately 2557mm². This approach also aimed to safeguard the foundation against potential degradation caused by exposure to saltwater and oil.
Successes and Achievements
The successful completion of the Sea Water Pump foundation regrout project can be primarily attributed to the remarkable teamwork and cooperation exhibited by the Alphatec Engineering team. Their collective efforts to overcome logistical challenges and efficiently transport tools and materials played a crucial role in the project’s success.
The project highlighted the importance of thorough site access evaluation before commencing any project. By conducting comprehensive assessments ahead of time, potential logistical challenges can be anticipated and addressed, ensuring smoother project execution and timely delivery.
Environmental Impact
The location’s proximity to the sea and exposure to saltwater and oil underscore the need for environmentally friendly and durable solutions. Utilising appropriate materials and practices can mitigate environmental risks and contribute to sustainable engineering practices in the oil and gas industry.
Conclusion
The Sea Water Pump foundation regrout project exemplifies Alphatec Engineering’s proficiency in handling complex installations within the oil and gas industry.
The team’s commitment to overcoming challenges, especially regarding site access, showcases their problem-solving capabilities and collaborative spirit. Lessons learned from the project underscore the importance of meticulous planning, particularly in assessing site logistics, for seamless execution.
By continually emphasising teamwork, efficiency, and environmentally conscious practices, Alphatec Engineering continues to elevate the standards for successful and sustainable engineering projects.
