Mammoet was then tasked with placing the new converter in the center of its foundation so the piping would align for proper installation. The SPMTs then transported the vessel out of the facility. It was then skidded out of the unit directly onto waiting SPMTs which had been placed under a total of 332 meters (1,090 feet) of skid track. First, to remove the old vessel, this complete arrangement was jacked up, lifting the converter in the process. These beams were then attached to jacking components set up on each side of the vessel and rested on a pair of 500 Te climbing jacks positioned at each end. In order to lift the vessels, Mammoet’s crew installed custom beams that were narrow enough to slide between the foundation and still have the capacity to cradle the entire 750-ton piece. In response to these requirements, Mammoet designed a jack and slide system that could cradle both vessels by their foundations in order to elevate and slide them into place with the utmost control. However, while the vessels now have this potential, they have very specific support conditions around their foundations that must be upheld to prevent damage to the sensitive internal linings of the converter. In recent years, advances in technology have changed tank designs in such a way that new vessels can be moved in one piece. Historically, the exchange of converters is a time consuming and space intensive process, involving stick building and demolition that extends turnarounds and increases risks. So Mammoet devised a tailor-made cradling solution that could overcome these challenges and provide the precision and control to move the delicate vessel – a feat never attempted at this particular plant. The limited space, as well as strict ground bearing pressure requirements, made the use of heavy equipment challenging. The project needed to be executed within restricted available space and with as little disturbance as possible to nearby components and units that had been upgraded in a previous shutdown. Built several decades ago, the exchange of this 750-ton converter vessel was a critical part of an upgrade to the plant. Mammoet was recently called on by a Gulf Coast spent acid regeneration facility to replace an aging acid converter vessel.
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