Multi-disciplinary approach delivers for Electrabel in Rotterdam
Electrabel is currently building a new coal/biomass power plant in Rotterdam and are relying on Hertel to build and install a significant portion of the pipelines. Electrabel's coal biomass fired power plant has a capacity of 800 MW.
Bart Gyssels, Project Manager at Hertel, explains how Hertel is tackling the construction of the nitrogen and cooling water pipelines: "Because the site is very compact and a large number of people are working simultaneously, we prefabricate fully finished pipe-racks in our work yards. Then we install those metal frames containing pipelines that have been pre-insulated, painted and fitted with tracing in the yard. We do this based on a precise schedule. This means that the client's site is not over-burdened and we create more freedom of movement for the other contractors."
The expertise of various departments is needed to produce the modules. "That is what sets Hertel apart from many other companies," says Bart. "After all, we are able to offer all disciplines in-house, beginning, of course, with the detailed engineering and 3D design. Our piping department can get to work using isometrics. Because of the large dimensions of the pipe-racks (some are more than 30m long and almost 5m high) we also need help from our scaffolders. They create safe and comfortable working conditions for the tracing department and insulators. The painting work is done in advance too."
This umbrella approach has a number of significant advantages. It means that the client has a single point of contact for all components. If there is a problem, or if something changes in the scope, then the client contacts the Project Manager. He approaches the various parties and at the same time ensures that the plan is not jeopardized. The client has nothing else to worry about. Internally, Hertel creates a precise schedule with regard to who does what and where. If this has to be changed in any way then it will affect all other departments as well. "But because everything is in one company, we have flexibility in how we deal with it", says Bart.
12 modules are being built in Wijnegem-and the 13 largest are being prefabricated in Dordrecht. As mentioned previously, the latter are over 30m long and also weigh almost 50 tonnes. This makes transportation and the installation a difficult feat. The first pipe-racks are already on site. "The first installation seemed to be quite a long time in coming, but in fact the whole process is fairly rapid," says Bart. "Once the pipe-rack is on site, the bridge is 'on its feet' in an hour. Our scaffolders also provide safe working conditions in the yard, so that the piping department can weld the various parts together and our fireproofing department can fit the fire protection. Lots of organisation and planning, but we are well on schedule."
Tuesday 25th of October 2011, 04:04:34 PM BST
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