System reduces refinery downtime
Destec Engineering has developed a novel system for dry cutting vessel and regenerator heads prior to replacement that reduces refinery downtime by up to 85% and produces no waste or pollution.
Destec Engineering has developed a novel system for dry cutting vessel and regenerator heads prior to replacement that reduces refinery downtime by up to 85% and produces no waste or pollution.
The company used its system at the Nerefco oil refinery, a joint venture between BP and Texaco based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where it completed the removal of the heads in just two days - some two weeks ahead of Nerefco's expectations.
Refineries replace these heads every four to five years.
Cutting the vessel shell and internal refractory so that they can be removed is often carried out by water jet.
This process can take up to two weeks to complete and is very messy - this can lead to contamination of the lining of the regenerator.
The system designed by Washingborough, Lincolnshire-based Destec uses a purpose built machine to dry cut the heads.
The process can be completed in around two days, saving the refinery significant downtime and cost.
The machine is also able automatically to prepare the cut metal for welding on the new head - a process that is often carried out by hand.
Because there is no water or cutting fluid involved there is no mess and no potential to contaminate the internal lining of the refractory.
Because cutting is carried out from the outside, there is no conflict with the internal workings.
Destec Engineering's Sales and Marketing Manager, Alistair Chadwick, said: "Our system has shown it can save refineries huge amounts of money from lost production caused by downtime.
We have designed our machinery so it is easily portable and can be transported for use anywhere in the world".
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