Planning Developing and Designing Unconventional Lifts for Brownfield Projects

Abstract In the context of enhancing production facilities within a brownfield, whether to increase output or transition to safer technologies, modifying existing facilities by addition of new equipment and deck extensions becomes imperative. The design, modification and installation of these deck extensions undergoes a rigorous EPC cycle which is undertaken by EPC contractors in co-operation with various contractors. This EPC cycle address all the requirements of the brown field project, start from engineering operational requirements to construction and installation within budgeted cost. Invariably these modifications need to be carried out in planned manner. Maximizing construction of modules onshore to reduce construction time, achieve good quality and reduce offshore construction time. These modules once constructed at an onshore facility, are loaded on to transportation barges and sent to offshore facility for installation. To receive the module on to the fixed platforms necessary arrangements are made. The arrangements are engineered based on the type of modification. Often the modifications need to be carried out in area which are not in direct reach of cranes and hence requires engineering additional arrangements such as skidding, use of static rigging etc. to receive deck extensions/modules etc. Often it requires shutdown of the facility and temporary removal of existing facility components. These inaccessible areas can be often accessed easily using unconventional lifts. The unconventional lifting methods employs additional tools depending type of unconventional lift adopted. Adopting unconventional lifting methodology has its own benefits which are not limited to:- Reduction in hiring of costly resources and dependence on their availability. Reduction in temporary modifications in existing facility to receive modules. Simple and fast module installation. Reduction in project cost. This paper will describe in detail concept of unconventional lifting. And will specifically cover unconventional lifting using spreader bar and counterweight mechanism.