Typical planning for a fluid catalytic cracking "head-off " turnaround involves erecting a temporary jig stand to support the new cyclones and regenerator head. A refining company turned to Global Scaffold Construction Services (GSCS), the union arm of Excel Modular Scaffold, to erect a temporary jig stand. The structure was utilized to support the new cyclones and regenerator head. Due to the limited space in the area, it was also determined a second jig stand would need to be erected by GSCS to sit the existing head on once it was removed. Typically, this temporary jig stand would be constructed out of pipe and beams in order to support the weight of over 550 tons. This method usually proves to be very costly and time-consuming and generates a lot of waste at the end of the turnaround -- not to mention the access decks are not easily adjusted while fitting up the cyclones or performing inspections prior to the turnaround.
GSCS erected these two temporary jig stands utilizing patented Excel Modular Scaffold material. Excel's engineers designed a jig stand that would not only support the load weight but would also allow multiple access decks to be used for welding the cyclones and inspections.
GSCS is a full-service union shop providing scaffold, paint, insulation and abatement services, as well as specialty turnaround mechanical services to the petrochemical, power, and oil and gas industries. GSCS puts the safety and health of its employees at the core of its operation.
"Our people are the key to the success of our business," said Chad King, senior vice president of GSCS. "GSCS aims for a culture that goes above policies and procedures, where employees accept their responsibility to ensure a safe work environment for themselves and their fellow employees."
GSCS utilizes a behavior-based safety tool -- "Silence is Permission" -- whereby employees are empowered to identify and document unsafe acts or conditions. This tool, combined with the safety of the Excel product, is how GSCS continually meets its obligation to deliver a safe work environment.
Excel is always coming up with solutions for complex projects. From airlifting scaffold to completing the temporary jig stands, the company designs innovative approaches that will save time and money. The increased structural integrity of the Excel system also allows for freestanding applications when other systems need to be fixed to the structure, which can be a tremendous benefit for coating and insulation applications.
"Excel provides a cost-effective solution using temporary scaffolding instead of permanent all-steel jig stands," said Brandon Munn, executive vice president of Excel. "With the capacity of Excel's shoring packages, we can offer temporary shoring of heavy loads while providing the necessary safety ratio to still utilize the scaffold application as access.
"Excel scaffolding also mitigates smashed-hand injuries, eliminates metal- face slivers, allows easier platform access, and is simpler and quicker to inspect. Excel Modular Scaffold is qualified and registered in accordance with ISO 9001, assuring the material and customer care is of the highest standard. This system has proven to be second-to-none, with features and benefits that offer increased value and cost reductions to its many users."
Excel Modular Scaffold material is manufactured in the U.S. by its trusted manufacturer, Deltak Manufacturing Inc. Using stringent specifications, Deltak is able to custom fabricate any and every scaffold piece needed for each individual project. The Excel scaffold system has developed a strong following of loyal customers in the refining, petrochemical, chemical and nuclear industries.
For more information about GSCS, visit www.gscsservices.com or call (832) 429-0779.
For more information about Excel Modular Scaffold, visit www.excel scaffold.com or call (877) NOTOOLS [668-6657].
Project
Global Scaffold Construction Services erected a temporary jig stand at a refinery for a fluid catalytic cracking "head-off " turnaround. The structure was utilized to support the new cyclones and regenerator head.
Engineering
Excel Modular Scaffold's engineers designed a jig stand that would not only support the load weight but also allow multiple access decks used for welding of the cyclones and inspections.
Results
By building the temporary jig stand utilizing Excel scaffold material, a significant amount of time was saved both pre- and post-job. Labor and material savings passed on to the refinery were in excess of $250,000.