Tri-Bar and Tri-Block Systems Solve an Almost Impossible Stripper Vessel Removal and Replacement

Market: Chemical

Location: Oklahoma

Project Dates: September 16, 2010

The Challenge

A customer tasked Barnhart to remove and replace a 125,000-pound stripper vessel from a height of 80’ above the equipment, an impossible task without disassembly of the unit and the removal of other, much larger equipment.

The Solution

The team used the tri-bar and tri-block system, which allowed them to work from both the top and side of the unit that stored the vessel.

The Description

A customer contracted Barnhart to replace a 125,000-pound stripper vessel. The vessel, however, sat 80’ down inside the unit that stored the vessel. Removing the vessel from the top would have required much more work, larger equipment, and, ultimately, a longer power outage.

Barnhart solved the problem by using a tri-block and tri-bar system combination, which allowed the team to remove the equipment from the top and sides of the unit. The team effectively moved the equipment with the lifting system combination by lifting the vessel, maneuver it past obstructions, and reach the exit point on the side of the unit. The team reversed the process to replace the vessel.

The crew successfully finished the job ahead of schedule, spending a total of four days on the project.

Major Equipment Used

• LTM 1500 8.1
• Tri-Bar System
• Tri-Block System