Transporters for LNG Heat Exchanger Manufacturing

Liquefied Gas Industry

Summary

Manufacturer of LNG heat exchangers uses Wheelift transporters to increase productivity.

Challenge.

Transfer and position loads up to 17’ diameter x 70’ long and weighing 220 tons in facilities compromised by uneven surfaces, low ceilings, obsolete rail tracks, and fixed machinery locations.

Solution.

Wheelift engineered and built two self-loading, 110-capacity transporters capable of operating independently, or jointly as a single 220-ton capacity transporter.

Features.

  • Two 9-wheeled transporters
  • 110-ton individual capacity, 220-ton joint capacity
  • Low mounted LPG engines and low profile axles for very low deck heights
  • Self-loading
  • Transporting heat exchangers

    Loading an LNG heat exchanger onto a Wheelift transporter.

  • Blue Wheelift transporter

    Low deck height and high capacity makes this Wheelift transporter ideal for moving 220 ton heat exchangers.

  • Wheelift self-load

    Wheelft transporters have lift capabilities to self-load.

About the Product.

When a manufacturer of LNG heat exchangers thought an expansion would be required, they looked for alternatives and found Wheelift transporters.

Instead of having to expand its facilities, this manufacturer used two large-capacity Wheelift transporters. Doing so allowed them to increase plant utilization and eliminate the need for the expansion.

The transporters were designed for use indoors and outdoors throughout the entire manufacturing and assembly operations. Their low mounted LPG engines and low profile axles led to very low deck heights and the capability to lift and lower for self-loading.

They are used extensively as individual units—driven and positioned with a handheld joystick pendant under partially completed sub-assemblies, where they engage the loads to precision lift and remove them from work holding chucks.

At the marry-up station, the transporters orient the loads to precise locations providing support and ground anchoring, eventually facilitating the marry-up of a fully assembled heat exchanger for shipment to U.S. seaports.

For full load movements, the transporters are positioned under the load saddles and used in multi-mode. One unit becomes the “master” and the other the “follower,” allowing the two transporters to function as one.

The facility saw the following benefits:

  • Increased load capacity for building larger heat exchangers
  • Increased productivity by shortening all move times with manpower reductions
  • Improved process flexibility by eliminating use of inflexible rail carts and overhead cranes

The use of Wheelift transporters was so successful for this manufacturer that when they decided to build a new plant to assemble larger heat exchangers, they purchased two additional 150-ton capacity transporters and designed and built their new Gulf Coast plant with Wheelift transporters as a central factor.

If your manufacturing process needs to boost productivity, contact us.