Shell use Halfen's Powerclick system

Shell achieve safe and efficient pipework installation with Halfen's Powerclick system

Upgrading of processing facilities at Shell's refinery in Cologne South, Germany, has been achieved safely and with minimal time loss through shutdown by the use of Halfen's Powerclick system, the heavy duty 'big brother' to conventional strut framing systems.

The refinery was built in 1960, and this recent work was undertaken to modernise a hydrogen desulphurisation plant as the first stage in the production of new petroleum products.

The refinery's location in a highly populated district of Cologne South meant compliance with the highest safety standards.

The upgrading involved the connection of numerous process and utility pipelines to the existing furnaces and preheating systems and it was decided that, for the first time, the Powerclick system should be used for pipeline support instead of the traditional welded steel structures.

One of the important factors in arriving at this decision was that the framing system has been successfully tested to comply with DIN EN 13480.

Safety considerations required the plant engineers to be completely confident in the integrity of the pipelines and their supporting structures.

Halfen provided training for Shell's fitters, who had not worked with the Powerclick system before.

The small number of components enabled them to become familiar with the system very quickly - in fact, they were able to start work after just 45 minutes training.

However, the real reason that the system is so easy to work with is that all structural elements are fitted with rapid assembly captive bolts.

These considerably speed up construction, whilst the light weight of the system also means that even tall assemblies can be completed without the need for elaborate lifting tackle.

With traditional welded pipework support, interim solutions had to be used until the exact height of the pipework was known, but Powerclick's flexibility allowed it to be installed directly.

The installation also made full use of the systems range of connectors, including dowelled column bases on the ground and interlocking beam clamps to the old furnaces and preheating units.

These connections made without welding minimised the need for safety supervision.

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