The 2,134-ton propylene distillation tower for CNOOC Shell Huizhou Phase III ethylene project was hoisted into place

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On December 23, the heaviest unit of the CNOOC Shell Huizhou Phase III ethylene project, the propylene distillation tower, was successfully lifted in a single attempt. The propylene distillation tower is 110 meters tall, 9.8 meters in diameter, and weighs 2,134 tons. It was successfully installed in just under 8 hours, setting a new record for the weight of a single piece of equipment lifted in this project. This achievement marks progress in the installation of large-scale equipment on the project, laying a solid foundation for the overall advancement of the construction work. It is understood that, as the \"separation hub\" of the ethylene plant, the propylene distillation tower plays a key role in improving the yield of propylene and purifying the product. Due to its “giant” scale, its project management capabilities, technical problem-solving skills, and team collaboration abilities are all put to severe strain. Faced with the severe challenge of lifting the heaviest load, the project team adopted a approach centered on advanced technology and meticulous management. A dedicated task force was established to carry out comprehensive technical evaluations and multiple rounds of plan optimization: from precise verification of the foundation’s bearing capacity and scientific selection of lifting hardware, to digital simulation of the lifting process – every technical parameter was carefully checked and tightly controlled to ensure that the lifting operation was conducted in a scientific and error-free manner. In terms of project organization, the project team focused on seamless coordination of various tasks, managing key aspects such as equipment transportation and foundation construction. This ensured efficient allocation of resources including labor, machinery, and materials, providing a solid foundation for the lifting operation. On the day of lifting, the 4,000-ton crawler crane’s main hoist and the 1,250-ton tailer crane worked in coordination. Under the unified command of the project team, the propylene distillation tower was lifted smoothly, eventually being positioned to within millimeter accuracy. It is reported that the successful installation of the propylene distillation tower this time has created favorable conditions for the subsequent installation of process pipelines and associated equipment. The experience gained from handling such heavy equipment during this lifting operation provides important technical and managerial support for the further development of the project.