Process
The key to the project’s success was in the detailed surveys conducted during the tender period. These surveys were crucial in planning the logistics for transporting and assembling the cooling towers. Each cooling tower, weighing 22 tonnes (dry weight), was broken down into smaller components ready for lifting through a hole in the concrete floor to the roof level of the building and reassembled in situ.
Most of the work was carried out on the roof, with some elements completed in the upper plant room floors. The process of taking cooling towers offline, rebuilding them, and then moving to the next phase was completed in stages, ensuring there was no disruption to the building’s functionality.
Several challenges were encountered during the project, with one of the most significant being the rooftop work in adverse weather conditions during winter. Plans were also put in place for liaising with the French manufacturer, overcoming language and cultural barriers to ensure provision of labour and ultimately the smooth running of the project.
While the project was mostly completed during regular working hours, some additional shifts were necessary. Key tasks, such as isolations and drain downs, were completed during weekends, with Ben Morris and Richard Stone playing an essential role in the planning and execution, with the project being completed on time and with minimal disruption to the building’s operations.
