Turnaround

The challenge

Full involvement in the turnaround at the OMV refinery in Schwechat

In 2016 and 2017 the Schwechat refinery underwent a general inspection that has to be carried out every six years. In addition to the maintenance and inspection of the plants, projects were also implemented to update and guarantee the sustainable operation of the refinery. Specialist attention was given to quality and safety when choosing partners. Prangl supported the turnaround with an unprecedented fleet of machinery.

Our solution

Full involvement in the turnaround at the OMV refinery in Schwechat

In 2016 and 2017 the Schwechat refinery underwent a general inspection that has to be carried out every six years. In addition to the maintenance and inspection of the plants, projects were also implemented to update and guarantee the sustainable operation of the refinery. Specialist attention was given to quality and safety when choosing partners. Prangl supported the turnaround with an unprecedented fleet of machinery.

Prangl’s fleet: 85 devices

Every step was planned down to the last detail by Prangl because the work was being carried out in a confined space and under great time pressure. The devices for the large job were also selected just as meticulously: The Prangl specialists were on-site with a total of 45 telescopic cranes, 11 loader cranes, 25 forklift trucks and telehandlers, three tractor units and a 50 metre truck-mounted work platform. The centrepiece of the whole 2017 turnaround was undoubtedly the 1,000 ton yellow telescopic crane, the heaviest in Austria. It was used when replacing the top of the column in the “HDS 3 splitter” plant because of its unparalleled lateral range.

Austria's strongest crane shone

The yellow giant had to overcome a reach of 60 metres at a height of 70 metres with a lifting weight of 10 tons. No other equipment could have been used because of the limited setup space and the need to keep the road clear. It is the top of its class with the split structure of the main boom that is assembled on-site. Alternative concepts would have needed to be set up above a pipe used in operation, which OMV would have rejected for safety reasons.

Decades of experience in the petrochemical sector guarantee success

All inspection work was carried out according to a very precise plan. The Prangl experts also mastered this great challenge superbly because of their decades of experience in the petrochemical sector. And an enormous confirmation of the dedication of all Prangl employees involved: One week, the company was voted “Subcontractor of the Week”.