Neste Oil Porvoo enlisted our team for the mechanical turnaround of their HF Alky factory within a strict 4-week timeline. The scope involved extensive mechanical works on over 100 heat exchangers, ensuring the plant could return to optimal operation promptly.
The project posed multiple challenges, including working with hazardous HF Alkylation chemicals, which required adherence to stringent safety procedures and the use of specialized protective equipment. Additionally, extreme weather conditions—ranging from +15°C to -5°C and including 15 cm of snow—resulted in lost working days.
The turnaround’s already short timeframe was further compressed by a delayed factory handover, reducing the actual work period by 1.5 days.
The turnaround focused on mechanical operations for over 100 heat exchangers, varying in diameter from 50 cm to 250 cm. This included spading and ensuring the plant’s safe shutdown, disassembling components like bonnets, channels, and covers, and pulling bundles. Coordination with the spray station and laydown area was critical for seamless handling.
After inspection and approval by Neste Oil, the components were reassembled, pressure-tested, and reinstalled to prepare the plant for reactivation.
Despite losing 3.5 working days due to late access and adverse weather conditions, the project was completed successfully one day ahead of schedule. This achievement was made possible by efficient planning, adherence to safety protocols, and the dedication of the team.
The turnaround reinstated the HF Alky factory to full operational capacity, meeting Neste Oil’s high standards.
