Our client asked us to replace a broken pump spindle and carry out essential pump maintenance. The old spindle had sheared in half, and the ends were seized onto the pump. An ATEX (flammable) site, we were facing reduced access, no internal rigging points and corroded fittings.
The Solution
Using an oil-based compound to start to release the ends from the pump, we managed to free them from the pump allowing us to complete the pump maintenance, cleaning, and service. We completed this project by:
- Rigging through the roof entrance, once we had removed the old spindle, allowing us to gain access to the bracket.
- Using hand tools and an oil-based compound, we released the bolts, taking care not to strip them or damage the brackets – electric tools couldn’t be used because of the flammable environment.
- Releasing the bracket and bolts and installing the new fabricated spindle. Once installed we replaced the bracket and put new bolts in with thread grease to prevent corrosion in the future.
The Result
The system proved the effectiveness of this inspection method and its removal of personnel from hazardous environments. In addition, inspections that normally required scaffolding could now be easily completed with the drone. All data was provided to the client to enable evaluation of the captured footage, forming the backbone of their inspection reporting.
The full survey of the pump room was completed in just over one hour with a single pilot. A traditional inspection would require putting personnel into the space, months of planning, isolations, multiple permits and be completed in multiple days due to the need
for scaffolding to allow inspection.
