Careers Hot Tube Stabilization During Crude Heater Operation
Rapid Maintenance Solution at a US Refinery
A refinery in Montana, USA, with a processing capacity of 205,000 barrels of crude oil per day, faced a recurring issue after an earlier emergency shutdown caused by an electrical outage. The outage left multiple tube supports unstable, leading to the need for a proactive hot tube stabilization service. To avoid future risks, the refinery sought a rapid on-line crude heater maintenance solution that wouldn’t interrupt operations.
The Challenge
Two tubes in the crude heater had partially lost their support when a retaining bar fell out of place. With the next scheduled turnaround still months away, the risk of an unplanned shutdown was too great to ignore.
Image left: Retaining bar out of place
Image right: Finished application (interior)
The IGS Hot-tek™ Solution
Integrated Global Services (IGS) responded quickly, delivering a turnkey hot tube stabilization service without interrupting refinery operations. The team supplied tube stabilizers made from 310 stainless steel, along with experienced welders and all required consumables.
The job was completed over two shifts using IGS’s proprietary J-Hooks, ensuring tube stability during ongoing operation.
Image: Finished application (exterior)
Highlights
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Turnkey tube stabilization service
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No shutdown required
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Installed during normal heater operation
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Completed in two shifts
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310 SS stabilizers + J-Hook technology
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Ensure Reliable Operation Without Shutdown
Contact IGS to discuss your heater reliability and on-line maintenance needs.