Rhyal Engineering were recently awarded a contract to inspect, certify, transfer, install and pressure test an existing sixteen metre diameter LPG sphere from Milford Haven to Port Talbot.

This interesting project began with a full NDT survey of the vessel, together with engineering calculations for pressure uprating and a full cyclic study for future use. Once we had confirmed that the vessel was suitable for future use, then we had to engineer and plan the major operations required to move such a large structure over a distance of some seventy miles.

This involved the design, fabrication and installation of a suitable support cradle and lifting attachments, removal of the existing support legs and transfer by road to the quayside on two number self-propelled heavy lift trailers. The vessel was then lifted into the water by a 1,000 tonne crane and transferred by sea to Port Talbot Docks, before being lifted back onto the trailers for transfer around the site. This required a total of five lifts by the 1,000 tonne crane over conveyers and overhead piping systems, before the vessel was able to reach its final destination and returned onto its support legs.

Following the successful installation and commissioning of the sphere, Rhyal Engineering were requested to decommission and remove the existing redundant sphere from its present position to a new site lay down area. This again involved the design, fabrication and installation of a suitable support cradle and lifting attachments, removal of the existing support legs, lifting over the site buildings by a 1,200 tonne crane and transfer by road on two number self propelled heavy lift trailers. The vessel was than lifted off the transport, together with the support cradle and lowered to grade until a decision on its future use and position has been agreed.