Abrasive Cold Cutting: 12 Secondary Cyclone Access Holes Completed in Just Three 12 Hour Shifts!
In a high-stakes refinery turnaround, our team successfully cut precise access openings into 12 refractory-lined secondary cyclones, all within a tight 3-shift window.
To deliver this precision and speed:
● RGL Designed and fabricated a custom slotted cutting track with 260mm radiused corners to which a bespoke hydraulic carriage was fitted. The tracks were rolled to the cyclone diameter of 1.6mtrs to maintain a consistent nozzle standoff distance as the head hydraulically traversed the track.
● We conducted rigorous workshop test cuts followed by two on-site trials months in advance to validate our approach and eliminate surprises.
● Twelve custom tracks were supplied for the turnaround, one being fitted to each cyclone to ensure no time was lost between the cuts. Each access hole took 2 hours to complete with four holes being carried out at the same time. Demineralised water was used throughout project with each cut requiring a maximum of 540 litres.
These openings enabled safe internal access for the refractory re-lining teams prior to the new manway panels being fitted.
The result? Job completed on time, within budget and with zero incidents. RGL innovation and teamwork demonstrating yet again that no challenge is too tough.
Do you have a project coming up that requires UHP water jetting? Get in touch and let us explain your options and come up with a plan that works for you.
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