The solution for Techint
Techint Engineering & Construction provide a wide range of services including engineering, procurement and construction for large scale, high complexity projects all around the world. The company has 75 years of experience in the market and has completed over 3300 projects in North- and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Techint delivers services in various market segments such as Oil & Gas, Infrastructure and Mining.
The Quellaveco copper mines, located in the Moquegua region of Peru, are one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper deposits. In preparation for the site, Techint was contracted to lay a 95km slurry pipeline reaching from the mine to the nearest seaport. The greatest challenge in pipe laying within this region was that 90% of the pipeline lay 4000m above sea level, peaking at 4600m.
Quality in challenging circumstances
Techint had experienced the benefits of vacuum lifting before. The main reason why Techint prefers vacuum lifting over lifting with hooks and slings is due to the major safety and efficiency benefits. Previous to working with Vlentec vacuum lifters, Techint already had experience with vacuum lifters from another supplier. The reason for making the switch to Vlentec is that Techint’s previous vacuum lifters were not capable of lifting pipes at such high altitudes. With almost half the average atmospheric pressure, a common self-contained vacuum pipe lifter with a combustion engine is less suitable for the job.
Vlentec was awarded the task of supplying three electric vacuum pipe lifters. The major advantage of electric-driven lifters is that the motor output is not influenced, despite low air density. Especially in such challenging environmental circumstances, this lifting method has proven to be the safest and most sustainable solution on the market.
What Did Vacuum Lifting Do For Techint?
Vacuum lifting provided Techint with the answer they had been looking for in search of the perfect lifting solution. But what did vacuum lifting allow them to do?
- Provide reliable pipe lifting up to 4600 m above sea level.
- Safe pipe lifting due to minimal noise production, enabling on-site operators to communicate clearly throughout lifting operations.
- Lift heavy pipes fast and efficiently, therefore staying within the project scope.
Fast action from customer and supplier
As Techint needed a solution quickly, one unit was purchased with an interchangeable battery pack for use on a mobile crane and two units were purchased driven by the electric power of the excavator’s alternator. All three vacuum lifters being the ED125N series. As the vacuum lifters were on stock, they were delivered on-site within just one week after Vlentec was awarded the assignment. Allowing Techint to work continuously and without any delay. Before putting the machines to use all employees who operate the vacuum lifters received full training and certification to ensure safe use and to benefit from maximum operational efficiency.
The final stage
The pipeline construction started in 2019 and finished in 2021. All users were happy and satisfied with the use of Vlentec’s vacuum lifters. It is expected that in 2022 the first copper production will take place.
Curious to find out how vacuum lifting could elevate your business’ operational efficiency? Get in touch with us to explore your options.
