For years, we'd been performing routine maintenance for a major pulp and paper manufacturer in Ottawa when their Engineering Manager called with a question. The dryer section of a paper machine needed to be extended significantly. He knew it was a big job. Could it be done during the Christmas shut down?
Before answering, we reviewed their engineering drawings with both our Millwright Foreman and engineering staff. Then we devised a solution to install seven new rollers using the client's existing equipment.
After consulting the client's Engineering Manager, our Millwright Foreman made a site visit to assess existing conditions. On the basis of that visit, he coordinated subcontractors for concrete removal, crane operations, electrical work, laser alignment, steam fitters, scrap buckets, and transport between our facility in Trenton and the client site. He organized a crew of twenty experienced millwrights to handle this complex installation, working around the clock between Christmas and New Year's. Shop time for machining and fabrication work was also scheduled at our facility in Trenton to meet project demands.
A detailed proposal factoring in material requirements and labour costs was accepted. Our client knew the on site millwrighting team was supported at our facility by 100 skilled machinists, fabricators and engineering staff.
Immediately, we held a production review meeting with the Plant Manager, Estimating Manager and Millwright Foreman. The Foreman was placed in charge of the job, from quoting through to completion. Next we identified and got started on pre-installation work, including manufacturing structural support, slide frames and special rigging for lifting.
On the day after Christmas, our crew removed the existing rollers, which were then treated and placed in special outdoor storage cases we had brought to prevent them from rusting. A new concrete base was poured and structural steel frame installed. We worked with a laser company to ensure the sole plates and rollers were level before doweling.
The final assembly was achieved using special lifting equipment TRENTFAB manufactured for this job. As usual, our crew stayed on site during tests and start ups conducted by the client to be sure the extended dryer section was working perfectly.
Installation and clean up were completed during the scheduled shut down. The plant reopened on schedule after New Year's to business-as-usual.
