Decommissioning Transformers for BC Hydro
Introduction:
BC Hydro is a crown corporation with more than four million customers across British Columbia. Its mandate is to generate, purchase, distribute and sell electricity. About 95% of the province’s electricity is produced by BC Hydro’s 32 hydroelectric generating stations.
Recently, BC Hydro was decommissioning transformers at two of their substations. They sent out a request for quotes to numerous contractors that were a part of their pre-qualified contractor program. Apex submitted a successful bid, based on pricing, schedule, and removal plan.
The Challenge:
The project was filled with challenges. First, time was critical as BC Hydro allowed only for a two-month window in their schedule for the entire removal procedure to be completed. Second, the transformers weighed between 65 and 85 tonnes, which required extensive planning, unique equipment, and specialized skills. Third, the bid came with a detailed list of terms and conditions that required careful attention. Fourth, as with all projects of this size and magnitude, safety was of the utmost concern.
The project demanded the highest standards of protection and care for workers, equipment, and the environment.
The Solution:
BC Hydro trusted Apex with this highly specialized procedure. In order to complete the tasks with precision, speed, and safety, Apex dispatched two professionally qualified crews to work at the two locations simultaneously. Each crew was equipped with the same specialized tools and equipment, which were engineered and manufactured specifically for this project. They were also briefed on the same detailed plan, so the two crews could accomplish the same task in parallel.
Two specialized trailers were made available, as well as multiple pieces of backup equipment, in order to ensure that the crews were adequately prepared and supported. In addition to the latest Jack and Roll systems, the teams utilized 12-axle dual-lane trailers and 200-ton lowbed trailers. All in all, the two transformers were removed safely from their location and transported to various recyclers.
The Outcome:
We saved time for BC Hydro. Not only did we deliver a safe solution according to their strict terms and conditions, but we exceeded expectations in terms of scheduling. Because we were able to perform the decommissioning in half of the time projected, we significantly minimized the downtime for BC Hydro’s network and allowed a much quicker return to uptime for their customers.
If the project had been handled traditionally, one location at a time, the job would have taken twice as long. We were able deliver exceptional efficiency by engaging the challenge creatively and utilizing our capacity to dispatch a twin-team approach with multiple certified operators and multiple pieces of specialized equipment. As a result, we earned another satisfied client.
Apex and NorLand:
Apex Specialized Rigging & Moving is part of the newly formed NorLand Industrial Services (NIS) Group, which is delivering integrated solutions for a wide range of complex industrial projects. As a group of companies, we are well equipped with an exclusive combination of services that include demolition, engineering, specialized rigging and moving, installation, maintenance, and construction management. As our reputation for safety and service continues to grow, more and more industrial clients like BC Hydro are trusting the NIS Group to provide complete solutions to their biggest challenges.
NorLand Industrial Services Group is a part of NorLand Limited.
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