Flare Tip Replacement - Malampaya, Shell Philippines

Specialized flare tip replacement service

Shell Philippines had scheduled a tight shutdown window and wanted to use this time to replace their flare tip.

Shell Philippines contracted Conbit for a flare tip replacement project on their Malampaya offshore facility in the West Philippine Sea. The flare tip (weighing 4160 kg) was replaced during the 2017 shutdown.

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Watch how we prepare and execute

Preparation and testing

Replacement of flare is such a critical activity during a shutdown. The Conbit team is always well-prepared, and the handling systems are thoroughly tested in advance.

The handling system was tested during a load test performed at Conbit’s yard in Eindhoven. In addition, they also performed the same test on the location to ensure that everything could be handled in a good manner.

Safe and reliable

Conbit’s mechanical flare tip replacement method has several advantages over the helicopter lifting method. The risks are better controlled because the method consists of a series of small, easily manageable steps.

All those steps are performed by well-educated, experienced rope access technicians.

Furthermore, bringing in mechanical handling tools is relatively easy, and the team required is smaller compared with helicopter lifting. In short, Conbit’s mechanical flare tip replacement method is safer, more reliable, and less costly.

Performance

The client’s management was delighted with Conbit’s execution of the project. The highly critical activity was completed safely and efficiently and was delivered on time and within budget.

The client complimented the technical expertise of the Conbit team, including their excellent safety measures, good safety observations during the project, thorough lifting equipment preparation at the Conbit warehouse, and the load test execution.

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